Name
The meaning of Althea is “healing herb”. Officinalis (meaning “of the workshop”) is a common species name and it denotes medicinal plants.
Also Known as
- marsh mallow
- marshmallow
- marshmellow
- common marshmallow
Identification Keys
- perennial herbaceous
- 60-120 cm tall
- upright, hairy stem with few side branches
- tough, pliant, long, thick, tapering taproot
- taproot is pale yellow outside and white and fibrous inside
- gray-green, stalked leaves
- coarsely and irregularly toothed, alternate leaves
- heart-shaped or three to five-lobed leaves toward the bottom
- oval and pointed leaves toward the top of the stem
- flowers grow in short, dense cluster from the upper leaves
- five-petaled, pinkish flowers
- bushy central column composed of fused stamens
- dry, flattened, disk-shaped fruit
- fruit is radially divided into 15 to 20 segments
Bloom Time
- late summer
Habitat
- marshes
- seashore
- sunny salt marshes
- coastal areas
Look-alikes
Malva spp. is a related edible species:
- Malva sylvestris
- Malva neglecta
Medicine Uses
Parts Used
root, leaf, flower
Actions
emollient, mucilage, demulcent, vulnerary, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antiseptic, antitussive, expectorant, diuretic, antilithic, immune enhancer, galactogogue
Systems
Digestion
- relieves ulcerative colitis, gastritis and peptic ulcers
- soothes heartburn, IBS and constipation
- reduces peristalsis
- relieves diarrhea
- has a laxative effect if it’s used at larger doses
Respiratory system
- soothes harsh, dry coughs, sore throats, laryngitis, bronchitis and croup
- clears catarrh
- relieves inflammation
Immune system
- aids production of white blood cells
- protects against Proteus vulgaris, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus
Urinary system
- eases passing of gravel and stones
- relieves irritable bladder, cystitis and urethritis
Reproductive system
- eases childbirth
- stimulates flow of breast milk
Externally
- soothes irritation and inflammation from insect bites and stings
- used for treating varicose veins, ulcers, abscesses, bruises, sprains, aching muscles
- treats scalds, burns and sunburns (mixed with Lavandula and flax oil)
- heals skin in acne, eczema and sore nipples
- used for mastitis, boils and abscesses as warm poultice
- treats sore throats (gargle) and inflamed gums (mouthwash)
Food Uses
Parts Used
leaves, roots
Main Uses
potherb
Nutrition
- good source of vitamin C
- iron, calcium and copper
Cooking
- young leaves thicken soups
- use as cooked vegetable in stews, sauces, or a variety of side dishes
- use the raw leaves and flowers in salads
- boil the root, discard the root, boil down the liquid, sweet it and beat it
Recipes
Harvesting
Please do not overharvest where this plant it’s rare or you might eradicate it.
Harvesting Season
- young leaves: mid- to late spring
- flowers and fruits: late summer to fall
- roots: spring and fall.
Harvesting Methods
- strip off the young leaves
- pick the flowers and fruits with your fingers
- dig up the roots with a digging stick
