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Herb Of The Week - Marshmallow - General Herbal Info

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General info about Marshmallow compiled from a variety of sources and

notes ...

 

*Smile*

Chris (list mom)

 

http://www.alittleolfactory.com

 

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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.

 

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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

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