Marshmallow / Althaea officinalis
NAME
Marshmallow
LATIN NAME
Althaea afficinalis
ALSO KNOWN AS
Marshmallow, althea, sweet weed, mallards, guimauve, mortification plant, schloss tea, wymote
ORIGIN
Africa.
TYPICAL PREPARATIONS AND DOSAGE
Making tea ( an infusion) from Marshmallow leaves:
Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 2 teaspoons of dried marsh mallow leaves and flowers and cover; strain after 10 min. Drink 2 - 3 cups per day.
Making a decoction from the roots:
Let 1 tablespoon of dried marsh mallow root stand in 1 cup of cold water for 1 hr., stirring occasionally. Heat to a gentle boil; simmer, covered, for 10 min.
Remove from heat. Drink 2-3 cups a day after meals.
If you have bronchitis, add a touch of honey.
PRECAUTIONS
Because it coats the lining of the stomach, marshmallow may interfere with the absorption of other drugs or herbs. For this reason, it is important to take marshmallow several hours before or after taking other herbs or medications.
