Marshmallow
Althaea officinalis
Family: Malvaceae
Herbaceous perennial. Native to Europe. Impressive, soft-leaved
plants with large, white flowers on multiple stalks. The entire plant
contains high-grade mucilage (muco-polysacharrides) which stimulates phagocytosis,
thereby enhancing immune function. The leaves and flowers, when dried,
make a healing tea, very acceptable to patients who are having difficulty
swallowing liquids. It is soothing to throat and urinary tract.
The fresh root of one or two-year-old plants is especially mucilaginous,
and may be used in tea or as a fresh extract, which must be prepared with
only enough alcohol to preserve it (20%). The fresh root may be cut
into cross-sections and dried. These make tasty “pills” which can
be chewed as a treatment for gastric ulcer or diverticulitis. In
my experience, this is a better ulcer treatment than any drug on the market
and has no side-effects. The coating action of Marshmallow may actually
inhibit absorbtion of other drugs. Cultivation: Easy.
Sow seed in greenhouse in early spring, or direct seed to fertile garden
bed. Germ in 8 days and ongoing. Transplant out to moist, sunny
location when seedlings reach 2 inches. Space 2 feet apart.
Grows to 4 feet high.
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