Althaea officinalis

1oz, loose

Origin:  Africa

Common uses: Used to relieve coughs and sore throats, as well as for chapped skin and minor wounds. Also used in various cultures to treat --Asthma, Bronchitis, Common cold/sore throat, Cough, Inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, Indigestion, Stomach ulcers, Skin inflammation

Both the root and the leaf of the marshmallow plant contain a substance known as mucilate, a mucusy substance that does not dissolve in water. It is this substance that causes marshmallow to swell up and become slippery when wet. This attribute of the marshmallow plant gives it the ability to soothe irritation of the mouth, throat and stomach, as well as to relieve coughing.

Directions (direction are provided based on Supple Skin herbs, please consult your supplier on preparation techniques as they may vary depending on herb type)

[LEAF] Steep 2-5 tsp in cup (5-8 oz) of hot (200 F deg- not boiling) water for  5-10 minutes. Drink up to 3 times daily.

[ROOT] requires a longer steep but some prefer the root to the leaf. Soak in a cup of hot water for 30-60 minutes. Let cool and drink  up to 3 x per day.

Contraindications

Be aware that mucilage can interfere with the absorption of other medicines.

If you are taking any other herbs or supplements please consult with a qualified healthcare provider before starting any new regimen. If you are pregnant or breast feeding, consult with your physician before taking. Keep out of reach of children uner 12 years and pets.

Many herbal dosages for adults are calculated on the basis of a 150 lb (70 kg) adult. So if a child weighs 50 lb (20 - 25 kg), the appropriate dose of marshmallow would be 1/3 of the adult dosage.

This information is for educational purposes only and has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.     

This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.