Many people prefer to be treated with herbs. Marshmallow root is a medicinal plant that has long been used in folk and traditional medicine. You need to know how to use it correctly, because even such a harmless medicine can cause unwanted reactions if you use it at your own discretion, ignoring the instructions.
Composition and description
Althea is a perennial herb with a thick stiff root. It is considered a source of valuable polysaccharides. What is the composition of the marshmallow root? In contact with water, these components lead to the appearance of new substances:
- Pentose.
- Dextrose.
- Galactose.
Dry marshmallow roots include:
- Starch.
- Pectin.
- Phytosterol.
- Fixed oils.
Small pale pink flowers are gathered in spikelets on short pedicels. They bloom in the period from June to August. Fruits begin to appear in late September, this is a disk-shaped boron achene. Most marshmallow in areas with moist soil, for example, on the banks of rivers, lakes or marshy forest areas.
The main medicinal raw materials are the marshmallow roots, which are harvested in late autumn. It is in them that many valuable components are present, including fatty oils, polysaccharides and phytosterols. Leaves are rich in vitamin C and essential oils.
The form
Marshmallow root is effective in folk medicine. It is used for treatment and prevention. In official medicine, this plant is used in such drugs:
- Marshmallow root extract .
- Mukaltin tablets.
- Syrup from the marshmallow root for coughing.
- Dry medicine.
- Breast teas No. 1, No. 2, No. 3.
The cost depends on the concentration of the therapeutic substance and the form of release. The root costs 50 rubles, and the syrup costs about 70. The root is part of the expectorant. Their price is about 75 rubles.
The properties
Aqueous means of the aerial parts of the plant are used externally, by the application method in the treatment of burns, lichen, ulcers, as well as lotions for blepharitis and rinses if the tonsils are inflamed. What is the use of the marshmallow root? This part of the plant is enriched with starch and mucus, due to which it has the following valuable properties:
- Anti-inflammatory.
- Expectorant.
- Painkillers.
- Improving blood flow in tissues.
- Stimulating exchange.
- Activating granulation.
Also, the root has the property of epithelization, detoxification effect, as well as antioxidant. Medicines with a root are able to envelop the mucous membrane. This property is useful in the treatment of gastrointestinal ulcers: thickening of mucus due to contact with hydrochloric acid occurs, and inflammation and edema are eliminated.
Thanks to the pharmacy extracts from the plant, expectoration and liquefaction of the inflammatory secretion are activated. This is due to increased peristalsis of the movements of the bronchioles and the motor activity of the ciliary epithelium.
When is it used?
Consideration should be given to instructions for applying to the root of the marshmallow. It is used in the treatment of:
- Bronchitis.
- Pneumonia.
- Tracheitis.
- Laryngotracheitis.
- Pharyngitis.
- Tonsils inflammation.
- Ulcers.
- Gastritis
- Colitis.
- Urinary tract inflammation.
You can use the plant externally, but it is less effective. It is used for insect bites, inflammation of the mucosa and burns.
When not to apply
What are the contraindications to the marshmallow root? It can not be used with:
- Intolerance to the active substances of the drug.
- Pregnancy in the first trimester.
- Chronic constipation.
- Violation of respiratory activity of the lungs.
Do not use hoods with pharmacological agents that can thicken sputum, remove fluid from the body, and suppress the cough reflex. This can harm the general condition of the body.
Side effect
All medicines with marshmallow are easily tolerated. Side effects are rarely likely to occur:
- Allergies to the skin.
- Nausea
- Vomiting
How is used
The instructions for use to the root of the marshmallow indicate the rules of use. For maximum effect, it is used in the following ways:
- On the basis of the roots create a dry extract and syrup. Means can be used inside, in the treatment of respiratory ailments, gastrointestinal tract and urogenital function, as well as in the external way - for burns, bites.
- Medication should be taken 15-20 minutes before eating. Marshmallow root tinctures are used in rinsing the mucous membranes. Methods of using the dose are determined by the indication and form of release of the drug, therefore, are established only by the attending physician.
Similar means
Althea root is considered the main component in:
- Syrup "Parokodin".
- Syrup "Alteyka".
- Infusion of the Althea root.
- Breast collection No. 1, No. 2, No. 3.
- "Tonsiolgon N".
Before using the product, you must consult your doctor. You also need to read the instructions and use the drug based on the prescribed dosages.
Instruction manual
Use the drug according to the following rules:
- In early pregnancy, it should not be used.
- The marshmallow root is allowed for children. Up to 12 years, you need to take 1 tsp. syrup, not more than 5 times a day, since this drug includes ethyl alcohol. Before taking it, you must dilute it in ¼ cup of warm water.
- Preparations with marshmallow root improve expectoration. During contact with water, the drug component is able to increase and cover the mucous membrane, which will serve as a protection against irritation.
Features of the collection and procurement
These procedures are carried out as follows:
- Harvesting is carried out in late autumn or early spring.
- It is carried out with the digging of rhizomes to a depth of 25-30 cm.
- The roots should be shaken off the ground, and then washed, cut into pieces 20-25 cm and remove damaged parts.
- Large roots are cut lengthwise and dried at 40 degrees.
- Keep the roots in a dry, closed container for 3 years.
Infusions and decoctions
To prepare a remedy, you need:
- Prepare chopped root (2 tbsp. L.).
- Pour hot boiled water (1 cup) into the raw materials.
- Do not use an aluminum container, as it may oxidize.
- The vessel is covered with a lid and placed in a water bath.
- The tank warms up for half an hour.
- The broth should be infused and cool.
- It is filtered and placed in a cool place for half a day.
- The medicine is taken in a warm form, 100 g. 3 times a day.
To get a decoction, you must:
- Take the roots of the plant (1 tbsp. L.) In crushed form.
- Pour cold water (1 cup).
- Then filtering is performed.
- The medicine is taken after 2 hours at 1 tbsp. l., but not more than 10 times a day.
Tincture has a more pronounced taste. To soften it, apply honey, lemon or orange.
Breast Augmentation
The marshmallow is enriched with the hormone phytosterol and fatty oils, which allow you to enlarge the mammary glands. The enlargement procedure will be long, individual, but the effect lasts for a long time. Breast growth will be noticeable after a month.
To prepare an effective tool, you need to perform the following steps:
- Pour the roots (1 tbsp.) Into boiling milk (1 cup).
- Everything boils for 5-10 minutes.
- If the broth has cooled, it is allowed to drink throughout the day.
The tool is suitable for the treatment of cough, diseases of the upper respiratory tract, as well as for gastrointestinal ailments. It is necessary to use the drug as prescribed by the doctor, but its presence in the home medicine cabinet will not be superfluous, since you can independently give it to children for cough treatment and take it to adults.
Use for various ailments
An effective root medicine is made independently. The following recipes are suitable for this:
- We need finely ground root (1 tbsp. L.), Which is poured with boiling water (1 cup). After an hour, you need to strain and take ¼ volume 3 times a day. This medicine is suitable for flu and pneumonia.
- The root (3 tbsp. L.) Is diluted with boiling water (600 ml.). The infusion is left for 8-10 hours. Then filtering is required, and you can take 0.5 cups in the mornings and evenings. The recipe is effective for acute respiratory infections, bronchitis.
- The root must be processed through a meat grinder and take 2 tbsp. l mass, pour boiling water (200 ml.). Insisting is performed for half an hour. It is necessary to take 70 ml. 2 times a day.
For children
A syrup based on the root of this plant is considered an effective expectorant. Medicinal substances have a thinning property. Syrup can be taken from 1 year. Children under 6 years of age are prescribed ½ tsp. syrup.
From 12 years old, 1 tsp is allowed. medicines that are diluted in 1/3 cup of warm water. The drug is taken 4-5 times a day. If the child does not like the taste of the syrup, it can be diluted in 2-3 tablespoons of water. Take it after a meal.
Syrup preparation
Most pediatricians prescribe syrup to children, since it helps to eliminate cough, as well as liquefy and excreted sputum. These remedies have a herbal aftertaste and a pleasant smell that is easily tolerated by the child. Syrup can be prepared independently. This will require:
- Ground root - 2 g.
- Water - 50 ml.
- Wine alcohol - 1 ml.
- Sugar - 60 g.
Pour the root with clean water, leave for an hour, and then strain through cheesecloth. Then sugar and alcohol are added. The product is put on a slow fire and boil until sugar dissolves. The syrup is suitable for children from 1 year.
With gastritis
The root can lower the acidity of the stomach, so it is used for high acidity. For this, a therapeutic infusion is suitable: 2 tbsp. l crushed root is poured with boiling water (0.5 l.). It should be infused for 8-9 hours.
Then the infusion is passed through cheesecloth and add honey (2 tbsp. L.). The resulting product must be taken 120-150 ml. 3 times a day. Before this, it is necessary to take into account contraindications and consult a doctor.
For weight loss
The marshmallow is suitable for quickly and effectively eliminating excess weight. Tea is used for this. With it, the feeling of hunger is drowned out, fast saturation occurs, the absorption of fat from foods is prevented.
It is necessary to grind the root, and then 1 tbsp. l pour raw materials with boiling water (200 ml). The drink is in the water bath for half an hour, after which straining is required. Take the solution should be 100 ml. half an hour before meals. To obtain positive results, you will need a reception within 3-5 weeks.
Marshmallow root is effective in folk medicine. It is enough to take at appropriate dosages, and then positive results will be noticeable very soon.