Horehound candy has been enjoyed for generations, not just as a sweet treat but also as a traditional remedy for coughs and digestive issues. Made from the horehound herb (Marrubium vulgare), this candy carries a bittersweet taste that might not appeal to everyone at first—but its benefits make it worth trying. In this guide, you’ll learn everything about horehound candy, from its history and health benefits to a step-by-step recipe so you can make your own at home.
What Is Horehound Candy?
Horehound candy is a hard herbal lozenge made by infusing dried horehound leaves into a strong tea and then mixing it with sugar to create a bittersweet confection. While modern candies focus mainly on taste, horehound candy has a long history of being used as a natural remedy, particularly for respiratory issues like coughs and sore throats.
History of Horehound Candy
Horehound has been used medicinally for thousands of years. Ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans valued it for its ability to soothe respiratory and digestive issues. Over time, herbalists in Europe and North America turned horehound into a palatable candy, making it easier for people to consume its health benefits.
During the 19th and early 20th centuries, horehound candy was a common sight in general stores and apothecaries. While it’s not as mainstream today, it remains a popular choice among herbal enthusiasts and those seeking natural remedies.
Health Benefits of Horehound Candy
Horehound candy isn’t just an old-fashioned treat—it’s packed with medicinal properties that support health in various ways.
1. Supports Respiratory Health
Horehound is an expectorant, meaning it helps loosen mucus and clear the airways. This makes it useful for relieving coughs, colds, and congestion.
2. Eases Sore Throat
Its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties help soothe sore throats and mild infections, making horehound candy a great natural alternative to cough drops.
3. Aids Digestion
Horehound stimulates the production of digestive juices, helping with indigestion, bloating, and appetite loss.
4. Blood Sugar Regulation
Some studies suggest horehound may have hypoglycemic effects, potentially supporting blood sugar balance.
5. Liver and Gallbladder Support
Horehound acts as a cholagogue, promoting bile production, which helps break down fats and supports liver health.
How to Identify and Harvest Horehound
If you’re interested in making horehound candy from fresh herbs, it’s important to know how to identify and harvest the plant.
How to Identify Horehound
- Horehound is a perennial herb in the mint family.
- It has square stems (a characteristic of the mint family).
- The leaves are green, wrinkled, and covered in small white hairs.
- The plant produces small, white pom-pom-like flowers in late spring or early summer.
Where to Find Horehound
Horehound grows in dry, well-drained soils, often in fields, along roadsides, or in gardens. It’s a hardy plant that spreads easily.
Harvesting Horehound
- The best time to harvest horehound is when it is in full bloom.
- Cut the stems just above the base and hang them in bunches to dry.
- Once dried, store the leaves in an airtight container away from light and moisture.
How to Make Horehound Candy
Now that you know about horehound’s benefits, let’s get into how you can make horehound candy at home.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dried horehound leaves (or 1 ½ cups fresh leaves)
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups organic cane sugar
- ¼ cup honey (optional, for additional flavor)
- ¼ cup light corn syrup (helps prevent crystallization)
- ½ teaspoon cream of tartar (optional, helps texture)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)
Equipment Needed:
- A heavy-bottomed saucepan
- Candy thermometer
- Silicone molds or parchment-lined baking sheet
- Strainer or cheesecloth
- Wooden spoon
Instructions:
Step 1: Make Horehound Tea
- Bring 2 cups of water to a boil.
- Add the dried horehound leaves and reduce heat to a simmer.
- Let it steep for 15-20 minutes to extract the bitter compounds.
- Strain the tea through a fine strainer or cheesecloth, pressing out all the liquid.
Step 2: Prepare the Candy Mixture
- In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine horehound tea, sugar, honey (if using), corn syrup, and cream of tartar.
- Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Attach the candy thermometer and bring the mixture to 300°F (hard crack stage) without stirring.
Step 3: Mold and Cool the Candy
- Once the temperature reaches 300°F, quickly remove the pan from heat.
- Pour the hot candy mixture into silicone molds or onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Let it cool for 1 hour until completely hardened.
- If using a baking sheet, break the candy into small pieces once hardened.
Step 4: Store Your Horehound Candy
- Dust the candies with powdered sugar to prevent sticking.
- Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
- Horehound candy can last several months if stored properly.
Tips for the Best Horehound Candy
- Use a candy thermometer: Precision is key in candy-making. If the mixture doesn’t reach 300°F, the candy may be too soft.
- Don’t stir while boiling: Stirring after the sugar dissolves can cause crystallization.
- Experiment with flavors: Try adding a hint of lemon or peppermint oil to complement the bitterness.
Where to Buy Horehound Candy
If making your own horehound candy sounds too time-consuming, you can find it in several places:
- Online stores: Websites like Amazon, Etsy, and specialty herbal stores sell horehound candy.
- Health food stores: Some natural food shops stock horehound lozenges.
- Old-fashioned candy shops: Traditional candy stores sometimes carry horehound candy as a nostalgic treat.
Conclusion
Horehound candy is a unique blend of tradition, flavor, and health benefits. Whether you’re looking to soothe a sore throat, aid digestion, or simply enjoy an old-fashioned treat, this bittersweet herbal candy is worth a try. Making your own at home allows you to control the ingredients and ensure the best quality. Give it a shot and experience the timeless appeal of horehound candy!
FAQs
1. What does horehound candy taste like?
Horehound candy has a bittersweet taste with slightly earthy, herbal, and menthol-like notes.
2. Is horehound candy safe for children?
Yes, but the bitter taste might not be appealing to kids. Also, avoid giving hard candies to very young children due to choking risks.
3. Can I make horehound candy without corn syrup?
Yes, but your candy may crystallize more easily. You can try substituting honey or another natural syrup.
4. Does horehound candy really help with coughs?
Yes! Horehound has expectorant properties that help loosen mucus and soothe sore throats.
5. How often can I eat horehound candy?
It’s safe to enjoy in moderation. However, if using it for medicinal purposes, limit intake to a few pieces per day.
Read Also: FootoGraphy