Marshmallow ~ Althea officinalis

Marshmallow

Latin name: Althea officinalis

Family: Malvaceae

Part used: root

Habitat: native to Britain and Europe, naturalized in the USA

Main constituents: polysaccharides, mucilage, flavanoids, polyphenolic acids, coumarins

Energetics: moistening, cooling

Main herbal actions: demulcent, emollient, expectorant, antispasmodic

Minor herbal actions: anti-inflammatory

Main medicinal uses: coughs, bronchial complaints, gastritis, enteritis

Minor medicinal uses: peptic ulcers, urinary inflammation, cystitis, boils, abscesses, wounds, burns, inflammatory skin disorders

Preparations: decoction: 1 tsp/cup water; 1:2 tincture: 30-60 gtt qd-qid, powder: 30-60 grams (Khalsa)

Contraindications: oral drugs may have delayed absorption (due to mucilage content)

Toxicity: unknown

Sources: Sharol Tilgner, N.D.: Herbal Medicine from the Heart of the Earth; Wren, R.C. Potter’s New Cyclopaedia of Botanical Drugs and Preparations

Lecture notes:Respiratory System ~ Jan 9 & Jan 22/2013 ~ Module 2

Demulcents – soothe irritated bronchials. Examples: Licorice and Marshmallow – work directly on sore throat. Marshmallow cold infusion: extracts carbohydrates.