Growing Herbs

This is a perennial relative of mint with much-branched stems that grow about 60cm high. Its aromatic, wrinkled, gray-green leaves are covered with downy white hair; flowers also are white. As a garden ornamental it sometimes looks rather weedy, but it can serve as an edging in a gray garden.

Horehound is an age-old medication for coughs and sore throats. The ancient Greeks and Romans used it as an antidote for poisoning, to cure insect and snake bites, and to keep scorpions and spiders away from their homes. It has become naturalized and a weed in parts of California.

It grows easily in poor, sandy, dry soil and full sun; once established, it can be rather aggressive. Sow seeds in flats and transplant the seedlings into the garden 30cm apart.

Horehound is used to make horehound candy, and a tea brewed from the leaves is sometimes taken to relieve a cough or cold.

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