Black Horehound

Ballota nigra

Black Horehound is also known as Ballota and Stinking Horehound.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION AND INFORMATION:

This plant is a perennial herb that has hairy, strong smelling foliage and clusters of pinkish-purple flowers. Even though the herb is in the mint family, it has disagreeable odor.

The plant is found growing wild throughout Europe and is cultivated in Britain.

TARGET AILMENTS:

Take internally for:

* nausea and vomiting

* nervous stomach

* motion sickness

* insomnia

* mild nervous conditions

* regulating the menstrual cycle

Use externally for:

* insect bites

* razor burns

* scrapes

* sunburn

PREPARATION AND DOSAGE:

Over the counter:

Tincture: Take 1 to 2 ml of the tincture three times a day or follow recommendations of dosage on container.

Infusion: Pour one cup of boiling water onto 1to 2 teaspoonfuls of the dried herbs and leaves to infuse for 10 to 15 minutes. Drink this three times a day.

Parts used: Dried aerial parts

Collection: The herb should be picked just as it begins to bloom in mid-summer.

Constituents: Flavonoids, phenylpropanoids

Actions: Anti-spasmodic, anti-emetic, astringent, expectorant, antioxidant, nervine, emmenagogue

Combinations: can be combined with Meadowsweet and Chamomile for relief of nausea and vomiting.

SAFETY AND SIDE EFFECT:

* This herb should not be used by pregnant women, by those who think they could be pregnant, or by those who are trying to get pregnant.

* It should not be used by anyone who has any type of mental illness.

* There have been no reported side effects from using either the oral or topical product.