Where to Buy Horehound Candy?
Horehound Candy: Your Guide to Finding This Traditional Treat
You can find horehound candy at specialty candy stores, online retailers, and in some pharmacies that carry herbal remedies. This article explores the historical significance, benefits, and various places where you can purchase this unique confection.
The Enduring Appeal of Horehound Candy: A Brief History
Horehound candy isn’t your average sugar rush. It’s a piece of history, a connection to traditional herbal remedies, and a surprisingly complex flavor experience. Horehound (Marrubium vulgare), the plant from which the candy derives its distinctive taste, has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties. Egyptians used it to treat coughs and other respiratory ailments. The Romans employed it as an antiseptic and to ward off evil spells.
Early settlers brought horehound to North America, where it quickly naturalized and became a common ingredient in home remedies. The candy itself emerged as a palatable way to administer the herb, transforming a potentially bitter experience into a sweet and soothing treat.
Health Benefits: More Than Just a Candy
While technically a candy, horehound is traditionally valued for its potential medicinal benefits, particularly for soothing coughs and relieving sore throats. The herb contains compounds that may have expectorant and antitussive properties.
- Expectorant: Helps to loosen and clear mucus from the airways.
- Antitussive: Helps to suppress coughing.
- Soothes Sore Throats: Provides a coating and mild numbing effect.
It’s important to note that while anecdotal evidence and traditional use support these benefits, more scientific research is needed to definitively prove these claims. Horehound candy should not be considered a replacement for medical treatment.
The Horehound Candy Making Process: From Herb to Treat
The creation of horehound candy is a relatively simple process involving the extraction of flavor from the horehound plant and its incorporation into a hard candy base.
- Extracting the Flavor: Horehound leaves and stems are typically simmered in water to create a strong herbal infusion.
- Concentrating the Extract: The infusion is then strained and concentrated to a syrupy consistency.
- Candy Base Preparation: Sugar, corn syrup, and water are combined and cooked to a hard crack stage.
- Combining Ingredients: The concentrated horehound extract is added to the hot candy base and mixed thoroughly.
- Shaping and Cooling: The mixture is then poured onto a cooling surface, shaped into desired forms (often small squares or lozenges), and allowed to harden.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Horehound Candy
While horehound candy is generally safe, there are a few factors to consider when making your purchase:
- Artificial Ingredients: Some commercially produced horehound candies may contain artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives. Check the ingredient list carefully.
- Sugar Content: Like all candies, horehound candy contains sugar. Individuals with diabetes or those watching their sugar intake should consume it in moderation.
- Allergies: While rare, some individuals may be allergic to horehound or other ingredients used in the candy. Discontinue use if you experience any adverse reactions.
- Misleading Claims: Be wary of products that make extravagant health claims without scientific backing. Remember that horehound candy is not a cure-all.
Where to Find Your Horehound Candy Fix: A Comprehensive Guide
Finding horehound candy might require a bit of searching, but these are the most reliable sources:
- Specialty Candy Stores: These shops often carry a wider selection of traditional and hard-to-find candies.
- Online Retailers: Websites like Amazon, Etsy, and specialty candy websites offer a variety of horehound candy options. Always check reviews and seller ratings before purchasing online.
- Pharmacies: Some pharmacies, particularly those that carry herbal remedies or homeopathic products, may stock horehound candy.
- Health Food Stores: While less common, some health food stores may carry horehound candy, especially if they offer herbal supplements.
- Farmers Markets & Craft Fairs: Occasionally, you may find homemade horehound candy at local farmers markets or craft fairs.
Horehound Candy: A Price Comparison Table
| Retailer Type | Price Range (Per Bag/Container) | Availability | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Specialty Candy Store | $5 – $10 | Varies by Location | May offer higher-quality, artisanal options. |
| Online Retailer | $3 – $8 | Wide | Shipping costs may apply. Review seller ratings. |
| Pharmacy | $4 – $9 | Moderate | Often carries brands focused on cough relief. |
| Health Food Store | $6 – $12 | Limited | Likely to offer organic or all-natural versions. |
| Farmers Market/Craft Fair | $8 – $15 | Seasonal | Typically homemade; supports local vendors. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Horehound Candy
What exactly is horehound?
Horehound (Marrubium vulgare) is a perennial herb belonging to the mint family (Lamiaceae). It’s characterized by its fuzzy, gray-green leaves and has a history of use in traditional medicine for respiratory ailments.
Does horehound candy actually help with a cough?
While scientific evidence is limited, anecdotal evidence and traditional use suggest that horehound candy can soothe coughs and sore throats. The herb’s expectorant and antitussive properties may contribute to these effects.
Is horehound candy safe for children?
Consult a pediatrician before giving horehound candy to young children. While generally considered safe in moderation for adults, the high sugar content and potential for allergic reactions warrant caution when given to children.
Can I make my own horehound candy at home?
Yes, you can. Many recipes are available online, but it requires extracting the horehound flavor and cooking sugar to the hard crack stage, which can be tricky. Be sure to use caution when working with hot sugar.
What does horehound candy taste like?
Horehound candy has a distinctive flavor that’s both sweet and slightly bitter. It’s often described as having a somewhat medicinal taste, but the sweetness balances out the herbal notes.
How should I store horehound candy to keep it fresh?
Store horehound candy in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. This will prevent it from becoming sticky or absorbing moisture.
Is there a difference between brown and black horehound candy?
The color difference typically reflects the level of processing and the ingredients used. Darker candies may have a stronger horehound flavor. Read the ingredients list to determine what’s been added.
Can horehound candy interact with any medications?
While rare, horehound may interact with certain medications, particularly those that affect blood sugar levels or blood clotting. Consult with your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any medications.
Is all horehound candy gluten-free?
Not necessarily. Check the ingredient list to ensure the candy doesn’t contain any gluten-containing ingredients. Some manufacturers may use wheat-derived glucose syrup.
What are the possible side effects of eating too much horehound candy?
Consuming excessive amounts of horehound candy can lead to digestive upset, such as diarrhea or stomach cramps, due to the high sugar content and potential laxative effect of the herb.
Where can I find sugar-free or low-sugar horehound candy?
Finding sugar-free horehound candy may be challenging, but search online retailers and specialty health food stores. Look for products sweetened with sugar alternatives like stevia or erythritol. Always read the labels carefully.
Are there any other candies similar to horehound candy?
Licorice candy and anise-flavored candies share some flavor similarities with horehound candy. These also tend to have a characteristic herbal flavor. However, the unique properties of horehound set it apart.