Marshmallow officinalis - Althaea officinalis L. "style =" border-style: solid; border-width: 6px; border-color: # ffcc66; "width =" 250 "height =" 337 ">
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Other names: Gulkhetma, Wild poppy, Malva, Prosvirnyak, Proskurnyak, Wild rose.

Diseases and Effects: chronic bronchitis, tracheitis, laryngitis, bronchopneumonia, bronchial asthma, gastritis, gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer.

Active substances: polysaccharides, pentosans, hexosans, galactose, dextrose, pentose, asparagine, betaine.

Time of collection and preparation of the plant: April - May, September - October.

Botanical description of marshmallow officinalis

Marshmallow officinalis is a perennial grayish-green herb of the Malvaceae family (Malvaceae), 60-150 cm high.

Rhizome thick, short, multi-headed, with a powerful taproot, in the upper part a lignified root, reaching a length of 50 cm. Roots are fleshy, whitish, up to 2-3 cm thick.

Stems slightly branched, cylindrical, woody in the lower part, and green and juicy in the upper part.

Leaves alternate, 5-15 cm long, petiolate, grayish-green, velvety-tomentose from dense short pubescence. Marshmallow leaves appear silky due to the stellate hairs. The lower leaves are round, ovate, the upper leaves are oblong-ovate, velvety, densely pubescent.

Flowers clustered in the axils of the upper and middle leaves and at the top of the stem in the form of cyst-like inflorescences. Corolla pink, five-lobed, petals obovate. Purple stamens are numerous and, moreover, fused into a common tube.

Fetus- flat, disc-shaped fractional polysperm, consisting of 15-25 yellowish-gray single-seeded fruitlets (achenes), which contain dark brown kidney-shaped seeds. The mass of 1000 seeds is from 2.0 to 2.8 g.

Blooms from June to September; bears fruit from July.

Distribution and habitats of marshmallow officinalis

Althea officinalis is widespread in the steppe and forest-steppe zones of the European part of the former USSR, in the south of Western Siberia, in Kazakhstan, in some regions of Central Asia and the Caucasus.

In the forest-steppe and steppe zones, marshmallow prefers habitats that are sufficiently moisture-rich: the banks of rivers, oxbows, irrigation ditches, lakes and ponds, coastal thickets of bushes, damp, mostly saline meadows and fallow lands, marshy lowlands. Usually forms small groups, sometimes sparse thickets. In Ukraine, it is found mainly in the basins of the Dnieper, Seversky Donets and Southern Bug. In small quantities, marshmallow is found in the Dniester basin.

The main areas of collection and procurement are Ukraine, Voronezh region of Russia, Dagestan.

Biological features of marshmallow officinalis

Marshmallow officinalis is a moisture-loving plant. Under natural conditions, it grows in areas with a humid and temperate climate. In the wild, it occurs on soils with a close occurrence of groundwater and has a well-developed root system and aboveground mass.

Marshmallow propagates both by seeds and vegetatively. Seed germination occurs 7-9 days after sowing in well-warmed up to 16-18 ° C and moist soil. Seedlings appear under favorable conditions in 15-18 days. In the initial period, marshmallow seedlings grow very slowly and are demanding on moisture. With a significant moisture deficit, they die.

In the first year of vegetation, marshmallow blooms and bears fruit poorly. It blooms in June, and the fruits ripen in July - August. By the end of the growing season, buds are formed in the upper part of the root, from which branchy stems grow in spring. The development of stems and their number depends on the growing conditions and plant density. In the second year of life, the marshmallow blooms profusely and bears fruit. The period of growth and fruiting of marshmallow under favorable growing conditions lasts almost until the onset of frost.

Harvesting of marshmallow medicinal and quality of raw materials

The roots and rhizomes of marshmallow are harvested before the beginning of regrowth, in April - the first half of May, or in the fall, in September – October, after the dying off of the aboveground parts of the plant.

Currently, marshmallow is grown in Moldova on an area of ​​300-350 hectares, annually receive 50-60 tons of root and 150-200 tons of grass. The yield of dry roots is 10-25 kg / ha.

Marshmallow propagates by seeds, less often vegetatively and by seedlings. Sowing marshmallow seeds is carried out in early spring at the first opportunity to go into the field or before winter, when there are no conditions for the emergence of seedlings.

Marshmallow roots and grass are harvested in the second and third years of the growing season. Root harvesting is carried out in early spring or autumn.

The grass is harvested in the second year of the marshmallow growing season. Grass mown at a height of 20-30 cm from the soil surface is dried in rolls, and then dried under a canopy, spread out in a layer no more than 50 cm thick.

According to the requirements of the State Pharmacopoeia and the Pharmacopoeia article FS 42-812-73, the peeled marshmallow roots are cylindrical pieces or split lengthwise into 2-4 parts, slightly tapering towards the end. The thickness of the pieces is 0.5-1.5 cm and the length is up to 35 cm. The cut raw materials are pieces of various shapes ranging in size from 3 to 8 mm.

Raw materials must have a moisture content of no more than 14%; total ash no more than 8%, including ash insoluble in 10% hydrochloric acid, no more than 0.5%; woody roots no more than 3%; Marshmallow roots, poorly cleared of cork, no more than 3%; organic impurities (parts of other non-poisonous plants) no more than 0.5%; mineral impurities (earth, sand, stones) no more than 1%.

Store raw materials in dry, well-ventilated areas. The roots are hygroscopic and easily dampened. Shelf life is 3 years.

The dried herb of cultivated marshmallow collected at the beginning of flowering consists of non-lignified shoots with partially crumbling, whole or broken leaves and flowers.

The chemical composition of marshmallow officinalis

The roots of marshmallow contain about 35% mucus, consisting mainly of polysaccharides - pentosans and hexosans, which are split during hydrolysis into galactose, dextrose and pentose. In addition, the roots contain pectin substances up to 16%, starch up to 37%, sucrose up to 10%, asparagine 2%, betaine 4%; fatty oil 1.7%. Leaves and flowers contain mucus and about 0.2% solid essential oil.

Pharmacological properties of marshmallow officinalis

Marshmallow root is a typical representative of medicines related to mucus, in terms of the content of active compounds, it is almost equivalent in this respect to flax seeds. By the term "plant mucus" is meant a mixture of the corresponding mucus and pectins, sometimes with the addition of aminopectins or dextrin. The composition of the mucus molecules includes the so-called uronic acids (for example, galacturonic acid), some organic acids and polysaccharides.

Mucus in water swells and form characteristic colloidal systems, the medicinal value of which depends on the physicochemical properties, which essentially determine the pharmacological action of these drugs. Plant mucus covers the mucous membranes with a thin layer, which remains on them for a long time and thereby protects the mucous membranes from further irritation. As a result, spontaneous regeneration of damaged tissues is facilitated, and the inflammatory process is reduced. Acting as a protector, plant mucus softens thick, inflammatory plaque (eg, plaque on the mucous membranes of the throat and larynx).

In addition, mucus makes it easier to cough up due to the properties characteristic of colloids. An aqueous extract of marshmallow root, taken internally in a sufficiently large dose, has an enveloping effect on the gastric mucosa. Its protective effect is the more effective and lasting, the higher the acidity of gastric juice, since the viscosity of mucus increases when it comes into contact with hydrochloric acid released during gastric secretion.

The use of marshmallow officinalis in medicine

The high content of mucus and the above-listed pharmacological properties of herbal preparations from marshmallow determine their use in diseases of the respiratory and gastrointestinal tract. Since water extracts from the marshmallow root have enveloping, protective, emollient, anti-inflammatory properties, and also have an expectorant and some analgesic effect, they are used primarily for chronic bronchitis, tracheitis, laryngitis, bronchopneumonia and bronchial asthma.

Marshmallow root should be classified as an antitussive agent, since any effective expectorant also leads to a decrease in cough. Marshmallow medications soothe coughs, such as laryngitis. A mucous broth of the marshmallow root, flowing down the back of the pharynx, moistens the vocal cords and can penetrate into the trachea, softening hard deposits and promoting healing of the affected mucous membranes. Due to the content of mucous substances, starch, polysaccharides and a number of colloidal compounds, marshmallow preparations envelop the affected areas and protect the nerve endings of the mucous membranes of the oropharynx and trachea from various irritating factors, which not only gives a pronounced therapeutic effect, but also contributes to a longer local effect of other drugs ...

In addition, marshmallow root is widely used for gastritis and gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer, especially with increased acidity of gastric juice. Mucous substances and colloidal aqueous solutions of the plant root envelop the affected ulcerative-erosive areas of the mucous membranes, creating a protective layer against the action of aggressive components and pathogenic flora, and also create favorable conditions for the healing of pathological areas, simultaneously providing an anti-inflammatory effect. When used in combination with other more active anti-inflammatory drugs, marshmallow mucus slows down their evacuation and thereby creates favorable conditions for a longer and more complete local therapeutic effect on the affected areas.

The emollient properties of marshmallow are used to soften and remove tough plaque from inflammation of the mucous membranes. Marshmallow root infusions are prescribed in the form of rinses, poultices and enemas. There is experience in the use of marshmallow root and as an additive to dietary nutrition when prescribing a mucous diet.

Noteworthy are clinical observations on the use of the infusion and extract of marshmallow for eczema and psoriasis. Patients were prescribed marshmallow in the form of infusion and extract orally 1 tablespoon 3 times a day before meals for 1-3 weeks. As a result of treatment, a significant improvement was noted in the majority of patients. For example, in patients with psoriasis, there was a transition from a progressive stage to a stationary one, and from a stationary one to a regressive one. The intensity and prevalence of psoriatic eruptions decreased. All patients improved sleep, appetite, mood, irritability disappeared; stool normalized, urine output increased. Parallelism of the regression of pathological manifestations on the skin with an improvement in the functional state of the adrenal cortex was also noted.

Techniques for industrial cultivation of marshmallow officinalis

The best precursors for marshmallow are fallow and winter cereals harvested for green fodder and grain.

Fertilizing the soil for marshmallow includes the main and pre-sowing treatment and depends on the degree of weediness of the site, the predecessor, sowing time and weather conditions.

The main tillage consists of autumn plowing and semi-steam cultivation. After harvesting the grain, the stubble is plowed twice. Full doses of mineral fertilizers are applied before plowing. It is better to plow to a depth of 30-35 cm, which makes it possible to increase the yield of roots and reduce the loss of raw materials during harvesting. Plowing is carried out with simultaneous packing of the soil with ring rollers. As weeds appear and grow, semi-steam soil cultivation is carried out. For the last autumn cultivation, it is better to use a combined tillage tool RVK-3.0.

Early spring and pre-sowing soil cultivation is carried out depending on its physical properties, sowing time, methods of basic processing and on a number of other conditions. The main task of processing is to create conditions for reducing the evaporation of soil moisture, destroy weeds and provide a compacted bed for seeds in order to quickly germinate.

A prepared field for sowing marshmallow should have a leveled fine crumbly surface and a sufficient supply of moisture in the upper soil layer.

The use of fertilizers for marshmallow consists of the main, pre-sowing and top dressing. For the main treatment, it is necessary to apply mineral fertilizers at the rate of N 120 P 60. Simultaneously with sowing, 30 kg / ha of granular superphosphate is applied. In the second year of the growing season, marshmallow feeding is carried out in early spring at the rate of N 60.

The main breeding method for marshmallow is sowing by seeds. Spring sowing is carried out at the first opportunity to go into the field. For sowing, seeders SO-4.2 are used. The row spacing is 60-70 cm, the seeding rate is 6-8 kg / ha, the sowing depth is 3 cm.

Podwinter sowing of marshmallow is carried out at a time when there are no longer conditions for the emergence of seedlings. The advantage of this sowing time is that the seeds do not require pre-sowing preparation and sowing is carried out in a less stressful time. In comparison with spring sowing, seedlings appear earlier, which further contributes to their better growth and development.

Relatively recently, a new method of pre-sowing seed treatment has been developed. It consists in the fact that before sowing marshmallow seeds are treated with a solution of gibberellin at a concentration (700 mg of gibberellin per liter of water) with exposure for 24 hours. Seed treatment with gibberellin ensures high field germination of seeds during spring sowing and increases yield by 10-15%.

The reception of pre-sowing seed treatment with gibberellin is as follows: gibberellin is first dissolved in a small amount of ethyl alcohol (1 g of the drug in 20 ml of alcohol), and then in water to the required concentration. A heap of seeds no more than 0.5 m in height is evenly moistened with a gibberellin solution and mixed repeatedly. Treated seeds are kept in the mound in a moist state for 24 hours, and then dried. Immediate seeding is not required. 10-12 liters of gibberellin working solution are usually consumed per 100 kg of seeds.

The reception of pre-sowing seed treatment with gibberellin successfully replaces the previously used method of pre-sowing germination.

In the absence of gibberellin, seed preparation consists in soaking them for 3-4 hours in warm (not higher than 40 ° C) water and keeping them moist in a warm room for 30-48 hours. Then the seeds are dried to a loose state.

Marshmallow can also be propagated by annual roots.

With this method of reproduction of marshmallow, annual roots are preliminarily grown in areas where marshmallow is sown thickened, with row spacing of 30 cm and are not thinned out. They are dug out in spring or better in autumn and planted in a permanent place with a planting machine to a depth of 5-10 cm. This method of cultivation of marshmallow, in comparison with seed reproduction, has a number of advantages. So, from 1 hectare of the breeding site, you can get planting material for 10 hectares of industrial plantation, while there is no need to process 10 hectares of crops without a crop in the first year.

Marshmallow officinalis at the beginning of the growing season is picky about soil moisture and is very sensitive to weeds. Therefore, during this period it is very important to keep crops in a loose and weed-free state.

When shoots appear, the first loosening of the row spacing is carried out to a depth of 4-5 cm using cultivators with one-sided razor paws. Further processing is performed as weeds appear. During the growing season in the first year of life, it is necessary to carry out 2-3 manual weeding and 4-5 inter-row treatments.

On the plantations of the subsequent years of life, in early spring, harrowing is carried out with a BP-8 harrow or other heavy harrows. During the growing season, the plantation is weeded by hand and 3-4 inter-row treatments are carried out.

The roots and grass are harvested in the second and third years of life. Harvesting of the roots of marshmallow is usually carried out in the fall or early spring. It is possible to harvest the roots in the first year of the growing season, but the yield should be at least 12-16 c / ha. Before digging the roots, preparatory work is carried out on the plantation. They consist in mowing the above-ground mass with mowers and removing it from the field. The remaining stubble is cut by KIR-1.5 or other rotary mowers at soil level.

On unconsolidated, light-textured soils, root harvesting can be done with potato diggers. On compacted and heavy soils, the roots are plowed with a plow without dumps. Then the roots are picked by hand, shaken off the soil and taken out of the field. In order to avoid large losses, two-fold plowing of the roots and their selection by hand are additionally carried out. At the washing site, remove the remaining stems. Washing is carried out on root washers. The root is dried on a SKM-1 dryer and other heat-heated dryers at a temperature not exceeding 50-60 ° C.

Raw materials are packed in bales of 50 kg, in bags - 20-25 kg. Shelf life is 3 years.

For growing seeds, special areas are allocated. Collecting marshmallow seeds begins from the second year. Particular attention in seed plots is paid to the fight against weeds, diseases and pests. When brown, 50% of the ovaries begin to harvest. The mowed mass is dried in rolls, and then taken to the sites, where it is dried, and the seeds are ripened.

In sunny weather, the dry mass is threshed with a grain harvester. The resulting seeds are not always freed from the bracts, so they are passed through a beater apparatus. Further cleaning is carried out on machines OS-4,3, "Petkus", pneumatic sorting column OPS-1. Peeled seeds are dried to standard moisture content. Store ready-made seeds in multilayer paper bags.

Cultivation of marshmallow officinalis in personal plots

The soil for cultivation in personal plots should be fertile, sandy loam or loamy. The area set aside for the cultivation of marshmallow in the fall is dug to a depth of 25-27 cm, after adding 5-6 g / m 2 of compost and potash fertilizers at the rate of 10-15 g / m 2.

In early spring, the plot is developed with a rake and loosened with a hoe to a depth of 4-5 cm. Then the plot is compacted a little, furrows are made, and the seeds are sown to a depth of 2-3 cm. The seed consumption rate is 1 g / m 2, the row spacing is 45-60 cm. For sowing, it is better to use seeds scarified or soaked in water for 3-5 days.

Plant care is mainly about keeping the site free of weeds and maintaining the optimal number of plants per running meter. Standing density should be within 10-15 plants. Top dressing with nitrogen fertilizers is carried out with an annual crop in the phase of a well-developed rosette of leaves, and with a perennial crop - in early spring. The consumption rate of nitrogen fertilizers is 10-15 g / m 2.

In late autumn, the root is dug up with a shovel, freed from the soil, the aerial part is removed, and quickly and thoroughly washed with running water. If the root is more than 2 cm thick, it must be cut lengthwise and dried at a temperature not exceeding 50-60 ° C.

The seeds are harvested by hand when 70-80% of the ovaries are brown.

Dosage forms of marshmallow officinalis, method of administration and dosage

Decoction of marshmallow roots(Decoctum radicum Althaeae): 6 g (2 tablespoons) of raw material is placed in an enamel bowl, 200 ml (1 glass) of hot boiled water is poured, covered with a lid and heated in boiling water (in a water bath) for 30 minutes, cooled at room temperature for for 10 minutes, filter. The remaining raw materials are squeezed out. The volume of the resulting infusion is brought to 200 ml with boiled water. The prepared broth is stored in a cool place for no more than 2 days.

Take hot 1 / 2-1 / 3 cup 3-4 times a day after meals.

Raw materials are not packaged. The roots are stored in a cool, dry place.

Marshmallow root extract dry(Extractum Althaeae siccum) is a grayish-yellow powder with a peculiar sweetish taste.

Extract of marshmallow root liquid(Extractum Althaeae fluidum) - thickish liquid of dark amber color, peculiar sweet taste, almost odorless.

Marshmallow syrup(Syrupus Athaeae) consists of dry marshmallow root extract (2 parts), sugar syrup (98 parts). It is a clear yellowish liquid with a peculiar sweet taste. It is used in potions to improve the taste and as an enveloping agent.

Mucaltin(Mucaltinum). Tablets of 0.05 g containing a mixture of polysaccharides (dry mucus) from the herb marshmallow. Prescribe 1-2 tablets per meal before meals. The indications are the same as for all preparations of marshmallow root. Store in a cool dry place.

Collection number 103
It is used for laryngitis. According to the method of preparation and use - inhalation.

Collection number 167
It is used for angina, pharyngitis

Collection number 189
It is used for bronchitis. According to the method of preparation and use - infusion.

Marshmallow is a perennial plant that can reach two meters in height. For medicinal purposes, it has been used since ancient times, and earlier they took not only the root and seeds, but also flowers and leaves. The ancient Greeks called marshmallow herb for all ailments, so it was actively used in folk medicine. Now it is also used to prepare herbal medicines, so it will be useful for people to know what properties this plant has.

Description

Altay grows in the European part of Russia, as well as in Kazakhstan and in the western region of Siberia. Most often it is located near lakes and rivers, as well as where the soil is sufficiently moist. The plant is used not only for folk recipes, but also in traditional medicine. Now it is grown in special zones, so that it can then be harvested for medicinal purposes.

It is mainly used for root treatment, but other parts of the plant can be used as well. Many people cannot harvest herbs on their own, so they purchase them from pharmacies. You can buy a collection, tablets and syrup in order to use it for your own purposes. However, it is worth remembering about contraindications, because not all people can use marshmallow.

If a person wants to independently collect this plant, then he must understand that it is difficult to extract this crop from the soil manually. Therefore, it is imperative to take a shovel with you in order to make a square of about 20 by 20 centimeters in the ground. You will need to get the rhizome and clean it from the ground. Next, rinse and cut into pieces.

The roots should be rinsed in cold water until the mucus is gone. After that, you can dry it somewhere in the attic or in any other remote and dark place. You can understand that the plant is dried up as follows. You need to try to break the spine, if it lends itself well, then everything is as it should be.

It is easier to purchase marshmallow root, syrup or collection at the pharmacy. Then it can be immediately used for medical purposes and not waste time drying. But first you should consider how this plant works, and in what cases it needs to be taken.

Healing properties

If a person is going to use marshmallow root, the medicinal properties and contraindications should be known. The tool has anti-inflammatory and healing properties, it also strengthens the immune system. It has a complex effect on many internal organs, improving their condition. It will be useful to consider in more detail what medicinal properties marshmallow has.

How the plant works:

  1. Marshmallow has a positive effect on the upper respiratory tract. It helps to ease the cough, and also thinns phlegm and allows the mucous membrane to heal faster. Therefore, the plant is often used during colds, acute respiratory viral infections and influenza.
  2. The root is effective for the digestive system. It helps well with heartburn, because it can reduce the effect of gastric juice on the mucous membrane. It also reduces any negative effects on the gastrointestinal tract. The ingredient is useful for gastritis and stomach ulcers.
  3. There is a good effect on immunity. As you know, Althea contains polysaccharides, which increase the activity of phagocytes, thereby stimulating the cellular immune system.
  4. The root of this plant is often used to treat bronchitis, asthma, pneumonia and tracheitis. A natural ingredient cannot be the main drug. However, it serves as a great addition to traditional therapy.
  5. Medicines, which include marshmallow, quickly eliminate inflammation in stomatitis and sore throat.
  6. Often, decoctions are used to treat conjunctivitis.
  7. The natural ingredient is often prescribed for patients who have urinary tract infections. Also, the remedy is effective when a person has difficulty in excreting urine, or there are stones in the bladder.

Some people use marshmallow even for weight loss. Because it allows you to get rid of extra pounds and gain a slender figure. However, when marshmallow root is used, the instructions must be strictly followed. Only in this case it will be possible to achieve the desired effect.

Contraindications

Folk remedies are the safest, therefore, therapy with their use is extremely rarely harmful to health. But still, before acquiring marshmallow root, the medicinal properties and contraindications will need to be taken into account. Because you can face side effects that will harm the patient.

First of all, we note that it is important to observe the prescribed dosages when using this component. When it is necessary to use marshmallow root, the instructions for use should be carefully studied. If the child is not yet 1 year old, then it is allowed to carry out therapy only under the supervision of a doctor.

There are few contraindications, but they exist:

  • The beginning of pregnancy.
  • Diabetes.
  • Respiratory system pathologies.
  • Frequent constipation.
  • Individual intolerance to the product.


Note that this drug should not be used in conjunction with medicines that block coughs. Because the phlegm after liquefaction must be excreted from the body. In case of an overdose, the person will have to deal with nausea and vomiting. If these symptoms appear, then it will be necessary to rinse the body and stop using this remedy.

Recipes

People can acquire or dig up marshmallow root, it will be important to take into account the medicinal properties and contraindications in advance. This component is included in many recipes. Therefore, a person can independently choose the right one, or consult a doctor. There are some fairly simple cooking methods that will suit any situation.

It will be easy enough to make a decoction from this ingredient. You will need to take 2 tablespoons of dried roots, and then pour 500 ml of water over them. Next, you need to put the mixture on fire and cook for 10-15 minutes. After that, you need to let the product cool, and then strain through cheesecloth. The finished product should be used about two to three times a day, a tablespoon. On average, the course can last up to two weeks.

If you have serious problems with the organs of the gastrointestinal tract, you will need to use several herbs at once. Marshmallow is always present among them. You should mix the creeping wheatgrass root, licorice root, chamomile, and fennel. Next, you need to take one teaspoon of this mixture and add about 200 ml of hot water. You need to insist for about half an hour, then strain. The tincture is drunk once before bedtime.

Marshmallow for cough can be prepared in the form of an infusion. To do this, you need to take the roots and grind them. Then pour about two tablespoons of the ingredient with 500 ml of water and leave for 5 hours. The mixture will need to be filtered, and then mixed with honey (you will need to take two teaspoons of it). The tincture should be consumed 100 ml 4 times a day. It will help fight coughs, as well as relieve intestinal upset and abdominal pain. Also, this tool can be used to treat skin wounds.

If a person suffers from sore throat, he can be advised to mix a teaspoon of marshmallow with one tablespoon of sage. The resulting mixture must be filled with 200 ml of hot water, and then left for about an hour. Strain the tincture, after which it can be used to gargle about three times a day.

This ingredient is used even for chronic prostatitis. To do this, you need to take a tablespoon of marshmallow, and then pour it with a glass of slightly warm water. You need to insist for about an hour, then strain and use a large spoon every two hours. It is also recommended to supplement the therapy with other tinctures made from hazel, aspen bark, or horsetail. In this case, the positive effect will be achieved faster.

Any of these recipes is effective, the main thing is not to exceed the indicated dosages. If negative effects occur, you should immediately abandon the drug and consult a doctor. We'll have to look for another remedy that will be no less effective for a specific ailment.

How to use the syrup

Some people prefer marshmallow root syrup, the instructions for use are quite simple. You can even buy the finished medicine straight away from the pharmacy. But it is also possible to do it yourself.

How to cook:

  1. You will need to pour 2 grams of crushed root with water (50 ml) and leave for 60 minutes.
  2. Next, strain the product and add a gram of wine alcohol, as well as 60 grams of sugar.
  3. You will need to put the product on fire and wait for the sugar to melt.

This remedy can even be given to children, but it is important to strictly observe the dosage. It will not be difficult to use marshmallow root syrup, the instructions for use are quite simple. If the child is not yet six years old, then it is worth giving half a teaspoon five times a day (with a strong cough). You can also dilute it in water using about one third of a glass of liquid. The treatment period is two weeks.

The rest can use a teaspoon of syrup 3-5 times a day. It is important to ensure that no negative action occurs. If the patient begins to vomit, then the stomach should be washed out immediately. You will also need to exclude this syrup from the course of treatment so as not to harm your health. Such symptoms can also occur in case of an overdose, so sometimes it is enough to reduce the frequency of use of the drug or portion.

Marshmallow belongs to the varieties of mallow, it can be found on the plots of amateur gardeners quite often. Its benefits have been known from the very beginning of the formation of medicine. A medicinal plant is mentioned in the writings of Hippocrates and Dioscorides. Many publications and articles have been published on its medicinal properties and contraindications.

Medicinal properties of the herb

Marshmallow root can be found in the register of medicinal raw materials in different regions. The third part of its composition is occupied by plant mucus, starch is contained in the same amount, the remaining percentage belongs to oils, sugars, pectin substances and asparagine. It is the root of the plant that is most often used to treat certain diseases, due to its content of mucous substance. Less commonly, leaves and flowers are used for medicinal purposes. Huge areas are allocated for planting marshmallow.

  • enveloping;
  • anti-inflammatory;
  • softening;
  • antispasmodic;
  • expectorant.

This variety of mallow is used to cure diseases of the respiratory system (as well as), digestion, infections of the genitourinary system, diseases of the oral cavity (candidiasis and), and duodenal ulcers, tumors, skin diseases (and eczema), with tuberculosis and inflammation of the eyelids. There are recipes for mosquito bites and joint pain.

For women

Women often use marshmallow not only to improve their health, but also for beauty. With the help of this herb, you can cure cystitis if you prepare an infusion based on its root of the plant (pour 2 tablespoons of marshmallow root with 400 ml of boiling water and leave for 7 hours, take half a glass warm 3 times a day before meals).

For diseases of the female reproductive system, douching is practiced. To prepare a medicinal broth, you need to mix 10 g of marshmallow roots and egg capsules, black elderberry, Potentilla, wormwood, lilac, poplar buds, chopped walnut leaves. Pour the finished mixture with 500 ml of boiling water, put in a water bath for 15 minutes, leave for 2 hours. Carry out the procedure 3 times a day, one-time volume - 150 ml.

Its beneficial properties can be used as a skin care agent, relieving inflammation and irritation, if 1 tbsp. l. Pour 200 ml of boiling water over the crushed root of the herb, let it brew for 3 hours and filter. Every morning in the finished infusion, moisten a gauze napkin and apply on the face.

To regenerate and moisturize the skin, it is necessary to brew an infusion according to a similar recipe, only it needs to be infused a little less - just half an hour, pour an ice mold and wipe your face with ice cubes instead of morning washings.

For hair

Every woman will be able to strengthen and stimulate her hair growth by rubbing the marshmallow infusion into the scalp after washing it.

Hair recipe:

  1. Pour 3 tbsp. l. chopped plant root with half a glass of cold water.
  2. Let it brew for 1 hour.

Against cough

Marshmallow is primarily used as a remedy (for whooping cough) for adults and children. A positive result is evident due to the content of the mucous substance in the plant.

Althea root tincture will help cure bronchitis, tracheitis and pneumonia. For this, 20 g of raw materials are poured into 0.5 liters of vodka, the bottle is closed and placed in a dark place for 10 days, then filtered. Take the tincture three times a day, 10 drops before meals.

Important ! On the basis of marshmallow, a drug has been developed that has an expectorant, anti-inflammatory, emollient and enveloping effect - Mukaltin.

If the cough is caused by bronchial asthma, you need 4 tbsp. l. a mixture of thyme herb and marshmallow root in equal proportions, pour 250 ml of boiling water, leave to infuse for 2 hours, and then filter. Drink the resulting infusion 4 times during the day. The course of treatment is from 10 days to one month.

An annoying persistent cough can be cured by collecting herbs containing marshmallow. They will help speed up the process of sputum separation due to their healing properties. To prepare a medicinal broth, you will need wild rosemary and coltsfoot, taken in a ratio of 2: 1: 2. Pour 200 ml of boiling water over 2 tsp. the finished mixture, put to boil on low heat, for 5 minutes, leave for half an hour. Take 1/2 cup up to 6 times a day 20 minutes before meals.

For kids

Marshmallow can be used to treat the smallest children, it successfully relieves the condition of the baby and relieves coughing attacks. Children are prescribed plant syrup for acute respiratory infections of the respiratory tract, bronchitis and tracheitis, as well as tracheobronchitis as an expectorant. The beneficial substances of marshmallow contribute to liquefaction and stimulate the work of the respiratory system.

Important! Take the tincture carefully for people with diseases of the urinary and digestive system.

How to prepare and take baby syrup.

  1. In proportions 1: 1, mix the cooled infusion of marshmallow with sugar or fruit syrup.
  2. Children under 12 years old - 1 tsp. dilute in 1/2 glass of water.
  3. The course of treatment up to 15 days 4 times a day for 1 tsp.

From gastritis

Althea is successfully used to treat diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, with damaged epithelium, stomach ulcers, etc.

Prescription for the treatment of gastritis:

  1. Mix 1 tbsp. l. flowers of marshmallow and chamomile, calendula and yarrow.
  2. Pour 2 tbsp. l. mixture of 0.5 liters of boiling water.
  3. Let it brew for 1 hour and strain.

The ready-made infusion is taken in 1/4 cup 3 times a day half an hour before meals. In case of a disease with high acidity, instead of flowers, put the root of the plant, with a lowered one - the grass of the watch is three-leafed.

The second method of treating gastritis involves a prescription based on two components. For its preparation, take 2 tbsp. l. chopped plant root, pour 500 ml of boiling water, put on low heat and let it boil for 15 minutes. Then the broth needs to be infused for 30 minutes and filtered. How honey is added to tea to taste. Take 1/2 cup 3 times a day.

You can get rid of helminthic invasions with the help of an infusion of marshmallow root. You need to cook it according to a simple scheme: 1 tbsp. l. medicinal herb pour 200 ml of boiling water, let it brew for 30-40 minutes, then filter the infusion and take up to 6 times a day for 1 tbsp. l.

Contraindications

Really, with so many positive properties, there can be contraindications to the use of the plant? Unfortunately yes!
As with all medications and medicinal herbs, it is forbidden to use marshmallow for individual intolerance. If neglected, skin rashes, itching and redness can occur.

You should not abuse the decoctions and infusions of the plant, as with all medications, you must strictly observe the dosage and recipe, otherwise you can cause nausea and vomiting.

Care must be taken when combining medicinal herbs with other drugs that can thicken phlegm and suppress coughing.

It is worth refusing to take the drug for patients with dysfunction of the respiratory work of the lungs, for chronic constipation, varicose veins, for pregnant women in the first trimester.

Nature generously endows us with many medicinal plants, with the help of which it is quite possible to do without pharmaceutical preparations. Among them is the medicinal marshmallow. In pharmacology, marshmallow root is more often used, although its ground part has no less useful properties, you just need to know when to harvest them. The plant is now forgotten by many, although it is used in folk and official medicine. And at their summer cottage they began to rarely plant it, but in vain - marshmallow can replace a wide range of medicines.

This plant has been known since ancient times for its healing properties, since such ancient healers as Galen and Hippocrates, and later Avicenna, mentioned and praised it in their writings, and treated all kinds of ailments with it. This plant was considered a friend of both the rich and the poor, since it was available to anyone.

In the wild, the plant can be found in a large part of central Russia, in Central Asia, in northern Africa. Prefers to grow in sunlit places near water bodies and rivers, or in wet areas.

Marshmallow is a perennial herb from the Malvaceae family. How the plant looks like, look at the photo.

Chemical composition

Marshmallow officinalis is a leader in the content of all kinds of mucus, due to which all kinds of ulcers are treated. In addition to mucous substances, there is quite a lot of starch, sugars, organic acids, tannins, essential oils, lecithin. The composition contains carotene (vitamin A) and ascorbic acid, mineral salts, etc.

The amount of nutrients in a plant depends on the season. So in summer there are more of them in the ground part of the plant, and by autumn - in the roots. Still, it is believed that the greatest amount of nutrients is contained in the rhizome of the plant, in the leaves, stem and flowers - there are fewer of them.

By chemical composition, and above all by the amount of mucus-containing substances, marshmallow is equivalent.

Healing properties

  • peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenal ulcer, and aqueous solutions in large doses work even better, especially with increased acidity of the stomach;
  • inflammatory diseases of the larynx, tonsils;
  • skin diseases - externally in the form of lotions for psoriasis, eczema, boils, burns, acne;
  • in the form of rinses for inflammation in the oral cavity and in the form of enemas for diarrhea and colitis.

The plant has an emollient and expectorant effect. Infusions and syrups with marshmallow root soothe dry cough, which is beneficial for the treatment of cough in inflammatory diseases of the bronchi and lungs - laryngitis, pharyngitis, tracheitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, bronchial asthma, as well as with and.

And the anti-inflammatory effect helps to cope with the infection faster, improving the general condition of the body and increasing resistance to infections.

Preparations with marshmallow root help with hair loss, medicinal substances strengthen hair follicles, thereby accelerating hair growth, increasing hair.

Contraindications

Marshmallow is a plant for which no contraindications are described, however, you need to be careful when using drugs from it. You need to be careful:

  • If there are allergic reactions and individual intolerance;
  • Pregnant and lactating women should not in any way abuse drugs with marshmallow;
  • It is not recommended to use homemade infusions and syrups with marshmallow root for children under 3 years of age. In such situations, buy syrup at the pharmacy and be sure to read the instructions for use;
  • When treating cough with marshmallow root, it cannot be combined with other stronger synthetic drugs: deterioration and complications are possible.

How to procure and store?

All parts of the plant (leaves, flowers, stem) are medicinal, but pharmacologists prefer to collect the roots of the plant, since it contains the highest concentration of nutrients.

If you decide to prepare the ground part of the plant, then it is better to harvest raw materials in June-July, that is, at the time when the plant is blooming. Moreover, it is recommended to collect separately the leaves, flowers, and the stem. Dry them in a ventilated place under a canopy, exclude the sun's rays on the raw materials.

Harvesting of roots is carried out in September-October, when the stems of the plant have already wilted and dry. It is better to harvest the roots of 2 years of age: the plant begins to bloom in the second year, and the roots of a 3-4-year-old plant become tough and stiff and the supply of medicinal substances in them decreases.

After being removed from the ground, the roots are shaken off, the side shoots are removed, washed and left to wither for 2-3 days. The dried roots are then cut into small pieces and left to dry in a ventilated room or in a dryer at a temperature of no more than 40º, otherwise the healing substances will be destroyed. Dry the roots until they break.

Store dried raw materials in tightly closed glass jars or paper bags in a dry room for no more than 2 years.

Medicines and use

Infusion for coughing

3 teaspoons of crushed raw materials are poured with 1 glass of warm water, allowed to brew for an hour, then filtered. Take when coughing 1 tablespoon every 2 hours.

Infusion for skin diseases

1 tbsp. l. raw materials are poured with 1 glass of boiled water, cooled to room temperature, leave for an hour for infusion, drain. In the infusion, a gauze napkin is moistened and applied to the sore spot in the morning and evening.

Vodka tincture

The tincture has a high expectorant effect and anti-inflammatory effect in diseases of the upper respiratory tract.

To prepare it, pour 20 grams of crushed roots with 0.5 liters of vodka and put in a dark place, tightly closing the container with a lid. Insist 10 days, then strain. Before use, dilute 10-15 drops of tincture in warm water, take before meals three times a day.

Decoction of marshmallow root when coughing

For 1 glass of boiling water add 2 tbsp. l. crushed dry roots and leave to steam in water yuan for another half hour. Leave to cool for 10 minutes, strain. Bring the resulting broth to a volume of 200 ml with boiled water. It should be taken hot, 50 ml 3-4 times a day.

Marshmallow root syrup

It is convenient to give the syrup to young children - the sweet taste of the medicine will not cause a negative reaction to taking the medicine.

The syrup can be prepared in two ways:

  1. Add sweet fruit juice to the freshly prepared infusion, stir and give the child a teaspoon when coughing several times a day. The course is not more than 10-15 days.
  2. 200 g of granulated sugar is added to 100 ml of freshly prepared infusion and boiled for at least 1 hour.


  1. Marshmallow root extract is a dark amber powder that can be added when preparing collections;
  2. Mukaltin tablets - the composition contains an extract of marshmallow root and sodium bicarbonate (soda);
  3. Medicinal collection number 1: marshmallow roots + leaves of coltsfoot + oregano herb. When coughing 1 tbsp. l. collection is brewed with hot water, insisted, filtered. Take 50 ml no more than 4 times a day.
  4. Medicinal collection number 2: marshmallow roots + licorice roots + elecampane roots. 2 tsp Smech is brewed in a glass of hot water, insisted, filtered. It is taken warm in half a glass every 3 hours.

If necessary, for babies, you can prepare an infusion of marshmallow flowers, and the effect will only be if you make an infusion of fresh flowers.

How to grow marshmallow in your garden?

Marshmallow is an unpretentious plant, but for planting, choose a sunny place with moist fertile soil. The plant propagates by dividing the bush or seeds. Propagation by rhizomes can be carried out in spring or autumn.

Sowing by seeds is carried out in early spring. Before planting, it is recommended to soak the seeds in warm water for a day. Sowing is carried out to a depth of 2 cm, the distance between seeds is at least 50 cm.

The plant does not require much care, it is enough to periodically loosen the ground near the seedlings and remove weeds.
Dear readers, today you learned about such a medicinal plant as marshmallow, how to prepare medicines from the roots of marshmallow, and even how to grow it on your site. If you do not want to grow it, then it will not be difficult to buy it in a pharmacy, especially since the price of these drugs is not high, in the range of 30-60 rubles. Be healthy!

For the first time, marshmallow, as a plant with healing properties, was mentioned in the 9th century BC. The ancient Romans knew that marshmallow heals.
Marshmallow was a valuable plant according to people like Dioscorides and Hippocrates. The plant is perennial and comes from the mallow family. Marshmallow height reaches 150 centimeters.
Marshmallow rhizome is short. The root of the plant is stiff, wide. There are many roots on the sides of the plant.

Marshmallow stems are erect, rounded.
The leaves of the plant grow in the shape of an ellipse or heart, they are covered with gray fluff.
Marshmallow bloom begins after two years, in June, and ends in August.
Marshmallow fruit ripens until October. During the flowering period, plants appear in the form of brushes, consisting of flowers.

The flowers are in the leaf axils. At the top of the stems there is an inflorescence in the form of an ear.
Corollas of light pink or red flowers. It is necessary to collect the herb of the plant when the marshmallow is just beginning to bloom.

Marshmallow root is harvested in autumn and spring after two to three years.

To prepare a medicine from marshmallow, you need to take the roots from the side, which are in a stiff state.

What are the properties of marshmallow officinalis

Pharmacies sell medicinal marshmallow. It contains mucous substances.
Due to this medicine from the roots of marshmallow, they relieve pain, soften it, fight inflammation of the mucous membranes, such diseases as bronchitis, tracheitis, whooping cough.

Althea medicinal can treat stomach diseases: ulcers, gastritis, colitis, especially diseases complicated by indigestion. With this disorder, marshmallow is a fixing agent.

Most useful drugs, which include marshmallow, for people whose stomach acidity exceeds the norm.

With a higher acidity, marshmallow affects even more - the viscosity of the mucus of the plant reacts with the acid in the stomach.
Marshmallow is often used in conjunction with pills.
The most important property of marshmallow officinalis is the effect that it has when coughing during such a serious illness as laryngitis.

The plant is also often used to treat cough and whooping cough in children.
Together with all of the above, marshmallow root is used during sore throat, with stones in the bladder, jaundice, candidiasis, flu, problems with urination.

When the tonsils, pharynx, gums are inflamed, it is necessary to use a decoction of marshmallow for rinsing the mouth.
Use the cooled decoction to apply compresses to the eyes (during inflammation). Do a poultice, wash the skin, in case there is a rash.

Marshmallow extracts treat people with eczema and psoriasis.
Among other things, the herb helps with joint pain (in this case, goose fat should be added to the marshmallow).
The plant heals from tremors in the legs, arms, it is useful if you tore your muscles. Marshmallow dressings can help if you have swelling in your ears.

You won't get mosquito bites if you mix vinegar, olive oil, and marshmallow.
You can protect yourself from bees by decoction of marshmallow with vinegar and wine.

How to apply marshmallow extract (herb and roots)


Marshmallow can be used as a syrup, infusion, powder, dry extract. These types of drugs are used for various reasons.
If you have pneumonia or flu. It is necessary to brew 1 tablespoon of the plant in a glass for 1 hour. Then we filter the infusion, drink ¼ of what happened, the infusion should be at room temperature.

This infusion must be consumed three times a day. Drink gradually, in small sips.
If you have whooping cough or bronchitis. An average spoonful of marshmallow flowers is placed in a container. It is also necessary to pour 1 tbsp of pre-boiled water there. We filter, drink 2 tablespoons of this broth three times a day before breakfast, lunch and dinner, always warm.

If you have acute respiratory infections. First, grind the marshmallow root. Now let's take 3 tbsp. l plants, fill in 3 tbsp. cooled boiling water. Let's wait eight hours.
Now let's filter what happened. You need to drink ¼ of the capacity of an average glass four times a day. This remedy is an expectorant and anti-inflammatory.

If you have tracheitis.

Grind marshmallow root, take 2 tablespoons of the plant, pour a glass of cooled boiling water on top, wait half an hour.
Stir several times during infusion. After the required time, you need to strain the mixture, pour some water. The volume should be 200 milliliters. Drink 1/3 of the infusion twice a day.

If you have prostate adenoma or chronic prostatitis. Grind the dry rhizome. Now we take 1 tbsp. a spoonful of the harvested plant with a hill, fill it with one medium glass of non-hot water. Wait 1 hour. Then we filter the mixture. The applied dose is 1 tbsp. spoon once every two hours.
If you have allergic conjunctivitis, myositis, trigeminal neuralgia.
Grind the marshmallow root. Take 3 tbsp. tablespoons of the root, pour them with 1 glass of boiled water, which must be pre-cooled. Now you have to wait eight hours. We filter the resulting mixture, use what we got as a compress or lotion.

Marshmallow root extract is dry and liquid. Marshmallow roots are constantly used in alternative medicine. But the rest of the plant is also widely applicable.
It is necessary to use a decoction of marshmallow rhizomes for diseases such as bronchitis, gastritis, cystitis, blepharitis, burns, tuberculosis, enterocolitis, bronchial asthma, furunculosis, fungi on the skin.

The extract from the marshmallow herb can be used in the same way as from the part of the plant that is underground.
Quite often, this plant is combined with many others, for example, marshmallow is included in the breast collection.
When fresh marshmallow herb is harvested, it can be used as a medicinal product. To do this, you need to drink 1 tbsp. spoon 3 times a day. You can add honey to the medicine.

To prepare syrup from that part of the marshmallow that is underground, you need to take 2 g of rhizomes, previously crushed, put on a gauze cloth (four layers of gauze), pour water and alcohol on top (45 g + 1 g).

The liquid that flows onto the gauze is collected back and poured onto the plant again.
This procedure must be carried out for 1 hour. Then add 60 g of sugar to the resulting liquid, heat it until the sugar dissolves.
The syrup you end up with is good for enveloping. It is often added to potions to enhance their flavor.

Marshmallow extract is prepared at home. It's not difficult at all. Pour the decoction of the plant root into a pot, cover with a lid on top, put in the oven until it is half evaporated.

What are the contraindications to marshmallow


Marshmallow has enough positive properties. Can everyone take advantage of its miraculous properties? Unfortunately no.

You can not use marshmallow drugs for chronic constipation, varicose veins, lung diseases with respiratory disorders, in the 1st trimester, being in position, with an advanced stage of thrombophlebitis.