The perennial herb Marshmallow (Althaea Officinalis) is a member of the Malvaceae family. This herb grows wild in Punjab, Kashmir, and Himachal Pradesh and is native to Eastern Europe. The plant’s roots, flowers, seeds, and leaves are the parts that can be used to make cures. This herb is widely used for therapeutic purposes in traditional medicine.
Description
Althaea Officinalis, or marshmallow, is a subtle herb. Unlike the rose, it isn’t known for its beauty, scent, or romance. However, for thousands of years, it has made a substantial contribution to cultures all around the world, much like many other quiet botanical achievers. Its moniker has accompanied many a bonfire party, and its medicinal qualities are said to be unmatched.
Botanical Name:
Althaea Officinalis
Family:
Malvaceae
Leaves:
The leaves are broad, lobed, and irregularly serrated at the margins. They can grow up to 4 inches long and wide, with a vaguely kidney- or heart-shaped base. The surface of the leaves is covered in soft, downy hairs that give them a velvety texture.
Flowers:
Marshmallow plants have pale pink or lavender flowers that bloom in late summer. They have several stamens grouped in the center, and five petals that can reach a length of two centimeters each. The epicalyx, a cup-shaped structure with triangle lobes, is located underneath the petals.
Roots:
The thick taproot that grows underground gives the marshmallow plant its name. This root has a creamy white or light yellow tint and can reach depths of up to three feet. This root’s calming qualities make it useful in medicine.
Habitat:
Known by most as marsh mallow, Althaea officinalis is a herbaceous perennial that is indigenous to damp, disturbed places in Europe and northern Africa, including ditches, streambanks, brackish marshes, and swamp edges.
Parts Used:
- Roots
- Flowers
- Leaves
Dosage:
- 5 to 7 grams
Chemical Constituents
Tannins, phenolic acids, polysaccharides, asparagines, starch, pectin, flavonoids (kaempferol, quercetin), and sucrose are the components of the marshmallow plant. It also contains a number of phytochemicals, including lanosterol, β-sitosterol, stigmasterol, lauric acid, and altheacalamene.
Synonyms
Althaea vulgaris, Althaea sublobata, Althaea taurinensis, Malva officinalis.
Other Language Names of Marshmallow (Althaea Officinalis)
English name – Marshmallow, Hollyhock
Pharsi name – Khatmi
Hindi name – Gulkhero
Unani name – Khatmi, Gulkheru
Sidha/Tamil name – Shemai-tutti
Scientific Classification
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Magnoliophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malvales |
| Family | Malvaceae |
| Genus | Althaea |
| Species | Althaea officinalis |
Ayurvedic Properties
Rasa (Taste) – Madhura (Sweet)
Guna (Quality) – Snighdha (Unctuous), Picchila (Slimy) and Guru (Heavy)
Virya – Sheet (Cold) in potency.
Vipaka – An end product of digestion is Madhura (Sweet).
Dosha Karma – Subsides Vata and Pitta dosha in our body.
Marshmallow (Althaea Officinalis) Uses
- Its antitussive properties aid in the relief of throat mucosa and cough. Because it removes excess mucosa from the respiratory system and oral cavity, it is frequently used to treat coughs.
- Moreover, it helps heal cuts, burns, wounds, and ulcers due to its antimicrobial properties.
- This herb is helpful in treating respiratory, urinary, and gastrointestinal issues.
- It is helpful for peptic and stomach ulcers. It lowers inflammation and infection in the body due to its calming and relaxing qualities.
- It is applied topically to bruises, varicose veins, and skin ulcers.
Marshmallow (Althaea Officinalis) Benefits
Supporting Skin and Hair:
Marshmallow (Althaea Officinalis) root’s antioxidant and protective qualities enhance normal cell function, which supports healthy skin and hair. Because of this, marshmallow root is occasionally seen in natural shampoos and conditioners.
Relieves cough:
Marshmallow root’s antitussive and mucilaginous qualities can help alleviate cold symptoms as well as other respiratory conditions like sore throats and lymph node swelling. Studies have indicated that marshmallow root-infused herbal cough syrups may help treat respiratory ailments linked to mucus production.
Soothes skin irritation:
There’s a good explanation if you’ve ever seen marshmallow root salves, ointments, balms, or creams. Because of marshmallow root extract’s supposed benefits for skin health—which are mostly attributed to its antioxidant content, according to Volpe—it has made an appearance in topical skincare products.
Might Help Combat Lung Cancer:
Particularly in the lungs, the root’s antioxidant property may help stop the growth of malignant tumors. Moreover, the root’s high vitamin C content dissolves mucus throughout the body, while its effects are particularly strong on lung mucus. The vitamin C in the root may also strengthen the body’s defenses against cancer by enhancing the immune system.
Marshmallow (Althaea Officinalis) Side Effects
Allergic reaction:
Marshmallow root an allergic reaction may manifest as a rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing. See a doctor as soon as possible and discontinue taking marshmallow root if any of these symptoms occur.
Low blood sugar:
Blood sugar levels may be lowered by marshmallow root. Those who use blood sugar-lowering medicines or have diabetes may find this problematic. If you use marshmallow root and have diabetes, make sure to keep a close eye on your blood sugar levels.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding:
The safety of marshmallow root for expectant or nursing mothers is not well enough understood.
Interaction with medications:
Certain drugs, including as blood thinners, lithium, and diabetes medications, may interact with marshmallow root. Before consuming marshmallow root, see your doctor if you are taking any drugs.
Conclusion
Althea officinalis, or marshmallow, is a plant. Sometimes, the root and leaves are used to produce medication. On occasion, marshmallow is applied to the skin and the lining of the digestive tract to create a protective layer. Some of its substances may lessen cough and shield against infections.
FAQS
What is Marshmallow (Althaea Officinalis) used for?
Althea officinalis is the plant known as marshmallow. There are occasions when medicine is made from the root and leaves. On occasion, marshmallow is used to coat the skin and the lining of the digestive system. Additionally, it contains compounds that may lessen cough and combat infections.
Does marshmallow root benefit hair health?
Marshmallow root increases the suppleness of the hair shaft by strengthening it with vital nutrients and proteins, which lowers the likelihood of breakage and split ends. Dryness, itching, and inflammation of the scalp can all be effectively treated with marshmallow root’s anti-inflammatory and calming qualities.
Are there any negative effects of marshmallow?
Marshmallow may cause blood coagulation to slow. Using marshmallow in combination with drugs that can inhibit blood coagulation may make bruises and bleeding more likely.