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HERB ALLEY
Marshmallow Root
(Althaea officinalis)
COMMON NAMES: Althea,
mortification root, sweet weed, wymote.
MEDICINAL PART: Root,
leaves, flowers.
DESCRIPTION: Althea is
a perennial plant, 2 to 4 feet high, that is cultivated but also occurs
wild in damp meadows and wst places. The rootstock os white and tastes
sweet and mucilaginous when chewed. It sends up several unbranched,
woolly stems with serrate, pubesxent leaves. The axillary flowers
are from 1 to 2 inches across and may be light red to white or purple in
color.
PROPERTIES AND USES:
Demulcent, emollient, diuretic. Althea’s particular excellence is
soothing irritated tissue. Externally, use it as a poultice for irritations,
burns, carbuncles and furuncles, and wounds. An infusion of the leaves
or flowers serves as a soothing gargle. A decoction of the root makes
a good vaginal douche or a soothing eyewash. Use the cold extract
of the root or the whole plant as a tea that is good for coughs, whooping
cough, bronchitis, and lung catarrh. For bronchial asthma, sweeten
with honey and take a mouthful at a time. The tea also helps in many
digerstive and urinary problems and can be taken for ulcers and colitis.
PREPERATION AND DOSAGE:
The leaves develop their mucilaginous content after flowering. Gather
the root in spring or fall and peel before using. Since the infusion
and decoction tend to be helatinous, use the cold extract method to make
the tea.
Cold extract: Use 1 to
2 tbsp root or plant with 1 cup cold water. Let stand ffor 8 hours,
then strain. Take 1 cup a day, cold or slightly warmed up.
Infusion: Use 2 tbsp
root or plant with 1 cup boiling water; steep for 5 minutes.
Decoction: Use 1 tsp
root to 1 cup boiling water. Simmer until the desired consistency
is ovtained.
Tincture: A dose of the
tincture is 20 to 40 drops.
Poultice: Mix grated
root with honey to obtain a thick mash. Spread on a linen cloth and
apply. Renew every 2 to 3 hours.
The Herb Book by
John Lust
