Marshmallow Root 50g

Properties:

• Antidiarrhoeal
• Antitussive
• Demulcent
• Diuretic
• Emollient
• Laxative
• Odontalgic
• Urinary

Uses:

• The root counters excess stomach acid, peptic ulceration and gastritis. It is also applied externally to bruises, sprains, aching muscles, insect bites, skin inflammations, splinters etc.
• The whole plant, but especially the root, is antitussive, demulcent, diuretic, highly emollient, slightly laxative and odontalgic.
• An infusion of the leaves is used to treat cystitis and frequent urination.
• The leaves are harvested in August when the plant is just coming into flower and can be dried for later use.
• The root can be used in an ointment for treating boils and abscesses.
• The root is best harvested in the autumn, preferably from 2 year old plants, and is dried for later use.
• The German Commission E Monographs, (a therapeutic guide to herbal medicine), approve Althaea officinalis Marsh Mallow for irritation of mouth and throat and associated dry cough/bronchitis (Root and leaf), mild stomach lining inflammation (root).
• The root is used as a vegetable, when boiled and then fried with onions it is said to make a palatable dish that is often used in times of shortage; it contains about 37% starch, 11% mucilage, 11% pectin.
• The water left over from cooking any part of the plant (although the root is most effective) can be used as an egg-white substitute in making meringues etc, it is concentrated by boiling until it has a similar consistency to egg white.
• A tea can be made from both the flowers and the root.

Cautions:

• There are no known cautions or any adverse effects for Marshmallow Root.
• However just because something is natural does not mean that somebody, somewhere is not allergic to it.

Always seek advice from a medical professional before using a plant medicinally; especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or taking prescription medicines.