Marshamallow Althaea officinalis and uses.

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Therapeutics and Pharmacology:Marshmallow root.

Marshmallow Root Extract INCI Name Althaea Officinalis Extract CAS 73049-65-7 EINECS ELINCS No 277-254-6 Mucilage,exopolysaccharid,althea Mortification Root Sweetweed mallards guimauve schloss tea wymote Malve Guimauve Malvavisce photo picture image Althaea root is used primarily for digestive problems and topically on the skin, whilst the leaf is used particularly to treat the lungs and the urinary system, although both root and leaf have similar properties.

 The root is indicated in all inflammations of the digestive tract including mouth ulcers, hiatus hernia, gastritis, peptic ulcer, enteritis and colitis. Althaea contains large amounts of mucilage, making it an excellent demulcent which coats the gastrointestinal mucosa, particularly in the mouth and pharynx, thus protecting them from local irritation, and it counters excess stomach acid. It is also mildly laxative. Externally, the root is indicated in varicose veins and ulcers as well as in abscesses and boils, and it is used in cosmetics for weather-damaged skin. The peeled root may be given to teething babies to chew on. In vivo experiments have shown the anti-inflammatory effect of an ointment containing 20% aqueous root extract against skin irritation. In vitro experiments have shown a cold macerate of the root to inhibit mucociliary transport, while extracts of the root stimulate phagocytosis and the release of oxygen radicals and leukotrienes from human neutrophils. Potential anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects have also been reported. Antimicrobial activity towards Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus vulgaris and Staphylococcus aureus has been documented.

 The leaf is an effective treatment for bronchitis, respiratory catarrh and irritating coughs. Its demulcent action helps to relieve dry coughs, bronchial asthma and pleurisy and soothes sore throats. Taken as a warm infusion, the leaves help to relieve cystitis and urinary frequency.

 Combinations:

 For pulmonary problems, Althaea herba may be combined with Marrubium, Glycyrrhiza and/or Tussilago. In ulcerative conditions, both internal or external, Althaea radix may be combined with Symphytum. It may also be used with Glycyrrhiza, Marrubium and/or Lobelia for coughs, and with Ulmus as a poultice or ointment for wounds, ulcers, boils and eczema.

 Marshmallow in an herbal form might sound unusual to someone unfamiliar with herbology. But long before the white squishy balls were sitting in supermarket stores, the plant was growing in marshes. The plant is a member of the mallow family, which prefers wet places such as marshes for its habitat - hence the name. Its high mucilage content makes it an appropriate supplement for the respiratory system.

 Remedy Uses:

 Demulcent, emmolient, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, expectorant, mucilaginous.

 Its abundance of mucilage makes Marshmallow an excellent demulcent that is indicated wherever such an action is called for. The roots have been used for the digestive system whilst the leaves are used for the urinary system and lungs. All inflammatory conditions of the G-I tract will benefit from its use, e.g. inflammations of the mouth, gastritis, peptic ulceration, colitis etc.. The leaves help in cystitis, urethritis and urinary gravel as well as bronchitis, respiratory catarrh, irritating coughs.

 Externally the herb is often used in drawing ointments for abscesses and boils or as an emollient for varicose veins and ulcers.

 Available Forms:

 Dried leaves may be used in infusions, fluid extracts, and tinctures. Marshmallow roots are available dried, peeled, or unpeeled in extracts (dry and fluid), tinctures, capsules, ointments/creams, and cough syrups.

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citations1.Marshamallow Althaea officinalis and uses.

last edit date:31th,May.2009.