Althea officinalis

Althea officinalis, commonly known as marshmallow plant, is a perennial species indigenous to Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa. It is used in herbal medicine for its soothing properties.

Description

Althea officinalis grows to 1-2m tall, with leaves that are 5-8cm long. The flowers are soft pink and are 2-3cm in diameter. The plant blooms from July to September. The root is a white, fibrous taproot that is often used in herbal remedies.

Cultivation

Althea officinalis prefers moist, sandy soils and full sun to partial shade. It is hardy to zone 3 and is not frost tender. The plant is often propagated by seed in spring or by root division in autumn.

Uses

The root of Althea officinalis has been used in herbal medicine for centuries. It is known for its soothing properties and is often used to treat coughs, sore throats, and digestive issues. The root is also used in the production of marshmallow confectionery, although this is now more commonly made with gelatin.

History

The use of Althea officinalis dates back to ancient times. It was used by the ancient Egyptians for its medicinal properties, and the Romans used it as a food source during times of famine.

See also

• List of plants used in herbalism
• Medicinal plants

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