Marshmallow Leaf
Althaea officinalis
Also known as Althea, Sweetweed, and Mortification Root
$3.50 per Ounce
History: The Marshmallow plant has been used for centuries in Europe as both a medicinal herb and a food. In the Middle Ages, Marshmallow was used to make a dessert called pate de guimauve, which is similar to today’s marshmallows. Although, today’s marshmallows have no resemblance to its ancestor. Medicinally, the Marshmallow plant was used as a soothing remedy for irritated tissues and coughing. The puritans brought Marshmallow to American and taught the local Indians of its medicinal value. Marshmallow Leaf is a natural source of beta-carotene, amino acids, minerals and vitamins. Althea officinalis also contains large amounts of vitamin A, calcium, zinc and significant amounts of iron, sodium, iodine and B-complex vitamins.
Uses: pain, inflammation of the mucous membranes, dry cough, inflammation of the lining of the stomach, diarrhea, stomach ulcers, constipation, urinary tract inflammation, and stones in the urinary tract, abscesses, skin ulcers, burns, insect bites.
Active Ingredients: mucilage, pectin, oil,
Actions: Demulcent diuretic, emollient, expectorant, pectoral, anti-catarrhal