Marshmallow is indicated for use in conditions of pain and inflammation in the digestive tract and the mouth, throat and respiratory system. Two separate parts of the plant have been used traditionally, the roots have been used for digestive problems and on the skin, whilst it is the leaves that are used to treat lungs and the urinary system. However it is this coating, soothing and healing property that Marshmallow is known for, and it is the mucillage in the Marshmallow plant that has this action.
The root of the plant drug is suitable for uses as medicine.Roots are quite mucilaginous and roots need to be utilized after peeling off their outer bark.Root is pleasantly odourous,light and slightly sweet or sweetish in taste.Roots give ash on burning.
Seeds and leaves are externally applied to inflammation,localized oedema or swelling,boil,painful organ.Decoction of infusion of seeds and flowers is given in cough and respiratory disease as it effects as demulcent medicine in respiratory tract.Seeds are also mucilaginous and given in diarrhea.Dysentery,urinary burning sensation and intestinal inflammation.Roots are mainly antiphlogistic and anti-cough and in corsya and dry cough,the decoction of roots,seeds and flowers is given.Trophical effect is also analgesic of drug beside other medicinal properties.
It is an emollient and is used in making absorbent pills and pestilles.Leaves are useful in preparation of a soothing ointment.
The roots are available in market as Resha Khatmi and used as a drug in medicine.Flowers commonly known as Tukhma Khatmi besides other parts like stem,leaves,gum are used for medicinal purpose.
The flowers of Khatmi are useful in the form of infusion of bronchial catarrh,cough and bronchitis.Flowers are externally applied over burns;root,seed, leaves,stem, and gum are medicinally besides flowers.
The flower of Althea officinalis are cooling and diuretic,they are useful in rheumatism,decoction is used as demulcent in affection of respiratory organ
Administration:
Taking marshmallow at the same time you take medications by mouth can decrease the effectiveness of your medication. To prevent this interaction take marshmallow at least one hour after medications you take by mouth.
