Marshmallow properties

TRADITIONAL USE OF MARSHMALLOW

Properties of marshmallow as a medicinal plant

Marshmallow is one of the most important emollient plants. This property is characterized by softening, protecting and moisturizing the mucous membranes of the skin.

This effect can be explained by the ability of its components to prevent the evaporation of water so that a kind of protective layer or film is formed on the skin or mucous membranes, which keeps it more hydrated.

Paraffin, mucilage and starch would be the main components that provide this property.

Demulcent properties of marshmallow (mucilage)

Marshmallow flowerMarshmallow flower

Marshmallow is also one of the best demulcents, which are the substances that are capable of relieving the irritation of the mucous membranes. The demulcent properties are granted for its richness in mucilage, pectin and sucrose.

These sugary components, especially the mucilage, in contact with water, form a kind of protective paste, similar to a gelatin that cures or prevents inflammation and relieves pain, while producing a medium where microorganisms can not thrive.

These properties have been widely recognized more than 2000 years ago due to the wide use of this plant both as a medicinal plant and for its food properties.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES OF MARSHMALLOW

MARSHMALLOW PREPARATIONS FOR EXTERNAL USE

Marshmallow to treat shock, burns, bruises, abrasions and other skin problems

Based on its demulcent and emollient properties, marshmallow can be used to treat a number of conditions where the skin or mucous membranes are involved. Among them, we can mention the following:

For external use poultices of marshmallow root can be placed on the affected area. (Boil a handful of roots in water for 10 to 12 minutes. Moisten a gauze with liquid and put it over the diseased area)

  • Beats and bruises: Its use prevents bruising, bumps and reduces pain.
  • Burns or sunburn: Use the same treatment
  • Frostbite: The same treatment is also effective to help heal the wounds caused by freezing.
  • Injuries: Also interesting to heal wounds and prevent them from becoming infected. Formerly it was used to treat gangrene.
  • Redness of the skin: Against the redness of the skin, caused by chafing, heat, etc, it is helpful to wet the red part with a compress soaked in water from the decoction.
  • Boils or pimples: Treatment for boils or pimples with marshmallow makes these diminish in size and dry faster.
  • Sprains and dislocations: For this type of joint injuries is also suitable to put a poultice of mallow roots of the affected area
  • Rheumatoid arthritis: antiinflammatory properties are useful marshmallow for treating rheumatoid arthritis.
  • Itching: (. Decoction of a handful of dried plant per liter of water decoction Apply to the affected area)
  • Sore throat: gargle Realizing we can eliminate the bacteria that affect the throat and produce conditions such as pharyngitis or sore throat. (Do not drink the liquid)

These properties are used for mouthwashes in order to cure mouth sores, gum problems or teeth pyorrhea. In addition to the liquid from the decoction is useful also chew a piece of dried root. This last method is useful to soothe the discomfort felt by young children when they grow teeth.

  • Insect bites: Fleas, mosquitoes, tiger mosquitoes, ticks, etc. (Crush a leaf and rub the juice on the bite)

PREPARATIONS FOR INTERNAL USE OF MARSHMALLOW

Marshmallow for respiratory problems

photo of marshmallow

Photo of marshmallow leaves and flowers

In internal use, marshmallow has been used for some time for the treatment of respiratory conditions. Mucilage help expel mucus from the lungs and relax them. Among the major diseases that can be remedied through the use of this plant, we would indicate the following:

  • Bronchitis: It exerts antibacterial, soothing and expectorant properties. (Marinate for 24 hours 100 g of dried roots in a liter of water. Filter, boil the water and add half kilo of sugar stirring well until dissolved. Drink half a small cup of this syrup before bedtime)
  • Cough: Marshmallow is a widely recognized bechic. By softening the alveoli and the airways inflammation, it makes you breathe better. Besides the expectorant properties can be used to remove secretions for both, productive cough and dry cough. (Infusion of a spoonful of dried root per cup of water for 10 minutes. 2 cups a day)
  • Asthma: It is helpful in the treatment of asthma, allowing the asthmatic to breathe better and improve their cough. (Infusion of a spoonful of dried root per cup of water for 10 minutes. 2 cups a day)

Marshmallow for urinary tract problems

Also its soothing properties and are well suited to treat irritation of the urinary tract in conditions such as:

  • Inflammation of kidneys: It is suitable for the treatment of nephritis. It reduces inflammation of the kidneys, disinfects them and softens the intense pain. (Infusion of a spoonful of dried flowers per cup of water. Allow to stand for 3 hours. Two cups a day)
  • Inflammation of the bladder: the above remedy is also suitable for the treatment of cystitis. Reduces inflammation of the bladder, disinfects and softens the intense pain.

Marshmallow for digestive problems

In the treatment of digestive disorders, marshmallow is very interesting for the treatment of gastric mucosal irritation. It exerts an anti-inflammatory and protective function of the mucosa, which is very suitable for treating the following diseases:

  • Gastritis: It relieves pain and reduces gastric acidity (Infusion of a spoonful of dried flowers and leaves per cup of water for 10 minutes Two cups a day.)
  • Ulcer: It protects gastric mucosa and relieves ulcer heartburn. Adequate to prevent ulcers of the stomach and duodenum in cases of gastric hyperacidity. (Infusion of a spoonful of dried flowers and leaves per cup of water for 10 minutes. Two cups a day)
  • Stomach pain: Because of its richness in mucilage, it exerts an antiinflammatory and soothing function on gastric mucosa. (Infusion of a spoonful of dried flowers and leaves per cup of water for 10 minutes. Two cups a day)
  • Diarrhea and constipation: It provides a regulatory function of the intestine that can be used to treat both, diarrhea and constipation. Tannins perform the first function and mucilages for the second. (For diarrhea: 15 ml tincture per day divided in 3 doses available in pharmacies and herbalists For constipation:.. Infusion of a spoonful of dried flowers and leaves per cup of water for 10 minutes Two cups a day) These same properties have been used quite successfully in the treatment of more acute digestive diseases such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
  • Diverticulitis: This plant is rich in mucilage which have soothing properties so they can protect the intestinal mucosa. Its use can prevent the onset of diverticulitis in people with diverticulosis. If used during this illness, it will help reduce inflammation in irritable colon. (Infusion of a spoonful of dried flowers and leaves per cup of water for 10 minutes. Two cups a day)
  • Food poisoning: It is used to soften the stomach irritated by intoxication and to decrease the absorption of toxins in the stomach. (Infusion of a small spoonful of flowers and dried leaves per cup of water for 10 minutes, two cups a day)

Marshmallow for memory problems

This plant is rich in choline, which, among many other functions, it is very important for the transmission of nerve impulses and helps maintain memory in good condition.

Appropriate in case of lack of memory. (Infusion of a spoonful of dried flowers and leaves per cup of water for 10 minutes. Two cups a day) (Infuse a teaspoon of the mixture of equal parts marshmallow, thyme and yarrow. A cup a day.)

red dotMore information on marshmallow

This article was endorsed by Elisenda Carballido - Dietitian nutritionist. Postgraduate in Phytotherapy and master in Nutrition and Metabolism.
Editorial
Written by Editorial Botanical-online team in charge of content writing

4 October, 2022

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