Caraway (Carum carvi) vs White Horehound (Marrubium vulgare)

Caraway (Carum carvi)

White Horehound (Marrubium vulgare)

About

Caraway is an aromatic annual herb growing to 2 feet with a ridged stem, feathery leaves, and umbels of white flowers in midsummer. Exploding capsules release two small narrow seeds. It grows wild in Europe, North Africa, and Asia, preferring sunny sites up to 6,600 feet above sea level. Cultivated in Europe, Russia, North Africa, and the United States, the seeds are harvested ripe in late summer. Caraway has been valued since ancient times for its digestive and respiratory benefits, and the seeds are commonly used in cooking.

Horehound (Marrubium vulgare) is a square-stemmed perennial of about 20 in (50 cm) height, featuring fuzzy, downy greenish-gray leaves and small, white, double-lipped flowers. Known for its aromatic bitterness, horehound has a longstanding history in cough syrups and lozenges.

Safety & precautions

Do not use the essential oil internally except under professional supervision. Generally considered safe when used as directed.

Pregnancy: Generally best avoided; consult a practitioner if needed. Large Doses: The strong bitterness might irritate delicate digestion.

Safety text above is printed in full and is never abbreviated. For each plant’s complete precautions, drug and food interactions and preparation notes, open its own page - both are free.