Scientific Name: Aithea officinallis of the Malvaceae family
Parts Used:
Root and leaves.
Uses:
Marshmallow root is used as a treatment for:
- Dry cough
- Bronchitis
- Laryngitis
- Inflammation of the pharynx and the intestines
- Gingivitis, inflammation of the gums
- Mouth sores
The Marshmallow plant is probably the best herb for diseases related to inflammations of the peptic system (especially the roots of it are very effective against mouth infections, sores, gingivitis, stomatitis) and infections of the peptic system (gastritis, colitis, intestine ulcers etc). The Marshmallow leaf is very sedative to the irritated throat during winter cold and cures cough, pharyngitis and bronchitis. The tea of Marshmallow leaves is very good during a cold while the same tea is used as a diuretic and against gallbladder stones.
Preparation and Dosage
Marshmallow Tea for cough, bronchitis and inflammations - boil one teaspoon of dried leaves or flowers of Marshmallow in one cup of water for 1 to 2 minutes. Drain the leaves and flowers and cover the Marshmallow Root Tea for ten minutes. It is not tasteful at all so it is better to sweeten it with some honey. You can drink it three times a day.
Cold Infusion - Put 2-4 grams of Marshmallow herb in a cup of cold water and leave it to soak for one night. The infusion can be used for mouth diseases, gall bladder stones and as a diuretic.
Other Uses
Marshmallow root is used to add flavor to certain alcoholic drinks and syrups.
History
Dioscourides refers to the therapeutic properties of Marshmallow against hug and intestine diseases and also mentions the use of its flowers in funerals. The Chinese used the roots of the Marshmallow herb for food and they still do while a lot of historians refer to Marshmallow at periods of famine and starvation.
