Marshmallow
Althea officinalis – root
Marshmallow is soothing for all mucous membranes. It is mucilaginous and anti-inflammatory.
The root is used for digestive problems and on the skin, the leaf is more for the urinary tract and lungs.
In the gut it soothes and protects the villi as a poultice. It has a spectrum of anti-inflammatory properties with benefits to the gut, urinary system, bronchi in coughs, itchy dry skin.
Actions
- Diuretic
- Anti-inflammatory
- Demulcent
- Vulnerary
- Expectorant
Indications
- Dry spasmodic coughs.
- Digestive inflammation such as peptic ulcers, colitis, constipation.
- Urinary inflammation such as urinary tract infections, cystitis.
- Dry and itchy skin.
- Sore and dry mouth and throat.
- UV damage (topical) to skin.
Notes
Asthma, Boils (poultice), Bronchitis, Colitis, Cough, Cystitis, Dermatitis, Dyspepsia, Eczema, Gastritis.
Inflammation of gastrointestinal tract, oral cavity, respiratory tract, Ulcer; gastrointestinal, Ulcerative colitis.
Tissue regeneration – Althea officinalis extracts and polysaccharides have been shown to up-regulate genes related to cell adhesion proteins and growth; they are effective stimulators of cell physiology of epithelial cells.
Contra-indications and Cautions
None known
