- Region
- Europe
- Origin
- Europe, western Asia and North Africa, on damp saline soils. Althaea officinalis
- Sanskrit
- Khatmi
- Other names
- Echte heemst
Europe · Herb · № 59
Althaea officinalis
Herb · Europe
Marshmallow
Althaea officinalis
Root and leaf are rich in mucilage that forms a soothing layer; used for dry coughs, throat irritation and an irritated stomach. Evidence is modest.
Safety notes
Mucilage may slow absorption of medicines taken at the same time; separate them by a few hours.
Preparation
The root is best soaked in cold water; leaf and flower as tea or syrup. No dosage is given here.
Use in traditions
Used since ancient Greece; the name derives from the Greek word for healing. The original marshmallow sweets were made from the root.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Herbal medicine worldwide
Attributed effects
Root soothing, expectorant, diuretic, wound-healing; leaf expectorant and diuretic; soothes inflamed mucous membranes of the digestive, urinary and respiratory tracts.
Preparation and amount
Cold infusion of 25 g root in 500 ml water (overnight) for oesophagitis, stomach ulcers, cystitis; tincture; root poultice or ointment on skin inflammation, ulcers and splinters; leaf tea for cough and cystitis.
Ayurvedic materia medica
Attributed effects
Seeds soothing, diuretic, fever-reducing; root astringent and soothing; for cough, urinary complaints, irritated vagina or rectum.
Preparation and amount
2–8 g; flowers as an expectorant; root decoction as an enema.
Natural skin and hair care
Attributed effects
Healing and soothing; traditionally roasted against sore throat and cough in children.
Preparation and amount
External: chopped root in a healing facial toner (decoction, at least 45 min).
Folklore and herbal magic
Symbolic meanings from folk use and modern herbal magic. These are handed-down associations, not effects.
Protection, healing.
Home, kitchen and folk use
Attributed effects
For sore throat and digestive problems.
Preparation and amount
Marshmallow tea: 1 tbsp dried chopped root in 1 cup of water, simmer gently 10 min, steep another 10 min, strain; drink through the day as needed.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- Tea (infusion)DecoctionTinctureSalve and balmSyrup, honey and oxymel
- Recipes
- Healing facial toner