What Is Horehound Candy?
Once upon a time, candy was the way to treat sore throats and upset stomachs. Peppermint sticks and cough drops delivered a quick and easy dose for those who were feeling under the weather. Horehound candy is part of this primarily European tradition.
Horehound is a member of the mint family and was used to soothe sore throats, stimulate appetite, and as a relief for gas. While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has found horehound to be mostly ineffective, other countries have found horehound effective as an anti-inflammatory and for relief for bronchial complaints. Testing is being done in the U.S., France, and Germany to uncover all the possible purposes horehound may be hiding. Some studies are promising in showing that horehound may have medicinal properties.
Until the mysteries of horehound are uncovered it is recommended that pregnant woman, lactating women, and children under two refrain from self-medicating with horehound. Horehound can prevent the absorption of iron and other minerals. Horehound candy is generally thought to be well tolerated in small doses, although hard candy is never recommended for small children.
You'll find horehound candy at old fashioned candy shops, living history museums, online, and specialty shops. They're a hard candy, usually sugar coated, and have a distinctly bittersweet taste to them. You can even make horehound candy at home with horehound extract.
Horehound is native to Europe, but is easily found in most parts of the world, if you choose to grow your own horehound. White horehound is differentiated from black horehound by its white flowers. Black horehound has purple flowers and a distinctive odor. If you decide to grow your own horehound, you'll want to purchase white horehound. Black horehound is related to white horehound, has a distinct odor, and has similar medicinal qualities but its odor may be off-putting in horehound candy.
If you choose to hunt down some wildly grown horehound, remember to never pick foliage grown near busy roads. You may be tempted since horehound will grow wild near roads and waste places. Exhaust fumes and other pollutants are an unhealthy addition to any wild herb. It's always advisable to bring a guide book to be sure you get the right herb, when an expert isn't available.
Written by Kris Roudebush
