Scientific name
Althaea officinalis L.
Family
MalvaceaeOrigin
Central-southern Europe
Parts Used
The Altea drug consists of leaves, flowers and rootsChemical constituents
- Mucilages (galacturo-rhamnans, arabinans, glucans, arabinogalactans);
- Flavonoids;
- Asparagine enzyme;
- Starch;
- Polyphenols;
- Pectins;
- Sterols.
Altea in Herbalist: Property of the Altea
The main properties of marshmallow are emollient and anti-inflammatory. These activities are particularly useful in case of glossitis, gingivitis, pharyngitis, esophagitis, gastritis, inflammatory and spastic colitis.
Marshmallow root powder can be used as a cold macerate, and also as a vehicle for essential oils.
Thanks to the rich presence of mucilages, which tend to form a thin protective and moisturizing film-forming layer on the skin, for external use the marshmallow is useful in the presence of irritated, sensitive, dry, reddened, dehydrated skin, easy to crack, and against sores and sunburn.
