Althea officinalis

Common Name: Marshmallow

Family: Malvaceae (Mallow family)

Parts used: Root

Constituents: Polysaccharides, mucilage, starch, pectin, saccharose, flavonoids, phenolic acids, and coumarins

Taste/smell: Mucilaginous, nutritious, slightly sweet

Tendencies: Moistening, soothing, cooling

Actions

• Demulcent in GI tract, reflux, lungs, and urinary tract

• Emollient

• Antispasmodic

• Anti-inflammatory

• Mild diuretic

Uses

Demulcent:

• Gastritis

• Colitis

• Acid reflux/GERD

• Peptic ulcer

• Interstitial cystitis

• Lower UTI

• Pharyngitis

• Sore throat

• Tonsillitis

• Dry cough

• Bronchitis

• Acute respiratory tract disorders

• Inflammation of the mouth, throat, stomach, intestines, bladder, kidney, and urethra

Topical Anti-inflammatory:

• Wounds

• Burns

• Ulcers

• All inflammatory skin disorders

Contraindications

• Wet cough

Adverse Effects

• None

Toxicity

• None

Interactions

• Polysaccharides may, theoretically, reduce the absorption of many oral drugs taken simultaneously due to its mucilage content