Marsh Mallow Root: Althaea officinalis radix Tr 1:3 25%

Althaea officinalis
Common Name: Marshmallow, Guimauve
Family: Malvaceae

Part used: Root, leaf and flowers

History/Folklore/taste/energetics: The name derives from the Greek word although meaning to heal. Traditionally dried root sticks used as chew sticks for teething babies. Sections of root were candied to make the original marshmallow sweets. Flowers and young leaves can be added to salads, stews and stir-fries. A cold infusion is traditionally used to prepare both the leaf and the root as it releases more of the mucilage responsible for it’s soothing action.  The plant has a soothing, comforting energy, like a warm hug that makes everything feel better. Sweet, cool, moist

Constituents: Leaf up to 10% mucilage
Root 15-25% mucilage (xylan and glucosans), Sucrose, Fatty acid esters, Sterols, Asparagine, Lecithin, Starch, Pectin, Flavonoids, Phenolic acid

Actions:
Leaf Demulcent, Expectorant, Diuretic, Antilithic, Emollient
Root Demulcent, Diuretic, Emollient, Vulnerary, Mildly laxative

Traditional and current uses:

As a wash for itchy, inflamed or sensitive skin. The flowers are even better for this.

Root
• Gastritis, gastric or peptic ulcers,
• enteritis, ileitis, colitis, diverticulitis,
• Excessive stomach acid,
• Inflammation of mouth or pharynx,
• IBS,
• Respiratory catarrh with irritating cough,
• Cystitis,