Black Horehound
OTHER NAME(S): Ballota, Ballote Fétide, Ballote Noire, Ballote Puante, Ballote Vulgaire, Black Stinking Horehound, Marrube Fétide, Ballota nigra, Marrubio Negro, Marrube Noir
Overview
Black horehound is a plant. The parts that grow above the ground are used to make medicine.
People use black horehound for conditions such as nausea, vomiting, spasms, cough, infection of the intestines by parasites, and many others, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Don't confuse black horehound with white horehound.
Black horehound has chemicals that might have a variety of functions, such as helping to stop nausea, vomiting, spasms, and other effects.
Black horehound has chemicals that might have a variety of functions, such as helping to stop nausea, vomiting, spasms, and other effects.
Uses
Insufficient Evidence for
- Nausea.
- Vomiting.
- Nervous disorders.
- Cough.
- Spasms.
- Gout.
- Infection of the intestines by parasites.
- Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of black horehound for these uses.
Side Effects
When taken by mouth: Black horehound is POSSIBLY SAFE for most people, but there isn't enough reliable information to know what the side effects might be.
When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if black horehound is safe or what the side effects might be.
When given as an enema (rectally): There isn't enough reliable information to know if black horehound is safe or what the side effects might be.
Precautions
When taken by mouth: Black horehound is POSSIBLY SAFE for most people, but there isn't enough reliable information to know what the side effects might be.
When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if black horehound is safe or what the side effects might be.
When given as an enema (rectally): There isn't enough reliable information to know if black horehound is safe or what the side effects might be.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: It's LIKELY UNSAFE to take black horehound by mouth if you are pregnant. Black horehound may affect the menstrual cycle, and this could threaten the pregnancy. There isn't enough reliable information to know if black horehound is safe to apply to the skin or give as an enema (rectally) when pregnant. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
There isn't enough reliable information to know if black horehound is safe to use when breastfeeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Parkinson disease: Black horehound contains chemicals that affect the brain. There is some concern that black horehound might affect treatment for Parkinson disease.
Schizophrenia and psychotic disorders: Black horehound contains chemicals that affect the brain. There is some concern that black horehound might harm people with schizophrenia and psychotic disorders.
Interactions
Moderate Interaction
Be cautious with this combination
- Medications used for Parkinson disease (Dopamine agonists) interacts with Black HorehoundBlack horehound contains chemicals that affect the brain. These chemicals affect the brain similarly to some medications used for Parkinson disease. Taking black horehound with these medications might increase the effects and side effects of some medications used for Parkinson disease. Some medications used for Parkinson disease include bromocriptine (Parlodel), levodopa (Dopar, component of Sinemet), pramipexole (Mirapex), ropinirole (Requip), and others.
Dosing
The appropriate dose of black horehound depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for black horehound. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
References
- Newall CA, Anderson LA, Philpson JD. Herbal Medicine: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals. London, UK: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996.
- McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
- Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.
- Daels-Rakotoarison DA, Seidel V, Gressier B, et al. Neurosedative and antioxidant activities of phenylpropanoids from Ballota nigra. Arzneimittelforschung 2000;50:16-23.
- Didry, N., Seidel, V., Dubreuil, L., Tillequin, F., and Bailleul, F. Isolation and antibacterial activity of phenylpropanoid derivatives from Ballota nigra. J.Ethnopharmacol. 11-1-1999;67(2):197-202.