Marshmallow
Althaea officinalis
This plant is native to Europe and parts of Asia and is part of the Malvaceae family. The garden varieties are called HollyHocks. The whole plant contains a tacky, slimy substance known as mucilage, with the root of 2-3 year old plants containing the highest percentage. The root is often dried, sliced into discs, sold and then powdered to support healthy gastrointestinal function where irritation may be present. It has traditionally been used to support all mucosal membranes especially in the bronchioles, mouth, and intestines.
What is Marshmallow Used For?
Because of the naturally high content of mucilage, Marshmallow root provides soothing support for irritated mucous remembranes. There have been some studies conducted on the effect of this plant in combination with others to support healthy respiratory function when occasionally challenged with a cough.
Traditional Health Benefits of Marshmallow
Additional Information on this Herb
Mucilage polysaccharides composed of galacturonorhamnans, arabinans, glucaris, and arabinogalactans; carbohydrates; flavonoids; glycosides; phenolic acid
Root
1.)Hage-Sleiman R, Mroueh M, Daher CF. Pharmacological evaluation of aqueous extract of Althaea officinalis flower grown in Lebanon. Pharm Biol 2011;49(3):327-33. 2.)Sadighara P, Gharibi S, Moghadam Jafari A, Jahed Khaniki G, Salari S. The antioxidant and flavonoids contents of Althaea officinalis L. flowers based on their color. Avicenna J Phytomed 2012;2(3):113-7.
Not for use during pregnancy. If you have a medical condition or take pharmaceutical drugs please consult your doctor prior to use.
- This information in our Herbal Reference Guide is intended only as a general reference for further exploration, and is not a replacement for professional health advice. This content does not provide dosage information, format recommendations, toxicity levels, or possible interactions with prescription drugs. Accordingly, this information should be used only under the direct supervision of a qualified health practitioner such as a naturopathic physician.
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