Horehound, scientifically known as Marrubium vulgare, is a bitter perennial herb that belongs to the mint family. It is native to Europe, North Africa, and Central Asia. Another common name for horehound is white horehound, which can sometimes cause confusion about the difference between the two.
In reality, horehound and white horehound refer to the same plant species, Marrubium vulgare. The name “white horehound” is often used to emphasize the color of the plant’s flowers, which are typically white. However, it is important to note that horehound plants can also produce pink or pale purple flowers in some instances.
The term “horehound” itself is derived from the Old English words “hār” and “hūne,” meaning “hoary” and “honey plant” respectively. This name alludes to the plant’s appearance, with its gray-green leaves covered in fine, downy hairs, and its historical use as a flavoring in honey-based confections.
Despite the fact that horehound and white horehound are essentially interchangeable terms, it is worth mentioning that there are other plant species within the Marrubium genus that are sometimes referred to as horehound as well. These species include black horehound (Ballota nigra) and water horehound (Lycopus europaeus).
To summarize, horehound and white horehound are different names for the same plant species, Marrubium vulgare. The term “white horehound” specifically highlights the color of the plant’s flowers, while “horehound” is a more general term that can be used for other related plant species as well.
