Marshmallow – Althea officinalis – Organic milled root

Digestive problems, ulcers, ulcerative colitis, IBD, cystitis and other urinary problems, wounds and burns, respiratory conditions

Part Used: Root and leaf
Organically grown in Australia
Leaf and Flower also available on request – Wildcrafted from Peru
Constituents:
In the root:

• Mucilage, l8-35%
• Miscellaneous; about 35% pectin, l-2% asparagine, tannins

In the leaves:

• Mucilage; including a low molecular weight D-glucan
• Flavanoids such a kaempferol, quercitin and diosmetin glucosides
• Scopoletin, a coumarin
• Polyphenolic acids, including syringic, caffeic, salicyclic, vanillic, p-coumaric etc

Actions:

• demulcent
• emmolient
• diuretic
• anti-inflammatory
• expectorant

Indications: Marshmallow an excellent demulcent due to its high levels of mucilage – and is indicated wherever a demulcent. The roots have been used more for the digestive system whilst the leaves are used more for the urinary system and lungs, although both can be used for both purposes. All inflammatory conditions of the G-I tract will benefit from its use, e.g. inflammations of the mouth, gastritis, peptic ulceration, colitis etc.. The leaves help in cystitis, urethritis and urinary gravel as well as bronchitis, respiratory catarrh, irritating coughs. The hot or cold tea is soothing also for sore throats, whether you use root or leaf. .Externally the herb is often used in drawing ointments for abscesses and boils or as an emollient for varicose veins and ulcers. Priest & Priest tell us that it is a “soothing demulcent indicated for inflamed and irritated states of mucous membranes. Particularly suitable for the elderly with chronic inflammatory conditions effecting the gastro-intestinal system or genito-urinary tract” They give the following specific indications: acute respiratory disease, gastro-enteritis, peptic ulcer, cystitis, urethritis, inflammation of mouth & throat, inflamed hemorrhoids, inflamed wounds, burns & scalds, bedsores, abscesses, boils, ulcers.
Preparations: 1-4 ml of the tincture three times a day. A cold infusion of the roots should be made with 2-4 gms. to a cup of cold water and left to infuse over night. Or more simply, place 1 teaspoon of the herb per cup into an infuser, tea pot of coffee plunger, pour over some boiling water and serve in 305 mins. Add honey or lemon to taste. Can be drunk cold.