* Please Note: Traditional Use information is provided as a courtesy only. Although we have done our best to review the validity of these uses and we continue to revise this information as new data emerges, the traditional uses indicated on this page for this product may be wrong. This information is based on Traditional and Folklore Medicine which uses natural materials to support health. This information has not been evaluated or approved by the FDA and is not necessarily based on scientific evidence from any source. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These products are intended to support general well being and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure any condition or disease. If conditions persist, please seek advice from your medical doctor.
Other Names: White mallow; guimauve (French); Eibisch (German); bismalva, altea (Italian); malvavisco (Spanish).
Description: An erect perennial herb of about 2 m in height, with hairy leaves and attractive pink flowers.
Origin: The plant is indigenous to Asia, but has been distributed from Europe to China and became naturalised in America. It is cultivated for medicinal purposes and as ornamental in Europe.
Parts Used: Mainly the roots (Althaeae radix); also the leaves (Althaeaefolium) and flowers (Althaeae fibs).
Therapeutic Category: Anti-irritant, expectorant.
Uses and Properties: Marshmallow root infusions or extracts are traditionally taken orally as a soothing medicine for cough, peptic ulcers and inflammation of the mucosa of mouth, throat and stomach. Leaf infusions or marshmallow syrup (Sirupus Althaeae) are used specifically for dry cough associated with irritation and inflammation of the respiratory tract. Externally, preparations are applied to burns, sores and ulcers. Commercially, only the roots are used, while leaves and flowers are popular for self-medication.
Active Ingredients: All parts of the plant contain mucilages (polysaccharides), mainly composed of galacturonic acid, glucuronic acid, galactose, arabinose, and rhamnose, located in special mucilage cells. Roots harvested late in the autumn give the highest yield of mucilage (about 15%), while leaves and flowers usually have less than 10%.
Pharmacological Effects: The polysaccharides form a protective film over inflamed mucosal tissues and thus reduce irritation. The presence of mucilage leaves no doubt that the herb has anti-irritant properties, but there is some evidence for anti-inflammatory or other beneficial effects. A hypoglycaemic activity has been observed in mice after injection of A. officinalis polysaccharides.
Notes: The well-known marshmallow sweets were once made from root extracts of this plant. Hollyhock flowers, from Alcea rosea (= Althaea rosea), seem to be useful for respiratory and inflammatory ailments and as colourant and brightener in herbal teas.
Status: Pharm.; Comm. E+; ESCOP 1; WHO 2.
Preparation and Dosage: A daily dose of 6 g of the root, 5 g of the leaf (or 10 g marshmallow syrup, in a single dose) is recommended. The herb is extracted in cold or lukewarm water, or in alcohol (but not in hot water). It may be sipped or gargled. For external application, powdered leaves are mixed into ointments.
Forget the spongy white concoctions we toast over campfires and call marshmallows; there's no marshmallow in them, just sugar and starch. The real marshmallow herb was enjoyed for centuries as a sweet treat, and was also known as sweetweed. It was used as in medicine, as well, and still is. Both the leaf and the root of marshmallow, a native of central Asia found near marshes and sporting large, pink flowers, are used medicinally.
Potential Health Benefits
The dried leaf of marshmallow is employed to coat an irritated, inflamed throat and treat dry cough. The root has the same uses as the leaf, and is additionally used to soothe an upset stomach.
Scientific Evidence
The mucilage in preparations made from marshmallow root and leaf coat the mouth, throat, and stomach by swelling and forming a gel when combined with water.
American health writer Michael Castleman reports that marshmallow strengthened white blood cells against disease-producing microbes in one experiment. In animal tests, he adds, the root reduced blood sugar levels, suggesting that marshmallow could prove beneficial to diabetics.
How to Use the Herb
Marshmallow is taken internally. The doses for crushed, dried leaf is 5 grams daily. For crushed marshmallow root, the dose is 6 grams daily. For syrup, 10 grams per dose for treating coughs.
User Group Forum
Share your questions and information with the ZooScape community!
Be the first to post!
Directions
Take 1 capsule, 3 times daily, with meals.
Cautions
Diabetics should check the sugar content of the syrup. Commission E warned that marshmallow root could delay absorption of other drugs. If you are using marshmallow root, be sure to tell your health care provider.
Additional Information
TerraVita is an exclusive line of premium-quality, natural source products that use only the finest, purest and most potent ingredients found around the world. TerraVita is hallmarked by the highest possible standards of purity, potency, stability and freshness. All of our products are prepared with the highest elements of quality control, from raw materials through the entire manufacturing process, up to and including the moment that the bottles or bags are sealed for freshness and shipped out to you. Our highest possible standards are certified by independent laboratories and backed by our personal guarantee.
TerraVita exists to meet and ensure your family's health and wellness without the harmful effects or chemicals and prescription medications. We strive to make all of our products affordable and reliable and are constantly searching the market to maintain our affordability and to look for new ways to serve you and the ones you love. TerraVita has become a trusted household name for many families and can bring you and yours the very best herbal supplements, blends, teas and spices that are on the market today.
TerraVita is packed in childproof, tamper-proof pharmaceutical-grade recyclable containers.
ZooScape is proud to be the exclusive distributor of TerraVita teas, herbs and supplements in the United States, Canada and around the world. Please direct all wholesale and bulk inquiries to Simona Heather at 905-494-1785.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Products are intended to support general well being and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure any condition or disease. If conditions persist, please seek advice from your medical doctor. The essence of the current American rule on Traditional Uses is, as stated by FTC, "Claims based on historical or traditional use should be substantiated by confirming scientific evidence, or should be presented in such a way that consumers understand that the sole basis for the claim is a history of use of the product for a particular purpose."
