Althea officinalis
(Marshmallow)

Therapeutic Actions:

• Anti-inflammatory
• Antispasmodic
• Demulcent
• Stimulates IL-1 and INF production in vitro
• Stimulates T and B cell activity
• Vulnerary

Clinical Indications:

• Bronchitis
• Crohn's disease
• Cystitis
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Peptic ulcer
• Rosacea
• Ulcerative Colitis
• Any inflamed mucosal tissues:
  
  Gastritis
  Pharyngitis
  Vaginitis
• Externally:
  
  All inflammatory skin disorders
  Burns
  Ulcers
  Wounds
• GI inflammation
• Respiratory
• Skin irritation - use topically as a poultice of fresh leaves and flowers
• Sore throats

Contraindications:

• No known contraindications

Drug/Nutrient Interaction:

• Anti-inflammatory activity potentiates the effects of topical steroids
• Oral drugs or herbs taken with marshmallow may have delayed absorption due to the mucilage content

Chemical Constituents:

• Asparagin - colorless, odorless crystalline mucilage
• Asparagine - an alkaloid also found in soy, lupine, sprouting vetch, not thought to cause problems
• Calcium oxalate
• Coumarins
• Mucilage - bassorin is the principle mucilage
• Pectin
• Starch
• Sugar:
  
  Arabinose
  Galactose
  Glucose
  Rhamnose
  Xylose
• Tannin
• Vitamins:
  
  Vitamin A
  B complex
  Vitamin C
  Vitamin E

Toxicity:

• None known

Copyright 1998 - 2008 by L. Vicky Crouse, ND and James S. Reiley, ND. All rights reserved (ISSN 1527-0661).