Synonyms: Althea Root, Guimauve, Marsh Mallow Root, Marshmallow, Mortification Root, White Mallow
Family: Malvaceae
Genus species: Althaea officinalis
Type: Perennial herb
Part Used: Peeled root
Location: Belgium, Bulgaria, Europe, former U.S.S.R., former Yugoslavia, Hungary, U.S., western Asia
Actions: Alterative, anticatarrhal, antidiarrheal, antihepatotoxic, antihypercholesterolemic, antihyperglycemic, antitussive, antiulcer, bowel cleanser, cancer preventative, demulcent, detoxifier, diuretic, emmenagogue, emollient, expectorant, galactogogue, lithotriptic, mucilage, vulnerary
Indications: Asthma, bronchitis, colitis, cough, cystitis, diarrhea, duodenal ulcer, dysuria, edema, emphysema, enteritis, gastric ulcer, gastritis, gastroenteritis, hay fever, headache, hiatal hernia, hypercholesterolemia, hyperglycemia, laryngitis, lithiasis, nephritis, peptic ulcer, pharyngitis (gargle), sore throat, stomatitis (mouthwash), strangury, ulcerative colitis, urethritis, vaginitis (douche), Topically as a Poultice or Ointment/Cream: Burns, dermatitis, eczema, furunculosis, hemorrhoids, thrombotic ulcer, varicose ulcer, wounds
Chemicals & Nutrients: Aluminum, Asparagine, Betaine, Calcium, Carbohydrates (80%), Fiber (8%), Fats, Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Mucilage (21%), Pectin, Phosphorus, Potassium, Protein (10%), Sodium, Starch, Tin
Preparation & Dosages: (3x/day)
Dried Root: 2-5 g or by cold extraction
Liquid Extract: 1:1 in 25% alcohol, dose 2-5 ml
Ointment: 5% powdered althea root in usual ointment base
Tea: Add cold water to 3-10 g, macerate at room temperature for 30 minutes with stirring, pass through fine cloth.
Tincture: 1:5, 25% ethanol, dose: 5-15 ml
Contraindications: Patients with bowel disorders and/or obstruction.
Drug Interactions: May potentiate antidiabetic (hypoglycemic) drugs. Due to the diuretic action of this herb the following drug interactions are possible: increased risk of toxicity with anti-inflammatory analgesics; if hypokalemia occurs possible antagonism with antiarrhythmics and potentiation of muscle relaxants; antagonizes antidiabetic (hypoglycemic) drugs; may potentiate and/or interfere with antihypertensives; may potentiate lithium therapy; when taken with corticosteroids there is a risk for hypokalemia; may potentiate other diuretics and increase the risk of hypokalemia.