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Marshmallow officinalis (marshmallow pharmacy). Legends, myths, symbolism, description, cultivation, methods of application

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Content

1. Photos, basic scientific information, legends, myths, symbolism
2. Basic scientific information, legends, myths, symbolism
3. Botanical description, reference data, useful information, illustrations
4. Recipes for use in traditional medicine and cosmetology
5. Tips for growing, harvesting and storing

Marshmallow officinalis (marshmallow pharmacy), Althaea officinalis. Photos of the plant, basic scientific information, legends, myths, symbolism

Basic scientific information, legends, myths, symbolism

Sort by: Marshmallow (Althaea)

Family: Malvaceae (Malvaceae)

Origin: Marshmallow originates from the Mediterranean countries, where it has been used as a medicinal plant since ancient times. Today it is widely cultivated in various regions of the world.

Area: Althea is found in Europe, Asia and North Africa. It prefers moist places, including river and lake banks, wetlands and grasslands.

Chemical composition: Marshmallow contains mucus, organic acids, flavonoids, tannins, carotenoids and trace elements. Mucus is the main active substance of marshmallow and has anti-inflammatory, antitussive and analgesic effects.

Economic value: Marshmallow is widely used in medicine for the treatment of diseases of the upper respiratory tract, including cough, bronchitis, asthma and throat diseases. It is also used to improve bowel function and relieve constipation. In addition, marshmallow is popular as an ornamental plant due to its bright and large flowers. The leaves and roots of marshmallow are also used as a dye for fabrics.

Legends, myths, symbolism: Symbolically, marshmallow is associated with healing and protection. In traditional magic, marshmallow is often used to create amulets and talismans to bring protection, strength and health. In some cultures, the marshmallow is also associated with the moon goddess and her cycles.

Marshmallow officinalis (marshmallow pharmacy), Althaea officinalis. Description, illustrations of the plant

Marshmallow officinalis (marshmallow), Althaea officinalis L. Botanical description, range and habitats, chemical composition, use in medicine and industry

Perennial herbaceous plant 1-1,5 m high with a short thick multi-headed rhizome and branched roots, of the Malvaceae family (Malvaceae).

The leaves are alternate, lobed, serrated along the edge.

The flowers are pale pink, large, in a racemose inflorescence. The fruit is fractional of 15-25 fruitlets. Seeds kidney-shaped, dark brown, 2-2,5 mm long.

Flowering and fruiting in July-August.

Range and habitats. The range of the species covers almost the entire territory of Europe, Western Asia, the Middle East and Central Asia, China (Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region) and North Africa. It occurs in the European part of Russia (except for the north), in the steppe and forest-steppe zones of the North Caucasus, the Volga region, Eastern and Western Siberia, including Altai.

As adventitious grows in North America. Cultivated in Ukraine, Krasnodar region of Russia.

It grows in floodplains of rivers and ditches, in coastal and shrub thickets, along the shores of lakes, on swampy lowlands in the semi-desert area, solonetsous and solonchak meadows, less often on fallow lands. Prefers light moist soils with shallow groundwater.

Chemical composition. Starch (up to 37%), mucous substances (up to 35%), pectin (11-16%), sugars (8%), carotene, lecithin, phytosterol, mineral salts and fatty oils (1-1,5 %). Marshmallow roots contain essential amino acids for the human body, in particular, from 2 to 19,8% asparagine and up to 4% betaine.

The leaves, in addition, contain mucus, essential oil, rubber-like substances, ascorbic acid, carotene.

Fatty oil from seeds contains - oleic (30,8%), alpha-linoleic (52,9%); alpha-linolenic (1,85%) and beta-linolenic acid (0,65%).

The amount of sugar, mucus and other substances varies with the seasons. Ash is rich in phosphates.

Application in medicine. Marshmallow root is a typical mucus-containing medicinal plant, in terms of the number and content of active substances, almost equivalent to flax seeds.

The preparations of this plant facilitate spontaneous tissue regeneration, reduce the inflammatory process, soften the inflammatory plaque as a protector, and have an expectorant effect. Aqueous extracts in a large dose envelop the gastric mucosa, while the action and effect are better, the higher the acidity of gastric juice.

Althea preparations are used as an enveloping agent for stomach diseases: ulcers, gastritis, colitis, and also for diarrhea. The therapeutic effect is due to the content of a large amount of mucous substances, which have an enveloping effect and protect the nerve endings of the mucous membrane of the throat and gastrointestinal tract from the irritating effects of various substances. In addition, the mucous substances contained in the preparations contribute to a slowdown in absorption and a longer local action of various drugs.

Althea flowers are used for diseases of the kidneys and bladder.

It is widely used in folk medicine of many peoples, both as an external (lotion, rinse - for inflammation, tumors, burns, lichen), and an internal remedy (for coughing, poisoning, etc.). In Bulgaria, tea from flowers, decoction and powder from the roots are used for the same indications. As an external preparation, it is used as an emollient (poultice).

Other uses. It is bred as an ornamental plant.

The roots are eaten raw and boiled, they are used to prepare porridge, jelly. It is added to bread when crushed.

The stems contain cream colored fibers, rather coarse and short. It has no practical value in terms of the quality of the fiber, as spinning, but can be used to make paper. Marshmallow fiber is less durable than hemp fiber, but has low hygroscopicity; used for the manufacture of bags and ropes.

Flowers and grass contain a pigment - malvidin, used to dye wool red, with iron salts it gives a blackish blue or gray color, with aluminum salts - gray or grayish purple, and with tin salts - dark purple.

Fatty oil from the fruit is used in the paint and varnish industry. The roots are used to make glue.

Honey plant.

Authors: Turova A.D., Sapozhnikova E.N.

Altea officinalis. reference Information

Marshmallow officinalis is a rather large and coarse perennial plant, which is a close relative of the mallow. In the wild, it grows in the forest, forest-steppe and steppe zones of the European part of Russia, in the Caucasus and Crimea, in Western Siberia, and Central Asia.

It occurs in meadows, clearings and forest edges, in bushes, on the bottoms of beams. Especially often comes across in the valleys of the Dnieper, Don, Kuban, Volga. It is often cultivated as an unpretentious ornamental plant in forest parks and roadside protective plantings.

Rhizomes and roots of Marshmallow officinalis, less often leaves and flowers are used in medicine. Marshmallows were known as early as the XNUMXth century. BC. Theophrastus, Dioscorides, Pliny left us evidence that medicines from marshmallow are distinguished by extraordinary power. Actually, the ancient Greeks called it that - "alcea", which literally means "the one that heals."

Althea rhizomes mainly go to the table, in which there are about 36% mucous substances, 11% pectin x 37% starch, 4% cane sugar, 2% asparagine. There are also malic acid and some organic substances. Often (depending on growing conditions) the roots contain up to 11% sucrose.

Althea rhizomes are harvested in late autumn or early spring before the start of the growing season, moreover, only annuals. The rhizomes are washed, peeled, cut lengthwise and dried. After such preparation, they are stored for a long time and are suitable for consumption boiled or crushed. They are sweet in taste. From dry rhizomes crushed into groats, sweet cereals are cooked in milk, jelly. Freshly picked rhizomes are rolled in flour or breadcrumbs and stewed or fried in the oven, candied in sugar flour for candied fruits.

In medicine, marshmallow roots are used as an expectorant, enveloping and diuretic.

By the end of the year, up to 13% of coarse fiber is formed in the stems, suitable for weaving strong ropes, mats, and mats. On the island of Sardinia, marshmallow is cultivated as a bast crop.

The flower petals contain the pigment malvidin, which (depending on the nature of the mordant) dyes sheep's wool in red, blue, gray and purple colors. In some countries, marshmallow flower petals are exported.

Author: Reva M.L.

Marshmallow, Mueller, H. heterophyllus Ventenat, H. rhodopetalus F. Mueller. Althea officinalis L. Classification, synonyms, botanical description, nutritional value, cultivation

Synonyms: marshmallow, prokurnyak, dog rose.

Names: az. gulkhetmi; ares. tukht; cargo, rotten; German Eibisch or Heilwurz; fr. la guimauve officinale.

Like other mallows, the marshmallow has many stamens fused into a tube, flowers with a 5-leaf calyx and five petals.

Stem about 70 cm high, covered with velvet down; flowers are pale red and white. Grows in wet places.

In the Caucasus, marshmallow roots are eaten; they contain 37% starch, 4% sucrose (in some forms - 20,2%), 35% mucus and 11% pectin.

Before eating, the roots are crushed and boiled. They are also used in medicine.

Author: Ipatiev A.N.

Marshmallow officinalis (marshmallow pharmacy), Althaea officinalis. Recipes for use in traditional medicine and cosmetology

Ethnoscience:

• For the treatment of cough and bronchitis: Mix 1 tablespoon of crushed marshmallow roots with 1 cup of boiling water and infuse for 30 minutes. Drink the infusion 2-3 times a day until complete recovery. This infusion helps to soothe coughs, loosen phlegm and improve airway function.
• For the treatment of stomach and intestinal ulcers: Mix 1 tablespoon of crushed marshmallow roots with 1 cup of cold water and infuse for 6-8 hours. Drink the infusion 2-3 times a day 30 minutes before meals. This infusion helps reduce inflammation of the lining of the stomach and intestines and improve digestion.
• For the treatment of constipation: mix 1 tablespoon of crushed marshmallow roots with 1 cup of boiling water and infuse for 2 hours. Drink infusion 2-3 times a day until constipation is eliminated.
• For the treatment of skin diseases: Apply a decoction of marshmallow roots to the affected skin, prepared as follows: mix 1 tablespoon of crushed marshmallow roots with 1 cup of boiling water and infuse for 30 minutes. This decoction helps reduce inflammation and itching on the skin.
• For the treatment of hemorrhoids: apply an infusion of marshmallow roots prepared as follows: mix 1 tablespoon of crushed marshmallow roots with 1 cup of boiling water and infuse for 30 minutes. This infusion helps to soothe inflammation and reduce the pain of hemorrhoids.
• To improve skin condition: use marshmallow root decoction to make a lotion that can be used on the face and body. To do this, mix 2 tablespoons of crushed marshmallow roots with 1 liter of water and boil over low heat for 10-15 minutes. Leave to infuse for a few hours, then strain and use as a lotion.
• To strengthen teeth and gums: use an infusion of marshmallow roots to rinse your mouth. To do this, mix 1 tablespoon of crushed marshmallow roots with 1 cup of boiling water and infuse for 30 minutes. Rinse your mouth 2-3 times a day.

Cosmetology:

• For dry and sensitive skin care: Mix 1 tablespoon of crushed marshmallow roots with 1 cup of boiling water and infuse for 30 minutes. Add 1 tablespoon of honey and apply on face for 15-20 minutes. This mask helps to moisturize and soften the skin, reduce inflammation and improve the complexion.
• For hair care: Mix 1 tablespoon of crushed marshmallow roots with 1 cup of boiling water and infuse for 30 minutes. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon honey. Apply the resulting mixture to your hair for 30 minutes, then rinse with warm water. This recipe helps to moisturize and nourish the hair, strengthen its structure and improve its growth.
• For body skin care: add a decoction of marshmallow roots to a bath of warm water and take a bath for 20-30 minutes. This recipe helps to moisturize and soften the skin, improve its texture and color.
• To strengthen nails: mix 1 tablespoon of crushed marshmallow roots with 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil (such as olive oil). Apply the resulting mixture on your nails and massage for 5-10 minutes. This recipe helps to strengthen nails and improve their condition.

Attention! Before use, consult with a specialist!

Marshmallow officinalis (marshmallow pharmacy), Althaea officinalis. Tips for growing, harvesting and storing

Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) is a perennial plant that can be grown both at home and in the garden.

Tips for growing, harvesting and storing Marshmallow officinalis:

Cultivation:

• Marshmallow prefers a sunny to semi-shady location and well-drained soil.
• Althea planting is best done in spring or autumn.
• After planting, the plants need to be watered regularly to keep the soil moist but not oversaturated with moisture.
• After flowering, the flower stalks of the plant must be cut off to stimulate the growth of new shoots.

Workpiece:

• The leaves and roots of Marshmallow officinalis can be used in traditional medicine.
• To harvest marshmallow roots, they must be collected in autumn or spring.
• The collected roots must be thoroughly cleaned from the ground and dried in a ventilated place at a temperature not exceeding 40 ° C.
• Marshmallow leaves are best used fresh and harvested as needed.

Storage:

• Dried marshmallow roots should be stored in sealed containers in a cool and dry place.
• Dried marshmallow leaves should also be stored in sealed containers in a cool, dry place.
• Marshmallow roots and leaves should be checked for mold and insects before use. If there are any signs of deterioration, the plant material should be discarded.

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