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Like their relatives, the high mallow and althea plants are sweet and soft. Even their leaves are delicately covered with velvet-like hairs. Dioscorides already recommended this plant in the 1st century; since then, it has been used.
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Althea Plant Scientific Facts
- Other names are marshmallow, mortification root, sweet weed, and wymote.
- French: Guimauve.
- Spanish: Malvavisco.
- Environment: Humid soils, marshes, and riverbanks of Central and South Europe. It is grown as a medicinal herb both in Europe and America.
- Description: This vibrant plant of the Malvaceae family is hairy and can grow up to two meters high. It has large, velvet-like leaves and white flowers with five petals.
- Parts of the plant used medicinally: Flowers, the roots, and the leaves.
Healing Properties and Uses
All parts of the althea plant, especially its root, contain mucilage, pectin, mineral salts, and vitamin C. Its properties are the same as those of the high-mallow plant; however, they are more intense due to its higher mucilage content. Thus, it is one of the most emollient plants known. Mucilage covers the skin and mucous membranes, forming a protective and anti-inflammatory layer.
Its uses are similar to those of high mallow: it is laxative in constipation and anti-inflammatory in gastritis, gastroenteritis, or colitis; it also fights respiratory afflictions and oral and other digestive mucous membrane irritations.
Children may chew its clean root when teeth erupt because it soothes gums and eases tooth eruption.
How to use Althea
- Infusion with 30 grams of young leaves or flowers, or decoction with 20-30 grams of root per liter of water. Drink 3 or 4 cups daily and sweeten with honey.
DISCLAIMER: All content on this website is presented solely for educational and informational objectives. Do not rely on the information provided as a replacement for advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified medical expert. If you are pregnant, nursing, or have any preexisting medical concerns, talk to your doctor before using any herbal or natural medicines.
REFERENCES
- George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. “Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants.” George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants. Ed. Francesc X. Gelabert. Vols. 1 San Fernando de Henares: Editorial Safeliz, 2000. 190. Print. [Althea plant]
- https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-references/superseded-list-references-supporting-assessment-report-althaeae-radix-althaea-officinalis-l-radix-marshmallow-root_en.pdf
Last update on 2025-04-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API