Black Horehound (Ballota nigra)

What is Black Horehound?

Black horehound is best known for its offensive odour — which resembles stale sweat.

Despite the unfortunate smell of this mint-relative, it has a lot to offer therapeutically.

Black horehound is one of the oldest medicinal herb species from Europe. It has a long history of use for infectious diseases including rabies and parasites, as well as for nausea and vomiting caused by neurological disorders.

This herb is a bit of a jack of all trades — but master of none. It offer reliable nervine, antispasmodic, antimicrobial, and anticholesterolaemic effects — all thanks to five unique phenylpropanoid glycosides contained in the leaves, stems, and roots of the herb.

What is Black Horehound Used For?

Many of the tradition uses of the herb have yet to be validated. The primary traditional uses for the herb that still stand today are for treating motion sickness or other causes of nausea or vomiting of neurological origin.

This herb is also still used as an antimicrobial for the digestive tract and topically on the skin.

Newer applications for the herb are aimed towards high cholesterol levels and diabetes.

Traditional Uses of Black Horehound

Black horehound was used for a lot of different applications. It was also a common remedy for motion sickness or any vomiting caused by neurological origins (rather than digestive).

Topically, the leaves were used to treat wounds, burns, and infection. Some herbalists even gave the herb as an enema for parasitic worms.

In Europe, where the herb originated from, the flowering tops were used to treat rabies after getting bitten by a rabid dog.

Herb Details: Black Horehound

Herbal Actions:

• Antibacterial
• Anticholesterolaemic
• Antiemetic
• Antifungal
• Antioxidant
• Antiprotozoal
• Antispasmodic
• Expectorant
• Hypoglycaemic
• Nervine
• Sedative

Weekly Dose

• (1:2 Liquid Extract)
  10 20 mL
• View Dosage Chart

Part Used

Flowering Tops

Family Name

Lamiaceae

Distribution

Europe & North America

Constituents of Interest

• Verbascoside
• Forsythoside B
• Arenarioside
• Ballotetroside
• Malic Acid

Common Names

• Black Horehound
• Black Stinking Horehound
• Fetid Horehound
• Stinking Roger

CYP450

• Unknown

Pregnancy

• Avoid black horehound if pregnant or breastfeeding

Duration of Use

• insert

Botanical Information

Black horehound originated from Europe but is now widespread across North America as well. The herb can grow over 1 meter tall and tends to grow on the side of the road in rural areas.

What this plant is best known for is its disagreeable odor — which can be described as stale sweat. The Greek name, ballo translates to “getting rid of”, or “throwing away”. This smell protects the herb by repelling both animals and humans.

Pharmacology & Medical Research

+ Anticholesterolaemic

One of the major causes of atherosclerosis is the result of oxidization of low-density lipoproteins LDL) [1].

Some of the phenolic compounds in black horehound (verbascoside, forsythoside B, arenarioside, and ballotetroside) were found to inhibit LDL oxidation through Cu2+ pathway [2].

+ Antimicrobial

Five phenolic compounds from black horehound were investigated to explore their antimicrobial potential. Of these five, three (verbascoside, forsythoside B, arenarioside) were found to have moderate activity against Proteus mirabilis, Salmonella typhi, and Staphylococcus aureus [3, 4].

Another study looked at the antimicrobial effects of each part of the plant (leaves, roots, and stems). The results suggested the crude extract of the roots had the best inhibitory activity on the strains tested (Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Klensiella pneumonia, Proteus miribalis, Salmonella typhi, and Staphylococcus aureus, Aspergillus fumigates, Aspergillus niger, Fusarium solani, and Leishmania) [5]. The leaf and stem chloroform extracts had similar antimicrobial action.

+ Sedative

Phenylpropanoid compounds from black horehound were found to bind to benzodiazepine, dopaminergic, and morphinic receptors in animals [6, 4]. This provides a mechanism of action for the traditional sedative uses of the herb — but more research is needed to further elucidate these findings.

Phytochemistry

The flowering tops (the part used medicinally) are rich in diterpenoid lactones (labdane type) — such as ballotenol, ballotinone, 7alpha-acetoxymarrubiin, hispanolone, and preleosibirin.

The tops are also rich in phenolic compounds (luteolin-7-lactate, luteolin-7-glucosyl-lactate), phenylpropanoid glycosides (verbascoside, forsythoside B, arenarioside, ballotetroside), organic acids (quinic acid), and volatile oils.

Cautions & Safety Information:

Black horehound is considered a safe herb, with little chances of experiencing any side effects.

Allergies to the herb have been noted, so caution is advised if using the herb for the first time. Always start with a small amount first to see how you react before using a full dose.

Black horehound may interact with the following medication classes:

• Antipsychotic medications (overlap in receptor activation)

• Anti-Parkinson’s disease medications (overlap in dopaminergic action)

• Sedatives (overlap in sedative effects and benzodiazepine receptor activation)

• Iron supplements (black horehound has been suggested to prevent the absorption of iron)

Author:

Justin Cooke, BHSc

The Sunlight Experiment

(Updated March 2020)

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Featured Herb Monographs

References:

[1] — Steinberg, D. (1997). Low density lipoprotein oxidation and its pathobiological significance.

[2] — Seidel, V., Verholle, M., Malard, Y., Tillequin, F., Fruchart, J. C., Duriez, P., ... & Teissier, E. (2000). Phenylpropanoids from Ballota nigra L. inhibit in vitro LDL peroxidation.

[3] — Didry, N., Seidel, V., Dubreuil, L., Tillequin, F., & Bailleul, F. (1999). Isolation and antibacterial activity of phenylpropanoid derivatives from Ballota nigra.

[4] — Al-Snafi, A. E. (2015). The Pharmacological Importance of Ballota nigra–A review.

[5] — Ullah, N., Ahmad, I., & Ayaz, S. (2014). In vitro antimicrobial and antiprotozoal activities, phytochemical screening and heavy metals toxicity of different parts of Ballota nigra.

[6] — Daels-Rakotoarison, D. A., Seidel, V., Gressier, B., Brunet, C., Tillequin, F., Bailleul, F., ... & Cazin, J. C. (2000). Neurosedative and antioxidant activities of phenylpropanoids from Ballota nigra.

Mullein (Verbascum thapsus)

Mullein

Mullein is considered a staple in herbal medicine. It wasn't native to North America and was brought over by European settlers. Despite the new introduction of the herb, it was quickly adopted into use by the local native Americans and is even referred to commonly as Indian Tobacco.

Mullein is a very safe herb and offers benefits to a number of different systems in the body.

Out of all systems, mullein is most commonly used for respiratory and digestive system conditions. It's popular as an anti-catarrhal and for both soothing dry coughs, and eliminating catarrh with productive coughs. Although the entire plant can be used for either one, the leaves are generally preferred for dry coughs and the roots for productive coughs.

Mullein is as useful topically as it is internally for inflammation, muscle spasms, and infection.

What Is Mullein Used For?

Mullein is mainly used for treating respiratory infections and persistent coughs. Somewhat ironically, it's often smoked for its soothing effect on the lungs. It tends to increase moisture in the lungs, especially the leaves, making it especially useful for unproductive, dry coughs.

It's also used for gastrointestinal inflammation, parasitic infection, and muscle aches. It tends to have a humidifying effect throughout the body, providing a soothing effect, especially with dryness.

One of the most well-known uses for the herb is in the form of an infused oil for ear infections.

Herb Details: Mullein

Main Herbal Actions:

• Anthelmintic
• Anti-catarrhal
• Antispasmodic
• Astringent
• Expectorant
• Lymphatic
• Antibacterial

Weekly Dose

• (1:2 Liquid Extract)
  20-60 mL
• View Dosage Chart

Part Used

• Leaf, root, and flower

Family Name

• Scrophulariaceae

Distribution

• Originates from Europe around the Mediterranean, but has spread all around Europe & North America

Constituents of Interest

• Iridoid glycosides

Common Names

• Mullein
• Lady's Flannel
• Gordolobo
• Punchón
• Candelaria

Quality

• Root: Neutral, drying
  Leaf: Cool, moistening
  Flower: Cool

Pregnancy

• Unknown

Taste

• Salty

Duration of Use

• Long term use is acceptable.

Botanical Information

Mullein belongs to the figwort family (Scrophulariaceae) — a family consisting or roughly 65 different genera and 1800 species.

The Verbascum genus itself contains around 250 different species.

Verbascum is a popular garden plant for its ability to thrive in dry, nutrient-poor soils, and for their incredibly long flower duration.

The herb is biennial — the first season growing in a rosette leaf pattern, the second with a large velvety flower spike. Some mullein plants can grow up to three meters tall.

Clinical Applications Of Mullein:

Although there are many ways to use mullein, it excels with treating respiratory tract conditions. The leaves are excellent for treating dry coughs, while the root is much better for productive wet coughs.

Mullein is useful as a topical treatment for skin irritations, and as an oil for ear infections, especially the more drying flower of the plant.

Mullein also makes for an excellent lymphatic, both internally and externally.

Cautions:

Caution advised when working with the fresh leaf of this plant, as it can cause contact dermatitis in some individuals.

Author:

Justin Cooke, BHSc

The Sunlight Experiment

(Updated November 2018)

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Magnolia (Magnolia officinalis)

What is Magnolia?

Magnolia is one of the oldest flowering plants in existence, dating back as far as 95 million years ago. The first angiosperm is thought to have originated 130 million years ago. this is long before bees first appeared. To no surprise then, magnolia have evolved to be pollinated by beetles instead, which have been around for much longer.

Magnolia is a common herb in traditional Chinese medicine for treating Qi stagnation and removing obstructions.

It remains popular for reducing sinus infection and congestion, sinus headaches, asthma, coughs, and catarrh as well as anxiety and heightened cortisol levels.

+ Indications

• Abdominal pain
• Alzheimer's Disease
• Amoebic dysentery
• Anxiety
• Asthma
• Bloating
• Catarrh
• Coughs
• Diarrhea
• Gas
• Gastroenteritis
• Menstrual cramps
• Nausea/vomiting
• Poor appetite
• Poor digestion
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Rhinitis
• Sinus infection
• Stress
• Typhoid
• Ulcers
  

+ Contraindications

Avoid use during convalescence.

How Is Magnolia Used?

Magnolia is used for its anxiolytic and digestive effects.It's often combined with Phellodendron for treating both acute and chronic stress.

Magnolia is also commonly used for upper respiratory tract infection, sinus congestion, and catarrh.

Herb Details: Magnolia

Herbal Actions:

• Antioxidant
• Antiallergic
• Antiasthmatic
• Anxiolytic
• Antibacterial
• Antifungal
• Antispasmodic
• Aphrodisiac
• Emmenagogue
• Expectorant

Weekly Dose

• (1:2 Liquid Extract)
  15-100 mL
• View Dosage Chart

Part Used

• Bark

Family Name

• Magnoliaceae

Distribution

• Eastern Asia, North America, Central America

Constituents of Interest

• Honokiol
• Magnolol

Common Names

• Magnolia
• Ch'Uan Pu (China)
• Chinese Magnolia
• Choon Pok
• Hou Pu

Quality

• Warm

Pregnancy

• Unknown

Taste

• Bitter

Duration of Use

• Long term use acceptable, but should be monitored by a professional.

Botanical Information

Magnolia officinalis is a medium sized tree, ranging from 5 to 15 m in height. It's deciduous, with purple brown bark.

Magnolia is a member of the Magnoliaceae family of plants. There are 2 subfamilies in this family, including Magnollioideae and Liriodendroideae. The latter of which only includes Liriodendron (Tulip trees). In The Magnoliaceae family there are approximately 219 species, distributed into 17 genera. The vast majority are included in the Magnolia genus, which has about 210 different species.

One interesting note is that it appears magnolia appeared before bees did. The flowers are instead evolved to be pollinated by beetles, due to the extremely tough carpels on the flower. There have also been fossils discovered with plants contained in the Magnoliaceae family as far back as 95 million years ago, making Magnolia one of the oldest remaining angiosperms.

Clinical Applications Of Magnolia:

Magnolia increases the activity of GABA receptors, as well as the muscarinic receptors. This is why Magnolia is useful for both its sedative effect, as well as some mild stimulating effects. While most anxiolytic herbs have a particular effect on the parasympathetic nervous system (through GABAergic effects), Magnolia also increases the activity of the sympathetic nervous system through the muscarinic acetylcholine receptors in a similar way to GABA.

Magnolia is especially useful for eliminating nasal congestion, sinus infections, coughs, and catarrh. It's used to improve indigestion and dysentery, though it is not commonly used for bacterial or fungal infections alone.

Magnolia is also used for reducing symptoms of stress and anxiety. It can reduce cortisol levels in stressed individuals, especially in combination with Phellodendron. Its primary actions for this involves GABAergic activities, and have been shown to lower salivary cortisol levels in stressed individuals.

Magnolia should be avoided in those who are chronically fatigued, or who are suffering from convalescence. Traditional Chinese medicine suggests that magnolia should be avoided with any condition involving yin deficiency.

Author:

Justin Cooke, BHSc

The Sunlight Experiment

(Updated November 2018)

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Chickweed (Stellaria medica)

What is Chickweed?

Chickweed is a small herbaceous plant found growing throughout North America and Europe. It has naturalized on nearly every continent and thrives in colder climates.

Although there is not much modern research involving chickweed, it has a rich history in traditional medicine.

Chickweed was used internally for lung infections and irritations, and topically for skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.

The herb was mainly used as a succas, or consumed whole in fresh form.

How Is Chickweed Used?

Chickweed is used internally for lung conditions, including asthma, chronic bronchitis, or asthma. Topically, it's made into creams and salves for skin irritations. This can include psoriasis, eczema, skin ulcers, or rashes. It's also consumed as a food in many Northern climates where it grows naturally.

Herb Details: Chickweed

Herbal Actions:

• Demulcent
• Refrigerant
• Emollient
• Antibacterial
• Antitussive
• Expectorant

Weekly Dose

• (1:2 Liquid Extract)
  20-40 mL
• View Dosage Chart

Part Used

• Aerial Parts

Family Name

• Caryophyllaceae

Distribution

• Found on every continent on earth except Antarctica

Constituents of Interest

• Carotenoids
• Linalool
• Caryophyllene
• Borneol

Common Names

• Chickweed
• Starweed
• Alsine Media
• Passerina
• Mouse Ear Star
• Satinflower
• Starwort
• Stellaria
• Winterweed

CYP450

• Unknown

Quality

• Cold

Pregnancy

• No adverse effects expected.

Taste

• Unknown

Duration of Use

• May be used long term.

Botanical Information

Chickweed is known for its creeping nature, and ability to grow in very cold weather. It's even been found growing underneath the snow in mountainous regions of North America.

Chickweed is a member of the Caryophyllaceae family, which contains as many as 2625 species distributed into 81 genera.

The Stellaria genera itself contains between 90 and 120 different species.

Clinical Applications Of Chickweed

There is little research on chickweed — however, it was shown to have high levels of carotenoids and a handful of antibacterial compounds like caryophyllene, menthol, and linalool.

Chickweed also contains saponins — which are thought to have a soothing effect on the skin. This is likely the mechanisms behind chickweeds popularity as an ointment for skin inflammation and infection.

For this application, chickweed is generally used as a fresh succas or made into salves, oils, and creams.

The traditional use for lung conditions is thought to be due to the saponin content, which is well known to have mucus membrane irritant effects, promoting the excretion of mucus.

+ Contraindications

• Skin irritation and allergies may occur from topical application.
  

Author:

Justin Cooke, BHSc

The Sunlight Experiment

(Updated November 2018)

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Horse Chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum)

What is Horse Chestnut?

Horse chestnut is a large tree with a long history of use for treating vascular conditions like varicose veins and other forms of poor vascular tone.

Its common name originated from a belief that horse chestnut seeds were able to relieve panting horses.

What is Horse Chestnut Used For?

Horse chestnut is mainly used for its astringent and anti-inflammatory activity specific to the vascular system. It's also used for fluid accumulation, chest pain, rheumatism, neuralgia, hemorrhoids, and sinus congestion.

Herb Details: Horse Chestnut

Herbal Actions:

• Astringent
• Antinflammatory
• Decongestant
• Antioxidant
• Antirheumatic
• Analgesic
• Expectorant
• Vasoprotective

Weekly Dose

• (1:2 Liquid Extract)
  15–35 mL
• View Dosage Chart

Part Used

• Seeds

Family Name

• Sapindaceae

Distribution

• Europe & North America

Constituents of Interest

• Aescin

Common Names

• Horsechestnut
• Conker Tree
• Atkestanesi
• Buckeye
• Eschilo

Duration of Use

• Long term use of horse chestnut is acceptable.

Botanical Information

The Sapindaceae family of plants contains 138 genera, and 1858 different species. The Aesculus genus contains 13-19 different species. Other famous members of the Sapindacea family include maple (Acer spp.), lychee (Litchi chinensis), longan (Dimocarpus longan), Guarana (Paulinia cupana) Ackee (Blighia sapida).

Clinical Applications Of Horse Chestnut:

Horse chestnut is a reliable vascular tonic, suitable for most forms of vascular insufficiency or fluid retention. Varicose veins, spider veins, burst blood vessels, and peripheral vascular and arterial insufficiency are all indicated for use wth horse chestnut internally.

Cautions:

The esculin may be toxic in higher doses. Many horse chestnut extracts will remove this component to improve safety.

Do not use horse chestnut in combination with pregnancy or breastfeeding.

+ Contraindications

• Pregnancy
• Breast feeding
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Anticoagulant medication use
  

Author:

Justin Cooke, BHSc

The Sunlight Experiment

(Updated May 2019)

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