Marshmallow

Name: Marshmallow

Other Names: White Mallow, Althee, Altheewurzel, Echter Eibisch, Heilwurzel, Samtpappel, Schleimwurzel, radix bismalvae, radix hibisci, Stockmalve, rohtosalkoruusu, läkemalva, altearot, apoteksaltea, guimauve, guimauve officinale, altea, Althaea officinalis, Marsh Mallow, Common Marshmallow

Description: The pharmeceuticall name of Marsh Mallow is radix bismalvae, or radix hibisci and the botanical name is Althaea taurinensis DC. The Marsh mallow is also known by some of the common names such as Althee, Altheewurzel, Echter Eibisch, Heilwurzel, Samtpappel, Schleimwurzel, Stockmalve, rohtosalkoruusu, läkemalva, altearot, apoteksaltea, guimauve, guimauve officinale and altea in other parts of the world, belong to the family Malvaceae and genus Althaea. The generic name, Althaea, is derived from the Greek, altho (to cure), from its healing properties. The name of the order, Malvaceae, is derived from the Greek, malake (soft), from the special qualities of the Mallows in softening and healing. ' Marsh mallow is native to Europe; it was brought to America as a medicinal plant. The grayish, velvety leaves are a good way to distinguish this from other mallows. The stamens are united into a tube, the anthers, kidney-shaped and one-celled. The flowers are in bloom during August and September, and are followed, as in other species of this order, by the flat, round fruit called popularly 'cheeses’. Marsh mallow is a very useful household medicinal herb. 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.