MARSHMALLOW

Botanical Name:  Althea officinalis

Botanical Family:  Malvaceae

Plant characteristics:  This plant is a perennial growing 3-4 feet high with hairy white stalks, spreading branches, soft and hairy leaves and pale pink flowers.

Soil and light preference:  damp soil, full sun to part shade

History/folklore:  This was considered a delicacy vegetable by the Romans.

Parts of the plant used for food:  roots – boiled and fried with onion and butter;  young flowering tops and tender leaves in salads.

Parts of the plant used for medicine –roots, leaves and flowering tops

How is the plant prepared for medicine – tea, infusion or decoction of the leaves and flowering tops; tincture of the flowering tops and leaves; compress of the roots.

Medicinal actions of the plants –root: demulcent, diuretic, emollient, vulnerary; leaves: demulcent, expectorant, diuretic, emollient. 

Nourishing actions of the plant – Not available

Body system affected –digestive system, respiratory system, urinary, skin

Medicinal uses and applications – for inflammation of the digestive track, ulcers, gastritis, colitis, bronchitis, catarrh, coughs, urinary problems, soothes the mucous membranes.  Used externally to treat boils, bruises and abscesses.