Marshmallow Root (Althaea officinalis) is considered serious old-time medicine. Marshmallow root and extract were formerly official in the United States Pharmacopeia and the National Formulary. In the U.S. today, marshmallow is used as a component of dietary supplement antitussive and demulcent preparations. The root is also used as a component of a few prepared cough tea and cough syrup medicines. In Germany, marshmallow root and leaf are both licensed as standard medicinal teas. The German Commission E approved the internal use of marshmallow root for irritation of the oral and pharyngeal mucosa and associated dry cough, and for mild inflammation of the gastric mucosa. The British Herbal Compendium indicates its use internally for gastroenteritis, peptic and duodenal ulceration, common and ulcerative colitis, and enteritis. Topically as a mouthwash or gargle for inflammation of the mouth and pharynx; as a poultice or ointment/cream in furunculosis, eczema and dermatitis. Grieve’s classic ‘A Modern Herbal’: ‘The great demulcent and emollient properties of Marsh Mallow make it useful in inflammation and irritation of the alimentary canal, and of the urinary and respiratory organs. The dry roots boiled in water give out half their weight of a gummy matter like starch. Decoctions of the plant, especially of the root, are very useful where the natural mucus has been abraded from the coats of the intestines. Boiled in wine or milk, Marsh Mallow will relieve diseases of the chest, constituting a popular remedy for coughs, bronchitis, whooping-cough, etc., generally in combination with other remedies. It is frequently given in the form of a syrup, which is best adapted to infants and children. It is excellent in painful complaints of the urinary organs, exerting a relaxing effect upon the passages, as well as acting curatively.’ King’s 1898 Dispensatory: ‘The root of this plant, as well as of each of the below mentioned plants described as substitutes, is demulcent and diuretic, and may be used indiscriminately, the one for the other. They will be found valuable, in the form of decoction, in diseases of the mucous tissues, as hoarseness, catarrh, pneumonia, gonorrhoea, vesical catarrh, renal irritation, acute dysentery, and diarrhoea. In strangury, inflammation of the bladder, hematuria, retention of urine, some forms of gravel, and indeed in nearly every affection of the kidney and bladder, their use will be found advantageous. Much use is made of them combined with equal parts of spearmint, in urinary derangements. They are likewise efficacious in gastro-intestinal irritation and inflammation. As the decoction soon decomposes, or becomes moldy or acid, it should always be made in small quantities, not more than 1 or 2 pints at a time, according to the temperature of the weather.’ ‘Externally, marshmallow root is very useful in the form of poultice, to discuss painful, inflammatory tumors, and swellings of every kind, whether the consequence of wounds, bruises, burns, scalds, or poisons; and has, when thus applied, had a happy effect in preventing the occurrence of gangrene. The infusion or decoction may be freely administered.’
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Alternative Health & Herbs Marshmallow Root Powder Althaea officinalis – 4 oz
