Black Horehound Herbs Information

Also known as Stinking Horehound, Dunny Nettle, Stinking Roger and Hairy Hound. From the family Labiatae.

Black horehound comes from a genus of about 25 species mostly native to the Mediterranean region. Some species have a disagreeable smell and only a few are worth growing in the garden. Black horehound is found on roadsides, hedge banks and in waste places throughout most of Europe, Australia and America.

Ballota nigra, the black horehound, was originally called 'ballote' by the ancient Greeks. It has been suggested that this comes from the Greek word 'ballo' which means 'to reject', 'cast', or 'throw', because cows and other farm animals with their natural instincts reject it. The origin of the common name is more obscure; it could come from the Anglo-Saxon word 'har' which means 'hoar' or 'hairy'.

Species

Ballota nigra

Black Horehound

Hardy perennial. Ht 40- 100cm (16-40in), spread 30cm (12in). Purple-pink attractive flowers in summer. The leaves are green and medium sized, rather like the stinging nettle. All parts of the plant are hairy and have a strong, disagreeable smell and taste.

Ballota pseudodictamnus

Half-hardy perennial. Ht 60cm (24in), spread 30crn (12in). White flowers with numerous purple spots in summer. Leaves white and woolly. This plant originated from Crete. The dried calyces look like tiny furry spinning tops; they were used as floating wicks in primitive oil lamps.

Cultivation

Propagation

Seed

Sow the seeds direct into the prepared garden in late summer, thinning to 40cm (16in) apart.

Division

Divide roots in mid-spring.

Pests and Diseases

Rarely suffers from any pests or diseases.

Maintenance

Spring: Dig up established plants and divide; replant where required.

Summer: When the plant has finished flowering, rut off the dead heads before the seeds ripen, so preventing it seeding itself in the garden.

Autumn: Sow seed.

Garden Cultivation

Black horehound will grow in any soil conditions, though it prefers water retentive soil -in fact I have seen it growing in hedgerows throughout England. In the garden, place it in a border The bees love it and the flowers are attractive. Make sure it is far enough back so that you do not brush it by mistake because it does stink.

Harvest

As this is a herbalist's herb, the leaves should be collected before flowering and dried with care.

Container growing

Not recommended, as it is such an unpleasantly smelling plant.

Medicinal

Black horehound was used apparently in the treatment of bites from mad dogs. A dressing was prepared from the leaves and laid on the infected part. This was said to have an anti-spasmodic effect. This is not a herb to be sell administered. Professionals use it as a sedative, anti-emetic and to counteract vomiting during pregnancy.