Marshmallow Root (Cut) 50g

Description

Marshmallow Root (Althaea officinalis), is a perennial species indigenous to Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa, which is used in herbalism and as an ornamental plant. A confection made from the root since ancient Egyptian times evolved into today’s marshmallow treat, but most modern marshmallow treats no longer contain any Marshmallow root.

Description:

Name: Marsh Mallow, Common marshmallow
Latin Name: Althaea officinalis

Althaea officinalis is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.2 m (4ft) by 0.8 m (2ft 7in). It is hardy to UK zone 3 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from July to September, and the seeds ripen from August to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. The plant is self-fertile.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in saline soils.
It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Uses:

All parts of the plant can be consumed, but the most commonly used portion is the root (raw or cooked). The plant’s root can be used for everything from skin and hair care to supporting digestive issues. 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.

Medicinal Properties:

Marsh mallow is a very useful household medicinal herb.

Antidiarrhoeal
Antitussive
Demulcent
Diuretic
Emollient
Laxative
Odontalgic
Urinary

• Its soothing demulcent properties make it very effective in treating inflammations and irritations of the mucous membranes such as the alimentary canal, the urinary and the respiratory organs.
• 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).

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.