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Diseases

Herb name: Marshmallow, Althaea officinalis

Family: Malvaceae
Useful plant parts: The roots, leaves and flowers

Description: The marshmallow is a relatively hairy plant, up to 2 meters high, with a non-branched stem. Leaves are pedicellate, with both sides covered in hair. They also have and a non-symmetrically cut edge. At the top of the stem, white or pink flowers up to 4-5 cm are developed.

Collecting period and locations: Usually, roots from two-year old plants are collected. The collected roots are cleaned and dried quickly after cleaning. Leaves and flowers are picked while young, and are also dried in a warm and airy place. As for the locations, this plant can be found in gardens, and sometimes in the wild too. It usually likes deep and wet soil, and grows best in low and moist meadows and pastures, along bushes and shrubs.

Medicinal properties and applications: Marshmallow is a good aid for easing various inflammations of the mucosae, whether in internal organs (stomach, intestine) or in the oral cavity and throat. It also helps in treating inflammations on the skin. It is good for treating diarrhea, and is effective in stopping coughs as well.

Active compunds: Mucilage, pectin, tannins, and essential oils.

Recipe: Marshmallow is used to prepare tea, via the cold method. About 2 teaspoons of dried plant material are added to a quarter liter of cold water which is then well stirred. The plant material is left in the water for half an hour. At the end, the tea is strained and is ready to be used.