Other names:
Common Marshmallow
Description:
The leaves, flowers and the root of A. officinalis (marshmallow) all have medicinal properties. The leaves, which are collected in summer as the plant begins to flower, have
demulcent,
expectorant,
diuretic, and
emollient properties. It is generally used in ailments of the lungs and the urinary systems, specifically in
urethritis and
kidney stones.
The root, which is harvested in late autumn, has
demulcent,
diuretic,
emollient, and
vulnerary properties. It is generally used for digestive and skin problems, specifically inflammations of the mouth,
gastritis,
peptic ulcer,
enteritis, and
colitis .
It increases the flow of breast milk and soothes the bronchial tubes. It has been used to treat constipation as well as
irritable bowel syndrome. Externally the root is used in treating
varicose veins,
ulcers,
abscesses, and
boils.
Cultivation:
The stems, which die down in the autumn, are erect, 3 to 4 feet (1.2 m) high, simple, or putting out only a few lateral branches. The leaves, shortly petioled, are roundish, ovate-cordate, 2 to 3 inches (76 mm) long, and about 1 1/4 inch broad, entire or three to five lobed, irregularly toothed at the margin, and thick. They are soft and velvety on both sides, due to a dense covering of stellate hairs. The flowers are shaped like those of the common Mallow, but are smaller and of a pale colour, and are either axillary, or in panicles, more often the latter.
The stamens are united into a tube, the anthers, kidney-shaped and one-celled. The flowers are in bloom during August and September, and are followed, as in other species of this order, by the flat, round fruit called popularly 'cheeses.'
Plant info:
Malvaceae
Plant Longevity:
Perennial
Max height:
2000mm / 78.74
Tags: herbs, alternative medicine, Marshmallow , Althaea officinalis,
