Marshmallow Plant

Basic Information

Biological name (genus and species):
Althea officinalis
Parts used for medicinal purposes:
Leaves
Roots
Chemicals this herb contains:
Asparagine
Fat
Mucilage (See Glossary)
Pectin
Starch
Sugar

KNOWN EFFECTS

Softens or soothes skin.

Miscellaneous information:
Marshmallow plant is used as a "filler" in a variety of pills.

UNPROVED SPECULATED BENEFITS

Protects injured or scraped skin or mucous membranes. Used as a poultice for applying medications. (See Glossary)

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Don't take if you:
Are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or plan pregnancy in the near future. Have any chronic disease of the gastrointestinal tract, such as stomach or duodenal ulcers, esophageal reflux (reflux esophagitis), ulcerative colitis, spastic colitis, diverticulosis, diverticulitis.

Consult your doctor if you:
Take this herb for any medical problem that doesn't improve in 2 weeks. There may be safer, more-effective treatments. Take any medicinal drugs or herbs including aspirin, laxatives, cold and cough remedies, antacids, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, supplements, other prescription or non-prescription drugs.

Pregnancy:
Problems in pregnant women taking small or usual amounts have not been proved. But the chance of problems does exist. Don't use unless prescribed by your doctor.

Breast-feeding:
Problems in breast-fed infants of lactating mothers taking small or usual amounts have not been proved. But the chance of problems does exist. Don't use unless prescribed by your doctor.

Infants and children:
Treating infants and children under 2 with any herbal preparation is hazardous.

Others:
None expected if you are beyond childhood and under 45, basically healthy and take for only a short time.

Storage:
Keep cool and dry, but don't freeze. Store safely away from children.

Safe dosage:
At present no "safe" dosage has been established.

TOXICITY

Comparative-toxicity rating not available from standard
references.

ADVERSE REACTIONS, SIDE EFFECTS OR OVERDOSE SYMPTOMS

None expected