Marshmallow: Althea officinalis

Plant Family & Name:

a. Malvacea

b. Althea is derived from the Greek, meaning "to cure".

Habitat: Marshmallow is native to Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa and natively is found in "marsh" like ecosystems with water nearby and part shade. Marshmallow has adapted widely to many conditions.

Parts Used: Root, though leaves and flowers are also edible.

Herbal Actions:Mucilaginous digestive tonic, demulcent, vulnerary, anti-inflammatory, nutritive, expectorant, lung tonic, soothing diuretic.

Season: Summer, Fall

Taste: Sweet, mildly bitter.

Energetic Qualities: Cooling, Moistening, Heavy, Dense, Slow, Slimy

Indications:

For hot, irritated, damaged, or dry conditions, especially helpful in epithelial cells. Sore throat, ulcers, GI inflammation, dry cough, urinary irritation, UTI, interstitial cystitis, etc.

Body system affinities: Digestive, Respiratory, Urinary, Integumentary (topically).

Safety: Generally very safe, though it will cause a coating of intestinal mucosa temporarily reducing absorption of nutrients or medications.