Article: Althaea (genus)

For the confection, see marshmallow.

?Althaea
Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis)
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae Division: Magnoliophyta Class: Magnoliopsida Order: Malvales Family: Malvaceae Genus: Althaea L.
Species
Althaea armeniaca Althaea broussonetiifolia * Althaea cannabina - Hemp-leaved Marshmallow Althaea hirsuta - Hairy Marshmallow Althaea longifolia Althaea ludwigii Althaea narbonensis * Althaea officinalis - Marshmallow * Not accepted as distinct by all authors

Althaea is a genus of 6-12 species of perennial herbs, including the marshmallow plant from whence the confection got its name, native to Europe and western Asia. They are found on the banks of rivers and in salt marshes, preferring moist, sandy soils. The stems grow to 1-2 m tall, and flower in mid summer. The leaves are palmately lobed with 3-7 lobes. Althaea species are used as food plants by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species including Bucculatrix quadrigemina.

The genus formerly included a number of additional species now treated in the genus Alcea (Hollyhocks).

The root contains starch (37%), mucilage (11%), pectin (11%), flavonoids, phenolic acids, sucrose and asparagine.

Uses

The leaves, flowers and the root of A. officinalis (marshmallow) all have medicinal properties. The leaves, which are collected in summer as the plant begins to flower, have demulcent, expectorant, diuretic, and emollient properties. It is generally used in ailments of the lungs and the urinary systems, specifically in urethritis and kidney stones. The root, which is harvested in late autumn, has demulcent, diuretic, emollient, and vulnerary properties. It is generally used for digestive and skin problems, specifically inflammations of the mouth, gastritis, peptic ulcer, enteritis and colitis. It increases the flow of breast milk and soothes the bronchial tubes. It has been used to treat constipation as well as irritable bowel syndrome. Externally the root is used in treating varicose veins, ulcers, abscesses, and boils. The root extract (halawa extract) is used to make a middle eastern snack called halva

Additional Medicinal Uses

• Eaten as food, its non-absorbable polysaccharides coat mucous membranes and absorb toxins.
• It is often used externally with cayenne to treat blood poisoning, burns, and gangrene.
• The leaf is used for the lungs and urinary system, may also be used in cases of urethritis and urinary gravel, also poultice for leg ulcers.
• For pain, apply the softened root to the area, or add a strained decoction of the root to a foot bath or full bath.
• Althea may be boiled in wine or milk, or made into a syrup for coughs.
• Any wild mallow flower is excellent for compress for wasp stings.
• It has the ability to draw out poisons and debris from a wound.
• Apply an infusion of leaves as a compress to reduce inflammation of the eyelid.
• Prepare a strong tea from the leaves and use as a rinse for an abscess or boil.
• European gypsies chew the stems and apply to the breast to reduce inflammation. Add 5-10 drops of mallow tincture to a cup of hot water, wet cloth, apply the warm compress to breast.
• It is said to ease passage of kidney stones.
• The powdered root has been used as a binder in formulating pills.

Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis)

History and Folklore

• Used in 200 Bc under the Greek name Althea of "to heal".
• The family name, Malvaceae comes from the Greek word malake or "soft" referring to the soft mucilaginous character of the plant.
• Theophrastus (c. 372-286 BC) reported that it was taken in sweet wine for coughs.
• The Greek physician Hippocrates described the value of althea in the treatment of wounds.
• Dioscorides, another Greek physician, prescribed a vinegar infusion as a cure for toothaches and recommended a preparation of the seeds to soothe insect stings.
• In the Bible, Job is quoted as saying, "...is there any taste in the slimy juice of marshmallow?". - (Job 6:6b)
• The Roman poet Horace, claimed the root and leaves had laxative properties.
• Renaissance period herbalists used althea for sore throats, stomach problems, gonorrhea, leukorrhea, and as a gargle for infections of the mouth.
• In medieval times if a person was accused of something, to prove innocence the accused had to hold a red-hot iron bar. He/she was considered innocent if the person suffered no serious burns. Accounts from the Middle Ages state that anointing the palms with an ointment made from marshmallow would allow the accused, innocent or guilty, to remain unburned.
• "Whosoever shall take a spoonful of the Mallows shall that day be free from all diseases that may come to him." --Pliny
• The common name Mortification Plant records the use of althea for treating wounds.
• Use a mallow ointment to protect against evil and cast out demons.
• Place a bouquet of mallow in a vase in your window to attract a straying lover
• When placed on an altar, also brings in "good" spirits during rituals (voodoo practice).
• Marshmallow creme derives its name from the edible use of the plants.