Marshmallow: medicinal properties and contraindications

It is no coincidence that the botanical name of the marshmallow "Herbaomniborbium" is translated from Latin as "herb for all ills". In ancient times, the medicinal properties of this plant were highly valued in the medical practices of Arab and European countries. And in the Middle Ages, it was common to decorate gardens with this useful herb. Currently, the marshmallow herb is well enough studied, and its unique properties are recognized by official medicine.

To meet the needs of the pharmaceutical industry today, this plant is specially cultivated in separate plantations. The medicinal marshmallow is used to produce extracts, infusions, syrups, and external remedies. Components of marshmallow are included in cough pills and many cosmetic care products. The healing herb is actively used in folk medicine. Given the fact that today the army of supporters of natural treatments is constantly growing, it is worth taking a closer look at the humble plant that can heal from a variety of diseases.

Chemical composition

The herb has earned nationwide love and on the Eurasian territory. For many centuries it has served for the health of our ancestors, for which it received sonorous names: wild rose, wolfsbane, mallow, dog-rose, proskurniak. Today, the plant continues to perform its mission, being an indispensable assistant in the treatment of wounds, digestive disorders, skin diseases. But all the healing properties of the marshmallow herb are provided by the rich composition, numbering several dozens of beneficial for humans substances and chemical compounds. There are some differences in the composition of individual parts of the healing plant, but most of the useful components are concentrated in the roots.

In the composition of the underground part of the marshmallow herb there are:

• starch;
• mucus in large quantities;
• pectin;
• phytosterols - plant hormones;
• sugars;
• vitamins;
• tannin elements;
• fats (mainly in the form of oils);
• asparagic acid;
• carotenes;
• phosphates;
• betaine;
• lecithin.

And, also mineral components: zinc, selenium, magnesium, iron, bromine, calcium and another whole set of macro- and microelements.

Interestingly, most of the useful components are concentrated in the central, the largest root.

The ground part of the millet, that is, the leaves and flowers, is rich in content:

• ascorbic acid;
• essential oils (in flowers these components are present in a solid form);
• mucus;
• carotenes;
• rubber-like substances;
• fatty oils (in seeds).

Such a diverse composition is of great value for humans, because it is the internal content that allows you to consider the marshmallow herb a natural source of useful elements.

Note: although all parts of the marshmallow are widely used in medicine, the root of the plant is most valued. It is this part of the perennial that is in demand in the pharmaceutical industry because of its high mucilage and starch content.

How it looks and where it grows

Althea grass is perhaps the most striking representative of the Malva family of crops. The plant is often called a wild rose for its inflorescences of unusual beauty. The history of the perennial's use in phytotherapy dates back to ancient Greece, when healers boiled the flowers with honey or rubbed them in wine, and then the resulting composition treated scrofula and hemorrhoids. It was in that distant era that the first descriptions of recipes appeared, which are used in folk medicine today. Mentioned about the healing capabilities of marshmallow herb in their works of Galen and Hippocrates, Theophrastus and other luminaries of the scientific world of the time.

The external characteristics of the marshmallow herb:

1. The marshmallow looks especially attractive during the flowering season, which lasts from June to July. During this period, delicate pink and white inflorescences appear on short peduncles. The corolla has 5 petals and the outer part of the double calyx has 12.
2. In early fall, disc-shaped fruits are formed instead of flowers. These disc-shaped nuts contain many seeds rich in solid essential components.
3. Under comfortable living conditions, the mallow reaches a height of two meters. Young plants have only one stem, but old ones can have up to ten branches pointing upward. The leaves of the marshmallow resemble velvet to the touch, are rounded and alternately arranged.

Habitat

This medicinal herb is common throughout the world. Wild species like secluded places with moist soils: they settle in thickets of shrubs, in meadows, are found on the banks of rivers and lakes, near swamps. On an industrial scale, marshmallow grass is now cultivated in the Krasnodar Territory, it is also grown in Ukraine.

Types

The widespread distribution of the perennial has contributed to the appearance of species diversity. Among them there are wild and ornamental species. In medicine, only three main species of marshmallow are used: Armenian, medicinal, hemp.

To make the botanical description complete, it is also worth adding that the average life span of a wild rose is 8-10 years, and the plant begins to bear fruit and bloom in the second or third year.

Useful to know: Marshmallow is often confused with wild mallow, which is not surprising. After all, these two medicinal herbs have almost the same composition.

This is interesting: The fruits of marshmallow are widely used as a spice additive in cooking, and the roots are added to salads, bakery products, on their basis boiled kissels.

Gathering and storage

The roots and seeds of marshmallow grass are collected for long-term storage as medicinal material.

Harvesting

The period from the end of summer to the beginning of autumn is suitable for the collection of seeds. Gather herbal raw materials should be in dry weather.

Spines harvested in early spring, but you can do it in mid-autumn after the dying away of the ground part of the plant. When collecting roots you should strictly follow this set of rules:

• dig up the roots so as not to damage the plant;
• leave at least 30% of the total volume of the grass for regeneration;
• select the roots of plants older than two years.

Drying the material

Collected roots before drying should be thoroughly rinsed under running water. It is better to dry the rhizomes, cut into small pieces. It is recommended to cut the roots not crosswise, but along their length. The most convenient place for natural drying is considered a shed, but you can use an ordinary oven to speed up the process.

The optimum temperature is 35-40°C.

Store the finished plant material in a glass jar or a tin box. In such a container in the raw material will retain all the medicinal properties for three years.

Therapeutic properties of marshmallow

Allium is valued for its high content of mucus and pectin. It is these components provide the main medicinal properties of the perennial. Since these substances are predominantly found in the roots, most of the forms of folk recipes, as well as pharmacological preparations are prepared from this part of the herb.

The main therapeutic properties of marshmallow:

• anti-inflammatory;
• soothing;
• enveloping;
• expectorant;
• regenerative;
• sedative;
• dehydrating.

Achievement of the above therapeutic effects is necessary in the following diseases:

1. Respiratory tract inflammations: bronchitis, pneumonia, laryngitis. Preparations with marshmallow herb relieve the condition during attacks of bronchial asthma.
2. Inflammatory processes of the urogenital system. Receiving a decoction of roots helps to relieve unpleasant symptoms.
3. Ulcers of the digestive organs, gastritis with increased acidity. In such cases, proskurnyak is simply indispensable.
4. Intestinal disorders and indomitable diarrhea, which often accompanies dysentery. Here, too, you cannot do without mucilaginous decoctions of marshmallow root.
5. Various skin diseases, including even severe forms of psoriasis and eczema. They are successfully treated with solutions based on this healing herb. Such remedies promote rapid recovery of damaged areas of the dermis, They treat open wounds and burns.
6. Fungal infections. Althea root can also provide real help.
7. Inflammatory processes of the eyes. In such cases, too, rinsing with a cold infusion of the herb helps very well.
8. Angina and problems with the vocal cords. Gargling with a warm solution of marshmallow is recommended. Exactly these procedures can be performed at home in case of problems with the oral cavity.
9. With the use of the healing plant, diseases of the joints, pustular skin diseases are treated. It has been proven that thanks to its antioxidant properties, marshmallow root helps to reduce the risk of cancer.

In addition, the seeds of the manger are used in folk medicine as often as the root of the plant. They are mainly used to prepare anti-cough remedies, which facilitate breathing and contribute to productive expectoration of sputum.

For women

The usefulness of marshmallow herb for women's health is difficult to overestimate. Not by chance, according to one version, the Latin name of the perennial is associated with the wife of Aeneas - the hero of the Trojan War, who steamed the flowers of marshmallow in honey water to preserve her beauty. This elixir of youth is known as the Maiden's Skin. But it's not just cosmetic powers that made the marshmallow famous. Decoction of the seeds helps women in the postpartum period to get rid of uterine secretions faster, and the leaves of the plant are struggling with neoplasms of the mammary gland.

For men

Representatives of the male half of mankind today are increasingly turning to the experience accumulated by herbalists over the centuries. The unique composition of milkwort in combination with traditional treatments helps to cope with adenoma and prostate inflammation. For this purpose, an aqueous solution of crushed roots is prepared. Tea with inflorescences, which have a high content of essential components, will help men maintain normal potency. Althea is good for men's health in combination with other medicinal herbs: locust, woodruff, hemlock.

When pregnant.

Although there are no categorical prohibitions for the reception of compositions based on marshmallow herb during pregnancy, future mothers should still refrain from such treatment. Even such relatively safe drugs as marshmallow syrup for coughs should be taken only with the permission of the doctor. It is especially undesirable to be treated with marshmallow herb in late pregnancy, since such therapy can negatively affect the fetus.

When breastfeeding.

Medicines with marshmallow are not allowed to be taken orally by breastfeeding women. This is especially true for preparations on an alcohol basis. As for remedies for external treatment of the skin - they can be used without restriction.

For children

In modern pediatric practice, treatment with preparations based on marshmallow is very common. Of course, we are talking about pharmacy remedies, because they are adapted for the treatment of young patients, so they are safe. Of course, it is up to the doctor to prescribe and monitor the treatment process, despite the fact that such drugs are available in the pharmacy without a prescription. Syrup with marshmallow is usually prescribed to children for coughs. The optimal doses of the sweet medicine:

1. Toddlers under 6 years of age - ½ teaspoon three times a day.
2. Children from 6 to 12 years - 1 teaspoon, and the number of intakes - up to 5 times.
3. For adolescents, 1 tablespoon per serving.

Because marshmallow syrup is often made with alcohol, it should not be given to infants.

Older children should be given the syrup, diluted in the proportion: 1 teaspoon per 50 ml of water. Such a measure will help prevent the development of an allergic reaction in children.

When losing weight.

Many types of phytotherapy have confirmed in practice the effectiveness in the process of weight loss. And in comparison with them, pharmacological products significantly lose on many positions. Althea root is considered a record-breaker in the fight against extra pounds. Slimy components do not allow the absorption of fats, as a result of which the appetite is dulled. For productive weight loss, it is recommended to drink a warm decoction of the herb marshmallow. You should take the remedy ½ hour before a meal, so that the drug has time to show maximum of its enveloping abilities. A month-long course of such therapy will not only help you lose 4-5 pounds of excess weight, but also saturate the tissues of the body with vitamins, minerals, provide them with vitality.

Marshmallow in folk medicine

Over the centuries of practice of using preparations based on marshmallow herb, physicians have succeeded in treating not only the common cold, but even severe forms of pneumonia, stomach ulcers, skin diseases. Therefore, in official pharmacology this perennial is considered a valuable natural raw material for the production of a number of drugs. From the healing plant prepare effective remedies for coughs, gastritis, psoriasis. In folk medicine, recipes developed hundreds of years ago are actively used. In combination with the complex of the main treatment mixtures and decoctions of home preparation enhance the therapeutic effect, speeding up the healing process.

For practical use, here are just a few of the most popular recipes that are worth using as aids in home treatment.

In case of sore throat.

To prepare such a composition is simple, if there are dried roots of prosciutto. You can buy the plant material in a pharmacy or make it yourself. The infusion is prepared by brewing ground roots of marshmallow root with a glass of steep boiling water. After an eight-hour infusion, strain the solution, before rinsing the throat a little warm.

Good for sore throat althea root (1 teaspoon) in combination with the herb sage (1 tablespoon). The infusion is prepared according to the same scheme, but the period of infusion is reduced to 30 minutes. The procedure of gargling the throat with purulent angina can be repeated 3-4 times a day.

From coughs

Even the most popular medicines can not be compared with marshmallow for the effectiveness of cough treatment. And if we consider the high safety of the natural drug and the ability to work in several directions, then this herb is out of competition. It is also attractive that such a medicine can be prepared at home. But at the same time it is necessary to necessarily observe the recommended dosage recommended by the recipe.

1. Method 1. Grind dried roots of marshmallow, take 2 tablespoons of raw materials and pour boiling water (200 ml). Then place the resulting composition to a water bath. After half an hour, remove the infusion, strain, add a little honey. Take the medicine after a meal ½ cup up to three times.
2. Method 2. This is a cold method of preparing the infusion. Prepare the medicine according to the scheme: per 1 teaspoon of dry raw materials - 200 ml of water. Insist the solution for 8 hours, then strain. Take a remedy for coughs before meals on 50 ml.

With a cold

Often in folk medicine for colds and inflammatory processes of the upper respiratory tract are used as a basic raw material dry proskurnyaka inflorescences.

Algorithm of preparation of the medicinal remedy:

1. Dry flowers of the plant in the amount of 1 tablespoon pour a glass of steep boiling water.
2. Then put the mixture for a quarter of an hour to languish in a water bath, so that the plant base gave the water most of the useful components.
3. Strain the solution.
4. When the infusion cools to 40 ° C, add honey.
5. Drink the medication a sip several times a day.

This recipe is worth using at the very beginning of the disease, when the clinical symptoms are extremely pronounced.

Infusion for peptic ulcer

With peptic ulcer disease of the digestive organs, especially in periods of exacerbation, the root of marshmallow herb will help to negate the negative symptoms. The treatment of this serious pathology uses the enveloping properties of the plant and the ability to relieve pain.

1. Option 1. As the basis for the drug take a mixture of licorice root and marshmallow, and comfrey in equal parts - 20 grams, pour boiling water (1 cup), put on low heat. Boil herbal composition for 5 minutes, and then another hour to insist. It is better to drink the medicine before going to bed. The portion for one reception is a full glass.
2. Variant 2. In this recipe, too, an herbal mixture is used: fruits of fennel, chamomile flowers, licorice roots, wheatgrass, marshmallow. Take 1 tablespoon each component, and from the resulting mixture, select only 1 teaspoon to prepare the medicine. Pour 200 ml of boiling water over the herbal base. After insisting for half an hour and straining, take the infusion in its entirety once. It is better to do this before going to bed.

Remedy for prostatitis and adenoma

Herbalists recommend men for the prevention and treatment of these most common pathologies a simple recipe: take 1 tablespoon with a handful of crushed roots of marshmallow grass, pour half a glass of plain water. After an hour, strain the infusion. It is recommended to take the herbal drink every two hours. The dose per reception is 1 tablespoon. The therapeutic effect will increase if the infusion of marshmallow is taken together with the infusion of woodruff, hazel. This type of phytotherapy is based on the alternation of herbal preparations.

Effective recipe for diarrhea

This remedy is shown in the case of a prolonged period of diarrhea, as well as with indomitable diarrhea, which often accompanies intestinal infections. Shredded marshmallow root is mixed in equal proportions with the herb wormwood and cuffs. Then 30 g of the herbal collection pour 1 liter of warm wine (dry). When the solution is infused, drink half a glass on an empty stomach, and divide the rest of the drink into four portions. Each of these portions of the infusion should be consumed hot. This remedy demonstrates an excellent result, already after several servings of a wine drink with marshmallow root, diarrhea stops.

Allergy remedy

The remedy, prepared according to the proposed recipe, is suitable for treatment in those cases where the cause of allergies has been medication or food products. That is, a proper diagnosis is necessary for effective treatment. The process itself is simple: take in equal doses of elecampane, licorice root and marshmallow. Vegetable raw materials are thoroughly mixed, take 1 tablespoon of herbal collection, pour the base with two glasses of water. Ten hours the medicine should insist, after which it should be strained. It is recommended to warm the infusion a little before use.

Remedy for emphysema

Pulmonary emphysema is a severe form of respiratory disease, which is characterized by the development of irreversible destructive changes in lung tissue. People suffering from this pathology, it is difficult to breathe, they often have a cough with sputum. Improve the general condition of such patients can be improved through periodic courses of taking a composition prepared according to this recipe: pour water (1.5 cups) to the roots of prosciutto, insist the resulting solution for an hour. After the specified period, first stir the infusion well with a spoon, so that most of the useful components are dissolved in the water. Only after this procedure, strain the medicine. Drink half a glass of warm drink three times daily. The standard course of maintenance phytotherapy is designed for 2 months. Such preventive courses should be repeated 2-3 times a year.

With emphysema effective and the following recipe: leaves and inflorescences (you can take fresh or dried material) in the amount of 2 tablespoons pour boiling water. After an hour of infusion, shake the solution, then strain. Drink the infusion better hot one glass at a time.

Remedy for myositis and neuralgia

You need to prepare a solution for lotions on problem areas. To do this, pour about 4 teaspoons of roots overnight with cold water. Before performing the procedure, strain the solution, then soak a piece of cloth with it, put it on the painful area.

As an example here are many more popular and little-known recipes for folk treatment. For example, in the olden days, to treat infected wounds, healers rubbed the roots of marshmallow with duck fat, and then put a bandage on the wound with the resulting ointment. Today, such treatment options are rarely used. But, as in the past, and today in therapy with medicinal herbs need to strictly follow the scheme of preparation and allowable dosages.

Types of healing compositions

As already noted, absolutely all parts of the marshmallow herb are suitable for the preparation of universal medicinal compositions according to folk recipes. This can be mono-compounds or complex herbal assemblages with the involvement of other useful plants. Traditionally, the following forms of medicines are prepared from the marshmallow herb: tinctures, decoctions, infusions, juice, syrup, therapeutic teas. Let's consider in detail the features of each of the named forms.

Infusion .

More often the infusion of roots is used. The standard cooking scheme: 2 tablespoons of crushed raw materials will require ½ l of warm water. After combining the ingredients, insist 6-8 hours. Then strain the solution. To improve the taste at internal reception add honey to the drink. If the solution is used for external treatment, warm it up a little before performing the procedure.

Infusion of the procurrency flowers is prepared as follows: 1 teaspoon of inflorescences pour a glass of boiling water. After soaking for two hours, strain the floral infusion. Take three times a tablespoon.

Infusion of the leaves of milfoil is prepared according to a similar scheme. But here the proportion applies: 1 tablespoon of raw materials per glass of boiling water. Time of insistence - 1 hour. After straining, the drink is taken 3-4 times by 1 tablespoon.

Tincture .

Traditionally, for the preparation of this version of the drug, vodka or purified alcohol is taken as a base. Alcoholic tincture treats diseases of the respiratory tract, the urogenital system. The algorithm for preparing a classic tincture: 20 grams of crushed raw materials (in this case, the roots of the plant) pour ½ l of an alcoholic product. Tincture must go through the process of aging in a dark place for 10-14 days. Then strain it and use as directed. The drug under proper storage conditions is good for a year. For oral administration, the optimal dose is 10-15 drops at a time. It is desirable to dilute the drug with water before use to protect the mucous membranes from burns.

Note: You should not use aluminum utensils for the preparation of medicines on alcohol.

Decoction

There are several options for preparing healing decoctions from the marshmallow herb.

A classic recipe for a decoction of roots: brew 2 tablespoons of crushed dry roots in 500 ml of water. A container with the composition to determine on a low heat, boil the contents for a quarter of an hour in this mode. Only after complete cooling, strain the solution using a strainer or gauze folded in several layers. Such a decoction is used in pediatrics, especially often it is recommended by doctors for allergic manifestations. This decoction is suitable for the treatment of burns, infected wounds, fungal skin lesions.

When treating tuberculosis, whole milk is used instead of water.

Decoction from a mixture of roots and leaves is used as a laxative.

Tea

Phyto teas are at the peak of popularity today. The high safety of such dosage forms combined with a tangible therapeutic effect allows you to include such drinks in the complex treatment of a variety of diseases.

The standard formula for the preparation of healing tea with marshmallow:

1. 2 tablespoons of plant material pour 1 liter of boiling water.
2. Insist the solution for 10-15 minutes.
3. Strain, add honey to taste.
4. Drink warm with the flu, colds, coughs slowly, taking small sips.

Tea from the root part of the healing herb is prepared according to exactly the same scheme. It is useful for peptic ulcers.

Althea in combination with licorice root and comfrey helps to normalize sleep.

Oil

To prepare the valuable oil, you need to take the seeds of the plant as a base. You have to take 1 teaspoon of the seeds of the marshmallow herb and half a cup of any vegetable oil (olive product is ideal). Then this mixture should be heated for a whole hour in a water bath. The resulting composition is widely used to stimulate hair growth and health, rub it into the scalp in a warm state. Number of sessions - 2-3 times a week. Usually a month course of treatment is enough to eliminate even complex problems.

Juice

Fresh milkwort juice is considered a very valuable natural product that helps in the treatment of tuberculosis, lingering cough, cystitis, gastritis and a number of other diseases. Plant nectar is extracted from the juicy greens, which are collected in early summer. To significantly improve the condition of severe patients is enough to take 20 ml of fresh milkwort juice three times a day. To make the drink more palatable, you should add a little honey. Freshly squeezed juice of marshmallow can treat wounds and rinse the eyes.

Syrup

Sweet syrup of marshmallow is more commonly used in pediatric practice. The drug can be easily purchased in the pharmacy and, if desired, self-cooked at home. It is better to prepare the syrup from fresh roots. Beforehand they need to be finely chopped, and then follow the scheme:

1. Mix water with wine alcohol according to the formula: 1:45.
2. In a suitable container with a filter, pour 1 teaspoon of vegetable raw materials, pour it into the water-alcohol base, put on a low fire.
3. All that will drip down through the filter to the bottom of the container, collect and re-pass.
4. Repeat the manipulation for an hour. As a result, you should get about 37 grams of the desired substance.
5. Add the sugar (63 g) to the obtained liquid, put the mixture on fire until the sugar crystals dissolve.
6. Add a few drops of anise.

Give the resulting syrup to babies under one year of age 1 teaspoon of the mixture diluted with water. Adults can take the pure product by 2 teaspoons.

There is also a simpler way to get marshmallow syrup from an aqueous infusion of the herb. Mix the herbal drink with sugar, then heat over a low heat, cool, add fruit syrup at the end.

Applications in cosmetology

At the very beginning of the article mentioned the ability of the herb marshmallow to maintain the beauty and health of the hair and skin. Not without reason, ancient beauties according to secret recipes prepared unique compositions with this wonderful herb for skin care of the face and body. Unfortunately, many recipes are irretrievably lost, but some methods are successfully used by modern women. For example, a decoction of the seed of the herb marshmallow is considered one of the most effective means to combat dandruff. And fresh leaves of the plant are applied to the skin of the face to improve its color and to combat the signs of age.

Here are recipes that girls and mature ladies should definitely take note of.

Tonic infusion of marshmallow

This remedy will help with inflammation, irritation, severe peeling of the skin.

Prepares a solution for lotions according to the standard scheme: take a full glass of boiling water for 1 tablespoon of crushed raw materials. After brewing, infuse for 3-4 hours, then strain. On the problem areas of the skin in the morning and evening impose soaked infusion cloths. These procedures will improve the appearance and return the normal tone of the skin.

Men can use this solution to treat facial skin after shaving. Also the preparation of homemade will be suitable for performing such popular procedures as peeling and vacuum massage.

Remedy for boils and pustules

Pimples give a lot of trouble. Poultices of fresh leaves and flowers of milkwort will help to get rid of them.
Remove boils on the body help poultices with the use of leaves or flowers of the hellebore. From the plant base you need to prepare a concentrated infusion according to the scheme: 2 tablespoons of plant base per glass of boiling water. The solution should infuse a whole night, then use it for lotions up to 2 times a day. In a two-week course of such treatment, the skin is usually well cleared of acne and regains a healthy appearance.

Remedy for weakened hair

To return the curls to a healthy shine, you should use the seeds of the marshmallow herb. First, warm them well in a water bath, and then combine them with vegetable oil. Rubbing such a composition twice a week will strengthen the roots of the hair. By the way, oil with marshmallow herb helps to cope with such a common problem as baldness.

To combat dandruff is more suitable decoction of the seeds, cooked in a ratio of 1:20 with water. After an hour of soaking in a water bath, strain the solution. The resulting product should be used as a rinse after washing your hair.

Contraindications for use

Although the medicinal marshmallow belongs to the group of safe plants, side effects are not excluded. The list of major contraindications to use includes:

• Pregnancy and the period of breastfeeding:
• Individual intolerance;
• tendency to constipation;
• varicose veins and thrombophlebitis.

In addition, very careful use of marshmallow syrup should be used by diabetics and infants.

Treatment with preparations with marshmallow herb can not be combined with cough suppressants, blocking the natural reflex.

Otherwise, home remedies from the marshmallow herb, as well as cosmetic preparations, fully justify their healing characteristics.

Photo of Althea