Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis)

Marshmallow ( Althaea officinalis  )

       It grows in moist meadows, gardens, roadside. Also along the banks of rivers and ditches, everywhere where there is a damp, mud inflicted country. Marshmallow is up to 1 m high, slightly branched with velvety white oval leaves. Stalking is full of marrow. From the joints where the leaves come out on top of the stem, emerging kite white or light-pink flowers. The flowers have five petals grown together, odorless and taste like mucus. It contains nutrients, fatty oil, sucrose, pectin, slime. Mucus in cold water decomposes into glucose, galactose and xylose.

       Leaves and flowers are harvested during the flowering, from June to September, and the root in October, because that has the most mucus. From the plant, the root has the most of health benefits. It's used for herbal remedies. The root must be cut lengthwise, wash and dry. Then cut into small pieces. It must be completely white (if, when soaked in water, the surface appearance of tiny white worms, throw away everything). The root is not allowed to cook or pour hot water, because it will reduce healing.

Marshmallow ( Althaea officinalis  )

       

Marshmallow ( Althaea officinalis  )

Marshmallow mucus is a herbal remedy against inflammation of mucous membranes urinary, reproductive, respiratory and digestive organs. Mucus from marshmallow root is used so that one tablespoon of finely powdered marshmallow root cover with ¼ L of cold water and leave to soak for about 10 hours. Stir occasionally. After that strain. When needed for drinking or gargling warm. If you are a true blend with other teas, then you must make a special teas and just before drinking together. Marshmallow tea is made with one tablespoon of marshmallow flowers and leaves and covered with 2-3 oz. boiling water, cover and let stand 10 minutes. After that strain. Drink it sip by sip. The daily dose is three cups, which should always be freshly prepared. It can be drunk without sugar for pain in the stomach or intestines. Marshmallow tea sweetened with honey is good for coughs, bronchitis and asthma.