Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis)

Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis)

Marshmallow is a popular perennial medicinal plant, rich in polysaccharides (mucilages).

The following data on the use and biological activity were considered for incorporation of Althaea officinalis in the herbal teas:

The plant parts are used as an expectorant in acute and chronic respiratory diseases (bronchitis, tracheitis, laryngitis, bronchopneumonia, bronchial asthma, whooping cough, bronchiectasis, pulmonary tuberculosis with symptoms of nonspecific bronchitis), accompanied by cough with difficulty in sputum production. In inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (gastritis, enterocolitis, peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum, especially accompanied by diarrhea; oesophageal catarrh) Marshmallow infusion is taken as an emmolient, demulcent agent.

Marshmallow herb is an ingredient of herbal bath tea, produced by APC «Antea», for both internal consumption and flavoring of the bath and phytobarrels “Чоловіча сила / Male Strength” (125 g in a linen bag and wooden tube).

Rinsing with althaea herb infusion is effective in inflammatory processes of the mouth and throat. Externally, Althaea officinalis is applied for rinsing the eyes in the eyelid inflammations (blepharitis), as clysters in diarrhea, as well as anti-inflammatory and emollient remedy in the form of poultices («АлтЕхін-АНТЕА» / «AlthEchin-ANTEA»).

Althaea has a soothing effect on cough, expectorant, anti-inflammatory, protective emmolient effect on the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract, as well as stimulates the immune system. In folk medicine,  its infusion  is used internally for eczema and psoriasis, inflammation of the bladder, painful involuntary urination and dyspepsia in children, inflammatory processes in the kidneys («ІмунПлюс-АНТЕА» / «ImmunePlus-ANTEA»).

Althaea officinalis is widely used in traditional Iranian medicine in the treatment of dysuria. A clinical study demonstrated the effectiveness of the plant in reducing urological symptoms in patients with prostate adenocarcinoma, accompanied to radiotherapy («Потенціал-АНТЕА» / «Potential-ANTEA»).

Marshmallow lowers a high blood sugar; its mucilage is used in diseases of the pancreas (pancreatitis, diabetes) («ДіабетСтоп» / «DiabetesStop»).