Althea
Althaea officinalis
Common Names: Marshmallow, mortification root, sweet weed, wymote. Medicinal Parts: Root, leaves, flowers.
Description: Althea is a perennial plant, 2 to 4 feet high, that is cultivated but also occurs wild in damp meadows and wet places. The rootstock is white and tastes sweet and mucilaginous when chewed. It sends up several unbranched, woolly stems with serrate, pubescent leaves. The axillary flowers are from 1 to 2 inches across and may be light red to white or purple in color.
Properties and Uses: Demulcent, emollient, diuretic. Altha’s particular excellence is soothing irritated tissue. Externally, use it as a poultice for irritations, burns, carbuncles and furuncles, and wounds. An infusion of the leaves or flowers serves as a soothing gargle. A decoction of the root makes a good vaginal douche or a soothing eyewash. Use the cold extract of the root or the whole plant as a tea that is good for coughs, whooping cough, bronchitis, and lung catarrh. For bronchial asthma, sweeten with honey and take a mouthful at a time. The tea also helps in many digestive and urinary problems and can be taken for ulcers and colitis.
Preparation and Dosage: The leaves develop their mucilaginous content after flowering. Gather the root in spring or fall and peel before using. Since the infusion and decoction tend to be gelatinous, use the cold extract method to make the tea.
Cold extract: Use 1 to 2 tbsp. root or plant with 1 cup cold water. Let stand for 8 hours, then strain. Take 1 cup a day, cold or slightly warmed up.
Infusion: Use 2 tbsp. flowers or leaves to 1 cup boiling water; steep for 5 minutes.
Decoction: Use 1 tsp. root to 1 cup boiling water. Simmer until the desired consistency is obtained. Tincture: A dose of the tincture is 20 to 40 drops.
Poultice: Mix grated root with honey to obtain a thick mash. Spread on a linen cloth and apply. Renew every 2 to 3 hours.
