Guest guest Posted May 4, 2005 Report Share Posted May 4, 2005 General info about Marshmallow compiled from a variety of sources and notes ... *Smile* Chris (list mom) http://www.alittleolfactory.com ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Marshmallow (Althea officinalis) Marshmallow has been utilized for thousands of years not only as a food during times of famine, but for its healing properties as an herbal remedy. Recently, marshmallow has been used as an expectorant to treat a variety of upper respiratory problems. Marshmallow contains large amounts of vitamin A, calcium, zinc and significant amounts of iron, sodium, iodine, and B-complex. Like slippery elm, marshmallow reduces inflammation and has a calming effect on the body. Marshmallow's mucilage content helps soothe inflamed tissues, often caused by bronchitis and asthma. Marshmallow also relieves dryness and irritation in the chest and throat, usually brought on by colds and persistent coughs. Marshmallow has been known to relieve indigestion, kidney problems, urinary tract infections, and even external skin wounds such as boils and abscesses. Marshmallow root and herb is a soothing, healing plant. It contains high amounts of calcium and lime. It can also be used whenever a demulcent herb is needed. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Marshmallow The large family of Mallows grow abundantly with about 1000 species. Botanical Name: Althea officinalis Plant Family: Malvaceae Common Names: Cheeses, Guimauve, Mallards, Mauls, Mortification Root, Schloss Tea, Sweet Weed, Wymote Origin: Marshmallow originally grew in salty soils but now thrives in moist, uncultivated ground such as marshes and swamps in Great Britain, Southern and Western Europe, Western Asia, and the Northeastern North America. History: The name Althaea comes from the Greek altho, 'to cure', and Malvaceae comes from the Greek Malake, 'soft'. It has been used for centuries as a food by the Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, Syrians and Chinese and as a medicine by the early Arabian physicians who used it as a: poultice made from its leaves and applied to the skin to reduce inflammation Tradition: It was used to decorate friends' graves of in the time of Discorides Medicinal Parts Used: Leaves (especially the mucilage or gummy secretion in the leaves), roots, flowers Contains: asparagin cellulose glutinous matter mucilage pectin phosphate of lime starch sugar tannins volatile oil Action: anti-inflammatory [an agent to ease inflammation] anti-irritant [an agent to ease inflammation] demulcent [a substance that soothes inflamed mucous membranes and protects them from irritation] diuretic [an agent that increases the volume and flow of urine which cleanses the urinary system] emollient [an agent used externally to soften and soothe] soothing Marshmallow is used for: Gastrointestinal Conditions beneficial for the digestive system beneficial where the natural mucous has been abraded from the coats of the intestines calms enteritis and colitis colitis digestive problems dysentery inflammatory bowel diseases such as: Crohn's disease ulcerative colitis soothes stomach inflammation and ulcers Genitourinary System Conditions cystitis eases urinary pain gravel relaxing effect on the urinary passages urinary hemorrhages soothes infection and irritation from kidney and bladder stones Inflammatory Conditions beneficial for joints (anti-irritant and anti-inflammatory) soothes irritated tissue Respiratory System Conditions aids in the expectoration of difficult mucous and phlegm from the lungs all lung ailments including bronchitis asthma bronchial asthma bronchitis common cold eases dry, harsh coughs hoarseness ('frog in the throat') lung catarrh protects and soothes irritated mucous membranes relaxes and soothes the bronchial tubes removes mucous obstructions from the chest and throat (with Mullein) soothes emphysema soothes sore throats whooping cough Other Conditions aids weight loss (Marshmallow swells with fluid and gives a sense of fullness) Externally: It is used for an eye wash for dry tear ducts a vaginal douche blood poisoning (often combined with Cayenne) bruises burns chapped skin earache (vapor) gangrene minor wounds muscle and sinew aches pain, inflammation and swelling caused by insect bites and stings rectal irritation (sitz bath) removing obstinate inflammations, often combined with Slippery Elm (poultice) skin inflammation (poultice) sprains Caution: Marshmallow should be taken several hours before or after ingesting other herbs or medications as it may interfere with the absorption of certain medications Drug Interactions: Do not use Marshmallow without first talking to your practitioner or healthcare provider if you taking any of the following medications: None noted Dosage: Marshmallow Root Extract two to three times daily Dried root: 2-6g in cold infusion or equivalent preparations 3/day Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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