Horehound candy is a traditional hard candy made from horehound extract, which is a bitter herb belonging to the mint family. The candy has a distinctively earthy, slightly bitter taste with hints of mint and licorice, so it’s not for everybody; you’ll either love it or hate it if you’ve never tried it before! Its flavor is often described as sweet and medicinal, making it unique compared to other hard candy flavors. 

Furthermore, it has been used historically for its soothing properties, particularly for coughs and sore throats. So again, its bittersweet taste might be an acquired one, but still appreciated by those who enjoy herbal-flavored candy or candy with health benefits! As for its color, this candy is typically dark brown and translucent, reflecting its natural ingredients and flavor. Also, it comes in several package options, which you’ll discover below. 

Horehound Candy Brands and Products

Horehound candy is known for its unique bittersweet flavor and isn’t widely produced by many brands, especially in the United States. However, there are a couple of well-known names that make authentic horehound candy. Here at Candy Retailer, we offer products from these reputable brands, ensuring our customers can enjoy this traditional candy and the benefits it provides! So, if you’re seeking a natural herbal candy that actually tastes good to most, then check out these two top brands listed below and give them a try!  

Gilliam Old Fashioned Horehound Candy

Gilliam Old Fashioned Horehound Sanded Drops are available in two convenient options, both available here in our candy store. Our 4.5oz bags are perfect for those wanting to try them out for the first time, offering just the right amount to enjoy the unique flavor of horehound candy. For those who love Horehound and want to stock up, we also offer a 1lb resealable bag, exclusively packaged by us here at Candy Retailer. This larger option is ideal for ensuring you have plenty on hand. Click below to learn more or to place your order.

Claey’s Old Fashioned Horehound Hard Candy Drops

Priced at under $3, our 6oz bags of Claey’s Old Fashioned Horehound Hard Candy Drops are an excellent option for first-time tasters. Could that be you? Additionally, we also have exclusive rights to sell Claey’s Natural Horehound Sanded Drops in a 1lb resealable bag, now available for around $4 or less. These drops combine the distinctive horehound flavor with a sanded texture, providing fans with the most from their favorite herbal candy brand and products! Click below to score yours today here at Candy Retailer! 

Medical and Health Benefits of Horehound Candy

Horehound candy is known worldwide for its medicinal properties, particularly its effectiveness in soothing sore throats and alleviating coughs. The horehound plant contains natural compounds that help reduce inflammation and irritation in the throat, making it a popular choice for those seeking relief from common cold symptoms. Another significant benefit of horehound candy is its ability to aid digestion. The bitter compounds found in horehound stimulate the production of digestive enzymes, which can improve digestion and alleviate symptoms of indigestion and bloating. This makes horehound candy a useful remedy for digestive discomfort.

In addition to its digestive benefits, horehound candy has been found to possess mild analgesic properties. This means it can help reduce minor pains and aches, such as those associated with headaches or muscle soreness. The candy’s soothing nature makes it a comforting option for minor ailments. Plus, horehound candy is often used to support respiratory health. The herb’s expectorant properties help to loosen mucus and phlegm, making it easier to expel them from the respiratory tract. This can particularly benefit individuals suffering from bronchitis or other respiratory conditions. That said, we’re not doctors here at Candy Retailer, but according to our research, this is what we found, and we’ll link to the trusted medical sites we got our information from, just in case you want to learn more. 

The History of Horehound Candy

Horehound candy has a rich history that dates back centuries. The use of horehound as a medicinal herb can be traced to ancient Egypt, where it was used to remedy coughs and sore throats. The herb made its way to Europe, becoming widely accepted among traditional medicines at the time. By the Middle Ages, horehound was widely cultivated in European herb gardens and used in various medicinal preparations. The transformation of the horehound herb into candy is believed to have occurred sometime in the early 19th century.

In the United States, horehound candy gained popularity during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It was commonly sold in general stores and pharmacies, valued for its health benefits and distinctive new flavor. As industrial candy production developed, horehound candy eventually became a nostalgic treat, reminding people of simpler times and traditional remedies. Despite the decline in its mainstream popularity, horehound candy remains cherished by those who appreciate its unique flavor and medicinal properties. 

Share Your Favorite Horehound Candy Memories

Tell us about your favorite horehound candy memories and why you love them in the comments below; we want to hear from you! Your stories could help others discover the charm of this classic candy! With strong partnerships and reliable nationwide shipping, we provide great prices and exceptional customer service for everyone who chooses us as their #1 Candy Retailer! Join the conversation and let us know if we missed any Horehound candy brands we should know about. Thanks for your time, attention, and contribution! You can also connect with us on Facebook for up-to-date announcements such as new releases, deals, and other informative articles like this one! See you there.

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