Horehound
Meaning, Healing, and Magical Uses

Harry Rose from South West Rocks, Australia, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Harry Rose from South West Rocks, Australia, CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Welcome to the Masters’ Grimoire of Magical Herbs page for Horehound. Here you will learn everything you've ever wanted to know about this herb including Horehound's magical uses, Horehound physical healing, and emotional healing properties, plus its use in meditation, Horehound lore and legends, and much more!

Introduction to Horehound

Matt Lavin from Bozeman, Montana, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Matt Lavin from Bozeman, Montana, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Horehound, commonly known as “white horehound” is a native of Europe and is a member of the mint family.  It has some interesting historical names, including bulls’ blood, Eye of the Star,  one of my favorites, Seed of Horus (an Egyptian god), and Houndsbane.  In the magic of older times, “seed of horus” was code for using Horehound.  In the next section we explore that in detail.  

There is nothing in the history of the plant or its name that relates to “hounds.”  Rather that part of the name is from the Old English word “hune” meaning simply plant.  The name come from Old English words for Downy Plant.  Pretty innocuous. 

This is a well known plant, Marrubium vulgare, that has a very bitter taste and was used as remedy for coughs for thousands of years.  It is still readily available for that purpose in preparation made in Europe. It is not approved for cough medicines made in the US as the FDA found insufficient evidence for its effectiveness.  However, the European medicines and candy are sold widely in the US.

 In addition to being an ancient cough medicine  it has been used in magic for centuries as a  guard against the evil spells of witches.  

The Sacred Number of Horehound is 20

  

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Horehound Magical Uses and Purposes

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The traditional magical uses of Horehound are well known and clear.  It is a protection herb used to guard one’s self, family, and property from the effects of spells cast by evil witches.   In rituals it is burnt to honor Horus in efforts to bring his blessings of power and ritual healing. It is scattered in rituals of exorcism, dispelling evil, driving out evil or evil spirits, or ridding one of bad habits or environments. 

 The honoring of Horus in European and Middle East magic is due to the fact that the Eye of Horus symbol represents protection, health, and restoration because according to myth, Horus lost his left eye in a struggle and the Goddess Hathor magically restored it, such that the Eye of Horus became a symbol of healing magic.  The real uses of Horehound for dealing with coughs, and the related magical uses of Horehound for ritual healing make adding Horehound to your magical cabinet a must.  You may be called upon to create guardian spells or spell bags or jars or guard against or to neutralize evil intents or spells. 

 From consulting the I Ching we can bring the wisdom of the Orient to our understanding of Horehound.   Horehound is associated with the I Ching hexagram 20 Inspecting Progress.  The Oracle tells us “The empowered person observes how the wind touches every point on earth, and follows this example by going out to see the world with his or her own eyes.”  In this wisdom we learn that Horehound has a real magical use for helping you see what really is, and not being swayed by the opinions or experiences of others.  It can help us “see for ourselves” and can be used in magical items to help find truth and reason.  

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Healing with Horehound

Horehound Physical Health Benefits

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Horehound is an ancient remedy for coughing and is still used for that purpose today.  It is also used for digestion problems such as loss of appetite, or gas, or constipation.   It is an ancient remedy  for breathing problems,  asthma, and bronchitis.  It seems to help with swollen breathing passages.  

it has been used to deal with parasitic worms, and for skin ulcers and wounds.  Mostly it is a medicine for specific issues, not a general tonic herb.   The plant has also been used to reduce fevers and treat malaria.

There are even more reported physical health benefits of Horehound.   The leaves when boiled in lard are made into a ointment for skin wounds.  It has been reported that mixing the juice of the leaves with wine and honey can create a beverage to increase eyesight.    The use of a tea made with it has ben used to calm the heart.

Spiritual Healing with Horehound

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The spiritual healing elements of Horehound are all associated with removing curses, dealing with hexes, protecting against spells, and protection against evil spells and the evil eye.  This is a potent defense herb to be used in guarding one’s spirit to let it live in peace.  

Emotional Healing with Horehound

Crystals for Adventure

Emotionally, Horehound is primarily a herb for gaining understanding of the real world in a real way.  It is a herb of the present, the real, the touchable, the physical world in which we live.  It is a herb that tells us to go out and see the world, see the sights, experience the world, the weather, the people and the events of our lifetime.  It is a “doer” herb that will get you up off the couch and out the door where you spirit can explore and soar.

Horehound Psychic Attack Ritual

If you think someone is sending evil thoughts your way, try this quick Dispelling Ritual.

  • Ingredients

  • an image of Horus or a photo of a falcon (it's okay if it is on your phone)
  • One or Two Rhodonite stones - for dispelling negativity
  • 6 Horehound leaves or pieces of Horehound candy
  • 1 black candle - or any candle you paint black

 

  • Directions

1. Place the photo or image of Horus or a falcon on a table.

2. Place the horehound leaves or candy around the image in a circle.

3. Place the Rhodonite stones on top of the image. Put your candle to one side nearby.

4. Light the black candle. Visualize all negativity being spun around the falcon picture and then over to the flame of the candle to disappear in the smoke.

5. After watching a few minutes you will notice the evil seems lifted. Repeat as often as you feel threatened or attacked.

Horehound for Chakra Healing

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Horehound is used to clear blockages from and balance the Crown Chakra.

The crown chakra is our gateway to the expanded universe beyond our bodies. It controls how we think, and how we respond to the world around us. It is the fountainhead of our beliefs. It is the source of our spirituality. It connects us to the higher planes of existence. It extends our energy beyond our body. It is the source of higher sources of information and universal energy and truth.

It is the source of our coordination – the relationship of movement between the parts of our bodies and the relationship of our movement through life.

 

 

When it in balance we are in balance. We are coordinated. We fit together. Our energies are in balance. We know our place in the universe. We are flexible, and we understand the ebb and flow of life. We see things as they are, and are unruffled by setbacks, knowing they are an essential part of life. We do not cling to outdated ideas or attitudes, but rather keep ourselves within the flow of life.

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Color Energy of Horehound

Kurt Stüber [1], CC BY-SA 3.0 <http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/>, via Wikimedia Commons
Kurt Stüber [1], CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

The color energy of a plant comes from the flower.  The flowers of Horehound are a beautiful, pure, and delicate white.

White is the color of the feminine gender, manifested as the Goddess in many cultures, and, as such, the color of the world of birth, and regeneration. It is the color of the full moon reflected on a snow-covered field. It is cold, but a sleeping cold that is inconspicuously reflecting great heat. White is the color of freedom and the color of hope.

White is often the color used for the spiritual world; one that is sensed but not seen. It offers illumination, innocence, purity, and unity. This color is one said to bring Moon energy and the ability to release you of burdensome inhibitions.

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Angels Associated with Horehound

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Horehound is associated with three different angels Chassan, Hamaliel, and Manacle.

Chassan is the Master of Tarot Card 0 "The Fool 

Hamaliel is the Master of the 9th Tarot Card "The Hermit". Associated with Virgo. 

Manakel is the  Protector and Ruler of the dates February 15-19; Aquarius 

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Horehound and the Goddess

Hathor

This herb is clearly associated with Horus, the Egyptian God and Hathor the Egyptian Goddess that cured his injury.  

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Horehound Birth Herb

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Horehound is one of the the birth herbs for those born on Apr 24, Sep 14, Nov 5, Nov 21 and Dec 12.

If you were born on one of these dates, you might find that you have a particular attraction to Horehound. You may feel drawn to it. Those with the birth herb of Horehound will likely find it more powerful and intuitive to work with.

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Horehound I Ching Hexagram

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Horehound is associated with the I Ching Hexagram 20 Inspecting Progress.  It brings us the wisdom to take the time to go out and actually see what is going on and trust our own eyes.  We should compare what we see to what is expected and we should ask questions and see things for ourselves.

 

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Horehound Astrological Sign

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The zodiac sign associated with Horehound is Gemini.  In Moon Astrology Horehound is associated with the 25th Mansion of the Moon, the Mansion of Breath.

When the Moon is transiting the 25th Mansion be thankful for the breath of life you take. And share that breath of life with other. Pay your debt forward by making the lives of others possible. Contribute to worthy causes that fund such efforts or volunteer to support the men and women that daily risk their lives and breath so others can enjoy their time on this Earth. 

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Uses of Horehound in Feng Shui

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Horehound brings Metal Energy to Feng Shui practices.

Metal energy is the energy of intelligence, contraction, healing, and creativity. It is the energy of togetherness and crystallization – of ideas, concepts, and groups. It is hard, sharp, and often destructive, yet an essential element in all lives. We have to be sharp, unyielding, and hard at times to find our way without being a victim of others. The metal element brings the power of concentration and determination to our lives and our dwellings.

Metal energy is traditionally associated with the northwest and west areas of a home or room. It is associated with the Helpful People and Blessings, and Travel area of your life and dwelling, and with the Creativity and Children area.

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Uses of Horehound in Talismans and Amulets

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Horehound can be used to make talismans and amulets for a variety of needs including Appreciation, Chakra Balance, Channeling, Charity, Consciousness, Divine Love, Fairness, Gallantry, Gratefulness, Gratitude, Justice, Kundalini Energy, Mildness, Modesty, Politeness, Deal with Pomposity, Spiritual Wealth, Thankfulness, Understanding Heart, Values, Sympathy, and Kindness.

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Using Horehound in Divination

Dreaming of Horehound is a sign of getting over an issue and “breathing freely” for a change. 

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Meditation with Horehound

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When your meditation is accompanied with a cup of horehound tea (and lots of honey) the horehound will promote mental acumen and clarity.

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Lore and Legends of Horehound

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Horehound is an ancient herb with deep attachments to the Egyptians. Seemingly named for Horus, the Egyptians God, it has long been a herb used to protect against the evil spells of witches.  

The flowers have been used to wish someone good health. 

It has been called a “herb of Mercury” and also used to cure dog bites (which might account for the name, but that is a stretch.

Mostly this is a herb that historically was used for breathing and coughing issues, and in the magical realm, primarily one to ward of curses and evil spells.  

Hank

Hank Mason

Hank Mason is the founder and chief author of Crystal Vaults. He is a retired USAF rescue helicopter pilot and a GIA Graduate Gemologist. Hank is also the author of The Seven Secrets of Crystal Talismans and Crystal Grids, How to Combine and Focus Crystal Energies to Enhance Your Life.

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