During these times it is important to keep our lungs and sinuses clear and clean . Herbal medicine has always played a role in the treatment and support of the respiratory system. Herbal teas, herbal cough drops and tinctures are most commonly used. When there is inflammation of the respiratory organs I usually treat it with mucilaginous agents. These act as soothing agents. Another name is demulcent. The demulcent effect is largely due to the mucilage contained in these drugs or herbs.
One of the best known demulcents is Marsh Mellow (Althaea offinalis)
This herb has been used for more than 2,000 years as both a food and a medicine. The Romans, Chinese, Egyptians, and Syrians used marshmallow as a source of food, while the Arabs made poultices from its leaves and applied them to the skin to reduce inflammation. Both the root and leaves contain a gummy substance called mucilage. When mixed with water, it forms a slick gel that is used to coat the throat and stomach to reduce irritation. It is also applied topically to soothe chapped skin.
Very few scientific studies have looked at the effects of marshmallow in humans. Most of its suggested uses come from a long history of use in traditional healing systems.
Some of the diseases marshmallow has been used for are Asthma, Bronchitis, Common cold/sore throat, Cough, Inflammatory Bowel Diseases such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis; indigestion; stomach ulcers and skin inflammation.
Marshmallow originally grew in salty soils but now thrives in moist, uncultivated ground. It is found in southern and western Europe, western Asia, and the northeastern region of North America. Its fleshy, upright stems reach a height of 3 - 4 feet. The pale yellow roots are tapered, long, and thick, with a tough yet flexible exterior. The short-stemmed leaves are round, with irregularly toothed margins and three to five lobes. A soft and velvety down covers the leaves and stem. The flowers have five reddish-white petals. The whole plant, especially the root, is filled with mild mucilage.
The leaves and roots of marshmallow are used for medicinal purposes.
Dried Marshmallow leaves can be used in infusions, fluid extracts, and tinctures. Marshmallow roots are available dried, peeled, or unpeeled in extracts (dry and fluid), tinctures, capsules, ointments/creams, and cough syrups. There are different doses based on which part of the part you are using. I prefer to use the tea below or the cough syrup.
Leaf tea: 2 - 5 tsp of dried leaf in 5 ounces hot (not boiling) water, two to three times per day
Root tea: 2 - 5 tsp. dried powdered root in 5 ounces hot water; let soak for an hour. Drink two to three times per day.
Leaf tincture: 1 - 2 tsp (1:5 in 25% ethanol), two to three times daily
Root infusion or cold-water maceration (2 - 5%): 5 ounces (1-2 tsp) taken to soothe cough and sore throat
Capsules: 2 - 6g per day
Marshmallow cough syrup (from root): 2 - 10g per single dose (this contains sugar so those with high sugar should seek medical approval.)
Ointment or cream: 5 - 10% drug in ointment or cream base
Call Botanical Bounty for your Marsh Mallow tea today 646 723 1823
Until tomorrow…