Marshmallow Root Latin Name: Althaea Officinalis
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COMMON NAME: MARSHMALLOW ROOT LATIN NAME: ALTHAEA OFFICINALIS. AYURVEDIC NAME: KHATMI PLANT FAMILY: MALVACEAE PART USED: ROOT, LEAF NATIVE TO: W.ASIA, AFRICA, EUROPE PART(S) USED : MARSHMALLOW ROOT/LEAF Both marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) leaf and root are used in commercial preparations. Herbal formulations are made from either the dried root or leaf (unpeeled or peeled). The actual mucilaginous content of the commercial product may vary according to the time of collection (2) The mucilage content of the root, leaves, and flowers is highest in the late fall and winter (approximately 11%) and lowest in the spring and summer (5-6%) (2) Information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) designates marshmallow as a substance used in conjunction with flavors that is in accordance with good manufacturing practices (GMP). Pharmacopoeia-grade marshmallow must have an "index swelling" of no less than 12 and pass botanical identification by macroscopic and microscopic authentication. The British Pharmacopoeia requires marshmallow leaf to be harvested before the flowering period and pass identification by thin-layer chromatography, and confirmation with additional qualitative standards, including water-soluble extraction of not less than 15% (2) Harvest the roots in the fall. Plant should have at least 2.5 to 3 years of growth before roots are ready. Leaves can be harvested throughout the summer while soft, fresh, and free of discoloration or mildew. MATERIA MEDICA : COURTESY OF MY URBAN OASIS APOTHECARY ALL REFERENCED MATERIAL REMAIN THE PROPERTY OF ORIGINAL AUTHORS REFERENCED WITHIN. FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. NOT TO BE USED FOR DIANOSIS OR TREATMENT OF ANY ILLNESS PLEASE CONSULT YOUR MEDICAL PRACTITIONER BEFORE USING ANY HERBAL REMEDIES. ________________________________________________________________________ ACTIONS: MARSHMALLOWROOT ________________________________________________________________________ Antitussive(2): used to prevent or relieve a cough Anti-inflammatory(1) : (reduce pain & swelling in joints | arthritis} Demulcent(1,2): used to relieve inflammation or irritation of the mucous membranes in the mouth by forming a protective film. Diuretic(1): increase the volume of urine produced by the kidneys Emmolient(1,2): having the properties of softening, or soothing the skin Expectorant(1): remove excess mucous from the lungs. Mucilaginous(2): having a viscous or gelatinous consistency, generally containing polysaccharide substance that is extracted. Pre-biotic(2): a nondigestible food ingredient that promotes the growth of beneficial microorganisms in the intestines. Indications: Its abundance of mucilage makes Marshmallow an excellent demulcent that is indicated wherever such an action is called for. The roots have been used more for the digestive system whilst the leaves are used more for the urinary system and lungs. All inflammatory conditions of the G-I tract will benefit from its use, e.g. inflammations of the mouth, gastritis, peptic ulceration, colitis etc.. The leaves help in cystitis, urethritis and urinary gravel as well as bronchitis, respiratory catarrh, irritating coughs.Externally the herb is often used in drawing ointments for abscesses andboils or as an emollient for varicose veins and ulcers. MATERIA MEDICA : COURTESY OF MY URBAN OASIS APOTHECARY ALL REFERENCED MATERIAL REMAIN THE PROPERTY OF ORIGINAL AUTHORS REFERENCED WITHIN. FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. NOT TO BE USED FOR DIANOSIS OR TREATMENT OF ANY ILLNESS PLEASE CONSULT YOUR MEDICAL PRACTITIONER BEFORE USING ANY HERBAL REMEDIES. (1)Priest & Priest tell us that it is a "soothing demulcent indicated for inflamed and irritated states of mucous membranes. Particularly suitable for the elderly with chronic inflammatory conditions effecting the gastro-intestinal system or genito-urinary tract" They give the following specific indications: acute respiratory disease, gastro-enteritis, peptic ulcer, cystitis, urethritis, inflammation of mouth & throat, inflamed hemorrhoids, inflamed wounds, burns & scalds, bedsores, abscesses, boils, ulcers. http://www.healthy.net/Materia_Medica/Marshmallow_Herbal_Materia_Medica/245 ______________________________________________________________________________ KEY CONSTITUENTS : MARSHMALLOW ______________________________________________________________________________ Below taken from: https://www.goldenpoppyherbs.com/blog/marshmallow-materia-medica/ KEY CONSTITUENTS - mucilage, starch, pectin, flavonoids, phenolic acids, sucrose, asparagine, tannins Leaf: flavonoids, scopoletin, polyphenols (Hoffman, 2003). Mucilage : (roots & leaf) anti cholesterol : the soluble fiber aids to lower cholesterol in blood. This type of fiber prevents the intestinal absorption of cholesterol produced by the bile for the digestion of food. Flavonoids: (leaf) Flavonoids are a group of plant metabolites thought to provide health benefits through cell signalling pathways and antioxidant effects. They are anti- inflammatory and boost immunity. Scopoletin (leaf) a crystalline lactone that is found in various solanaceous plants. MATERIA MEDICA : COURTESY OF MY URBAN OASIS APOTHECARY ALL REFERENCED MATERIAL REMAIN THE PROPERTY OF ORIGINAL AUTHORS REFERENCED WITHIN. FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. NOT TO BE USED FOR DIANOSIS OR TREATMENT OF ANY ILLNESS PLEASE CONSULT YOUR MEDICAL PRACTITIONER BEFORE USING ANY HERBAL REMEDIES. Polyphenolic Acid (leaf): a type of phytochemical called a polyphenol found in plant based foods, the seeds and skins of fruits and the leaves of begetables. Polyphenols are micronutrients high in antioxidants and may improve, or help treat, digestion issues. Tannins: accelerate blood clotting | reduce blood pressure | decrease serum lipid levels | produce liver necrosis | modulate immunoresponses. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9759559 flavonols in elderflower are quercetin, isoquercitrin and anthocyanins, which have antiviral properties as well. o Marshmallow root preparations consist of peeled or unpeeled dried root of Althaea officinalis L. and contain mucilage polysaccharides (6.2-11.6%) composed of galacturonorhamnans, arabinans, glucaris, and arabinogalactans; carbohydrates (25- 35%); flavonoids; glycosides; sugars (10% sucrose); amines (up to 12% asparagines); fat (1.7%); calcium oxalate; coumarins; phenolic acid (62031); and sterols. o Purified homogenous mucilage of marshmallow is composed of L-rhamnose, D- galactose, galacturonic acid, and D-glucuronic acid in molar ratio of 3:2:3:3 (62022). Scopoletin, quercetin, kaempferol, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, and p-coumaric acid are also present in the roots. o Marshmallow is high in aluminum, iron, magnesium, selenium, tin, and substantial amounts of calcium. It is also high in pectin, which may lower blood glucose concentrations. The root contains 25-35% of the mucilage; however, the content of purified mucilage is much lower. o Asparagine, sugar, pectin, and tannin have also been identified in the root. o Xylose, glucan, arabinogalactan, and acidic polysaccharide containing 2-O-alpha-D- galacturonopyranosyl-l-rhamnose (62032) are also present in the hydrolysate of leaf and flower mucilage. o Extracts from hybrid plants have been found to be more mucilaginous, with a different sugar composition compared to native plants (62023). MATERIA MEDICA : COURTESY OF MY URBAN OASIS APOTHECARY ALL REFERENCED MATERIAL REMAIN THE PROPERTY OF ORIGINAL AUTHORS REFERENCED WITHIN. FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. NOT TO BE USED FOR DIANOSIS OR TREATMENT OF ANY ILLNESS PLEASE CONSULT YOUR MEDICAL PRACTITIONER BEFORE USING ANY HERBAL REMEDIES. ________________________________________________________________________ ENERGETICS : MARSHMALLOW ROOT ________________________________________________________________________ Slightly Sweet Moistening Neutral in Temperature ________________________________________________________________________ PREPERATION METHODS: ________________________________________________________________________ Tea Marshmallow: Best prepared as a cold water infusion, overnight in the fridge. Can be added to other herbs for moisture in any tea, Tincture Marshmallow: Traditional method: Fill a sterilized mason jar ½ full will dried elderflowers. Top flowers with menstruum (Vodka 80 proof) If the cap is metal or unsafe plastic, cover the top of the jar with parchment/wax/saran paper before screwing on the lid. Shake to ensure all flowers are embraced in the menstruum. Keep in a cool, dry place, shaking every 2-3 days for 4-6 weeks. Note: Dry herbs will absorb menstruum, so you may need to top up alcohol. Once maceration is complete, strain through cheese cloth into clean bowl. Allow to settle overnight and strain again. Transfer to amber storage bottles. Stores for 2 years. (as an elixir, 1-2 years) NOTE: The root is not as effective in tincture form, as the active constituent (mucilage) is water solubable. MATERIA MEDICA : COURTESY OF MY URBAN OASIS APOTHECARY ALL REFERENCED MATERIAL REMAIN THE PROPERTY OF ORIGINAL AUTHORS REFERENCED WITHIN. FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. NOT TO BE USED FOR DIANOSIS OR TREATMENT OF ANY ILLNESS PLEASE CONSULT YOUR MEDICAL PRACTITIONER BEFORE USING ANY HERBAL REMEDIES. DOSAGE AND USAGE: __________________________________________________________________ Preparations & Dosage: 1-4 ml of the tincture three times a day. A cold infusion of the roots should be made with 2-4 gms. to a cup of cold water and left to infuse over night SOURCE: www.healthy.net INTERNAL USE: (https://www.goldenpoppyherbs.com/blog/marshmallow-materia-medica/)