MARSHMALLOW
Altea officinalis
Parts used: roots
Parts used: roots
Authorized health claims:
- Function of the mucous membranes of the respiratory system.
- Wellness of the throat.
- Softening and soothing action (digestive system; urinary ducts).
- Bowel transit.
- bechic (treats and relieves cough, bronchial affections and catarrh in the respiratory tract);
- expectorant;
- emollient (calms and relieves inflammation by modifying tissues to soften and protect the mucous membrane);
- soothing (reduces burning sensation and relieves pain);
- nutritious;
- softening (soothes and softens tissues);
- alterative (slightly blood detoxifying);
- diuretic;
- vulnerary;
- laxative (slightly);
- anti-inflammatory (the best for all mucous membranes);
- anti-irritant (reduces local irritation);
- healing;
- treats metabolic disorders (metabolic diseases);
- glucose lowering;
- gastroprotective;
- controls bacterial infections (stimulates phagocytosis);
- immunostimulator.
INDICATIONS:
- mucosal irritation;
- stomatitis;
- pharyngitis;
- glossitis;
- appendicitis;
- bronchitis;
- colitis;
- gastritis;
- inflammation of the mouth and throat;
- affection of the lungs and respiratory tract;
- pleurisy;
- cough (dry lungs, dry cough, "dry" stage of acute bronchitis);
- bronchial asthma;
- pertussis;
- cold;
- excessive mucus;
- persistent catarrh in the respiratory tract (especially in children);
- affections of urinary ducts (cystitis);
- dehydration;
- tuberculosis;
- diabetes;
- gangrene;
- septicemia;
- ulcers;
- pain caused by kidney stones;
- difficult or painful urination;
- hematuria;
- epistaxis (nosebleeds);
- blood in the stool;
- hemoptysis or hematemesis (blood in sputum);
- inflammation, gastro-intestinal irritation;
- colitis;
- enteritis;
- gastric hyperacidity;
- Crohn's disease;
- ulcerative colitis;
- ulceration of the alimentary canal;
- diverticulitis;
- diarrhea;
- dysentery;
- irritable bowel syndrome;
- hiatal hernia;
- rhinitis with thick yellow mucus;
- otalgia from phlegm congestion;
- sore throat;
- inflammation of the skin;
- insect bites.
To facilitate the sheet reading, the main properties are highlighted in bold. The indications on the traditional use of plants in the herbal sector, have been derived from the following literature sources, which should be consulted for in-depth information on plants and other interesting uses and suggestions:
- PDR (Physicians’ Desk Reference) for Herbal Medicines, Fourth Edition, Ed. Thomson 2007.
- Perugini Billi F., Manuale di Fitoterapia, Edizioni Junior, Azzano San Paolo (BG) 2004.
- Pomini L., Erboristeria italiana, Edizioni vitalità, Torino, 1973.
- Tierra M., Planetary Herbology, Lotus Press, Wisconsin USA 1988.
- Valnet J., Fitoterapia. Cura delle malattie con le piante, Aldo Martello - Giunti Editore, 1976.
