Marshmallow-Althea offinalis

Althea officinalis

MARSHMALLOW

Application

Infusion

Marshmallow leaves used for bronchial disorders.

Marshmallow root has a soothing action in cases of urinary tract infections.

Syrup

Marshmallow roots make a soothing, coating syrup for the entire digestive tract. Especially helpful with ulcers and gastritis. Flowers used as a cough expectorant.

Maceration

Marshmallow root is soothing for any type of heat or inflammation especially in the mucus membranes. Macerate the root for a moistening beverage for a dry cough or hard stools.

Poultice

Make a paste of the root powder and apply to skin inflammations and ulcers. Will help to pull out splinters.

Compress

The root maceration is soothing to burns and skin eruptions.

Character

Sweet, cool, moist.

Constituents

Flowers Mucilage, flavonoids. Leaves Mucilage, flavonoids. cournarin, salicylic and other phenol acids.

Roots: Mucilage (18-35%), pectin, polysaccarides, asparagin, sugars, tannins.

Actions

Flower Expectorant. Leaves Expectorant, diuretic, demulcent and emollient. Root Demulcent, expectorant, diuretic, alterative, nutritive, and anti- inflammatory.

Contraindications None.

Cultivation

Perennial herb grown from seed requiring sun and drainage. Produces beautiful light pink flowers.