Marsh Mallow Root/Leaf

Botanical Name: Althaea officinalis Family: Malvaceae

Common name(s): Marsh Mallow

GROWING

  • Perennial; herbaceous | Zones 5-8 | 3-4 feet tall | Pale pink flowers mid to late summer
  • Prefers open meadows near water | Grows in sun or shade

HARVESTING

Harvest the deep roots in spring or fall. Harvest the flowers and leaves at any time.

PREPARATION / DOSAGE

Decoction: Add 1 teaspoonful of chopped root to 1 cup water and boil gently for 10-15 minutes. Drink 3x/day.

Infusion: Pour boiling water over 1-2 teaspoons of the dried leaf and let sit for 10 minutes. Drink 3x/day.

Tincture: Take 1-4ml 3x/day.

External: Use to relieve skin conditions. Can be used in the bath for soothing itchy, dry skin / eczema

MEDICAL

Constituents: Polysaccarides, flavonoids, betaine, coumarins, beta-carotene, vitamin B, calcium

Actions: Demulcent, diuretic, emollient, expectorant (leaf), vulnerary (root)

Uses: Soothing all kinds of inflamed tissues, both internally and externally

Combinations: Combine with comfrey for ulcerative conditions, with Licorice and White Horehound for bronchitis, and with slippery elm for ointments.

SOURCES 


This is THE plant the original marshmallow was made from!