The plant known as marshmallow is medicinal, and can also be found under the names of marshmallow, marshmallow, hollyhock and marsh mallow. With the scientific name Althaea officinalis , the marshmallow belongs to the Malvaceae family, and can stand between 50 cm and 1 meter in height. Slightly tomentous and soft to the touch, the plant has long, cylindrical and fleshy roots. Its stem is erect and cylindrical, and the branches are alternate.
With numerous serrated, velvety leaves and whitish or slightly pink flowers, the plant also has an orbicular fruit that is surrounded by the chalice, consisting of several capsules that separate when ripe. It grows in wetter places such as stream banks, mainly in south-central Europe.
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Benefits and properties
The plant has an emollient, calming, anti-inflammatory, laxative and expectorant action, so its tea is indicated for cases of inflammation, respiratory diseases, cough in children and elderly people, pain, skin rash, intestinal inflammation, prison of the womb, treatment of irritated mucous membranes – as in irritable bowel syndrome and chronic bronchitis. It can also be used to treat dry cough, anxiety, stress, burns, acne, canker sores, emphysema, gingivitis, laryngitis, pharyngitis, gastritis, stomatitis and sore throat. Its active principles are pectin and bitter principles, which give it these properties.
How to prepare tea?
To prepare you will need:
– 1 teaspoon of the chopped marel leaves
– 1 cup of water
In a container, place the chopped marrow leaves and set aside. Then, in another container, bring the water to the fire and bring it to a boil. When it reaches the boiling point, pour the water over the chopped leaves and cover, letting the mixture rest for a period of approximately ten minutes. Once this is done, strain and consume without sweetening. If you find it necessary to sweeten, choose to add honey, as it also has health benefits, unlike sugar.
Contraindications and precautions for use
Consumption may present drug interaction, resulting in reduced absorption of other drugs taken concomitantly. See your doctor to check this topic. When consumed with drugs that have high levels of tannins, on the other hand, it can prevent gastric discomfort.
Attention: diabetics must consume in a controlled manner by a doctor, having adjusted the doses of insulin or oral antidiabetics. No side effects related to the consumption of marshmallow tea were found.
