MARSHMALLOW
(Althaea officinalis)


Althaea officinalis (Marshmallow, Marsh Mallow, Marshmellow, or Common Marshmallow) is a species indigenous to Africa, which is used as a medicinal plant and ornamental plant. 

Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis)

The leaves, flowers and the root of A. officinalis (marshmallow) all have medicinal properties

mallow plant

mallow plant

mallow seeds

mallow flower

Part used: roots, flowers and leaves.

Properties: demulcent, emollient, diuretic, lithotriptic, nutritive, alternative and vulnerary.

What it affects: kidneys, intestines and bladder.

Preparation and amount:

Infusion: (flowers and leaves) steep 5-15 min and drink 1 cup at a time, frequently.

Decoction (root): simmer 5-15 min and drink 6 oz. 3 times a day.

Tincture: drink 30-60 drops (1/2-1 tsp) 3 times a day.

Fluid extract: drink 1-2 tsp 3 times a day

Powder: drink 5-10 #0 capsules (30-60 grains ) 3 times a day.

Purposes:

Marshmallow soothes and heals skin,mucous membranes, and other tissues, externally and internally.

Internally, it is a good source of easily digested mucilage. It helps the body lubricate joints, to protect them against dryness and irritation. Because digestive fluids contain mucilage, marshmallow also acts as a counter-irritation to the digestive tract and cure in diarrhea, dysentery, and ulcers. It is also used for lung problems and as a douche in vaginal infections. It is good for bladder infection.

Used marshmallow with other laxative herbs for chronic constipation that associated with dryness or lack of roughage. In combination with other diuretic herbs, such as parsley root, used it as a tea for kidney stone attack and to help expel gravel. it is also used for headache, sinusitis, sore throat, asthma, allergies. Marshmallow is often used as 10% of the formula in various herbal mixtures.

Externally, as a poultice, marshmallow can be applied with a pinch of cayenne on a daily basis in order to treat open wounds, burns, gangrene, septic wounds, bruises, and blood poisoning. The tea is good to bathe sore eyes.

Plant Description:

The flowers have five reddish-white petals. Its fleshy, upright stems reach a height of 3 - 4 feet. The short-stemmed leaves are round, with irregularly toothed margins and three to five lobes. The pale yellow roots are tapered, long, and thick, with a tough yet flexible exterior. A soft and velvety down covers the leaves and stem.  The whole plant, especially the root, is filled with mild mucilage.