How to Make Horehound Tea
Horehound is a culinary and medicinal herb traditionally used to treat coughs, sore throat, bronchitis and indigestion. The active ingredient, marrubiin, is thought to cause the expectorant actions of the herb. Marrubiin is also responsible for the bitter, menthol-like taste of the leaves. Horehound is typically consumed in the form of tea or candy, which is sweetened to counteract the bitter taste. This recipe yields one 8-ounce serving of horehound tea.
Things You'll Need
- Tea kettle or saucepan
- 1 tsp. dried horehound leaves
- Heat-proof container
- Small saucer
- Fine-mesh tea strainer
- Honey
- Lemon juice
Instructions
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1
Bring 1 cup of water to a boil in a tea kettle or small saucepan. Place the horehound leaves into a clean, heat-proof container such as a coffee mug and set aside.
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2
Pour the boiling water over the horehound leaves. Cover the container with a small saucer and allow the mixture to stand for 10 to 15 minutes.
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3
Remove the saucer and strain the horehound tea into another clean, heat-proof mug or container by pouring the mixture through a fine-mesh tea strainer. Discard the spent herbs.
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4
Sweeten the horehound tea with honey to counter the bitter taste of the herb. Add about 1 tsp. honey per cup to begin, and then adjust to suit your taste.
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5
Add a splash of lemon juice to the tea to further enhance the flavor, if desired. Drink immediately while still warm, consuming in small sips. Do not exceed more than one cup per day.
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Tips & Warnings
A stick of licorice added to horehound tea will also improve the flavor.
Women who are pregnant or nursing should not consume horehound. Horehound increases stomach acid and should not be consumed if stomach ulcers, gastritis or other stomach conditions are present.
