Marshmallow Root

Published Jul 2005 by Joan Toth Written by Joan A. Toth, Chartered Herbalist President, Nahanni River HerbsCopyright © 2004 - 2010

What is Marhsmallow Root good for?

Natural Health Article

CONTENTS

• ABCs of Health - "B" is for Building
• West Nile Virus - Fight the Bite
• Tip of the Month - Give your lips the brush off
• The Herbalist - "M" is for Marshmallow

ABCs OF HEALTH

"B" is for building. Building is something we should all do every day. The body is made up of millions of different minerals. These minerals play a large role in enzyme reactions throughout the body. Vitamins often work as co-factors with minerals in these reactions, to help the body use minerals correctly. When we do not get enough vitamins, our bodies can't properly use the minerals. If we don't get enough minerals, our bodies borrow them from our bones, muscles, hair, skin, nails and other tissues throughout the body. Our bodies are so resilient and so good at hiding these deficiencies that we usually are not aware of this borrowing until our tissues become structurally damaged. Many of us accept this as part of aging. However, aging can be slowed significantly if the body doesn't have to borrow these nutrients. That's why building is the most vital part of any nutrition program. Building involves the use of vitamins, minerals, herbs and protectant factors such as antioxidants.

WEST NILE VIRUS

I thought that I would share the following information from a mail out I received from a government source pertaining to West Nile Virus. We should know that this epidemic is of growing concern around the world.

With every bite you are playing the odds, as we may know, not all mosquitoes will carry West Nile virus. However, one in five people bitten by an infected mosquito will become ill with West Nile fever.

Symptoms include:

Fever - Severe headache - Neck stiffness - Vomiting - Muscle weakness - Tremors - Paralysis - Coma - Serious long-term consequences - Death (in rare cases)

The risk of developing the neurological syndrome increases with age, and in the presence of other medical conditions. If you develop severe symptoms, see a physician immediately, as West Nile neurological syndrome can require hospitalization.

THE ONLY WAY TO AVOID INFECTION IS TO AVOID MOSQUITO BITES

FIGHT THE BITE WITH SIMPLE, COMMON-SENSE STEPS:

Don't let mosquitoes bite.

- Use a mosquito repellent with DEET. Apply to clothing and any
   exposed skin.
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants at dusk and dawn when
   mosquitoes are the most active. 
- Cover infant carriers with mosquito netting when outdoors.

 Keep mosquitoes out of the house.

- Repair or install window and door screens, and keep doors closed.
- Screen other openings like the cold air return.
- Consider a screened enclosure for eating or sitting outdoors.

Mosquitoes don't travel far. Stop them from hatching near your home.

- Reduce standing water in your yard from birdbaths, wading pools, 
  ponds and buckets should be drained twice a week. 
- Clean debris out of eavestroughs to prevent clogs.
- Cover rain barrels with a screened lid and seal joints on downspouts 
  to keep the water mosquito free.
- Avoid excessive lawn watering. Mosquitoes can lay their eggs in the
  smallest of puddles.

For more information on West Nile virus, and how it can affect people and animals, and how to avoid it, visit http://www.health.gov.ab.ca/public/wnv_fsoutdoor.pdf

TIP OF THE MONTH

GIVE YOUR LIPS THE BRUSH OFF

If you have peeling lips, it is a good idea to exfoliate them at least once a month.
Invest in a small, soft toothbrush.
Before bed, gently brush your lips with the toothbrush.
This will help remove dead lip cells, just like a facial or body exfoliator removes dead skin cells. Then, place a generous amount of vaseline or any moisturizer containing Vitamin E on your lips. In the morning you will wake up with softer lips.

THE HERBALIST

I promised I would give you some information on a specific herb, its origin and its uses. I really enjoy this part of our newsletter, as I always learn something new and exciting. This month we will discuss:

Marshmallow root

Latin Name: Athaea officinalis (malvaceae (mallow)family)

Other Common Name: althaea root

General Description: Marshmallow is an erect perennial plant that bears hibiscus-like blossoms and grows in wet, marshy areas. The use of marshmallow originated in traditional Greek medicine and spread to Arabian and Ayurvedic medicine. Marshmallow is cultivated for medicinal use in Europe and Asia and is naturalized in gardens around the world. Its roots are a rich source of healing mucilages used in herbal medicine.

Excellent For: Marshmallow root relieves various forms of irritation or inflammation, especially irritation of the mucous membranes. It aids the body in expelling excess fluids and mucus. It strengthens the digestive system and improves the functioning of the immune system. Marshmallow root is an ingredient in many lung preparations and cough syrups, as well as in preparations for urinary tract problems, stomach ailments, and wound healing.

Benefits of Marshmallow for specific health conditions include some of the following:

Cough and laryngitis:  It coats the irritated linings of the mouth and throat.
Peptic ulcer: Teas of marshmallow, containing complex polysaccharides that form a protective layer on the stomach lining.
Eczema, mastitis, and psoriasis: Forms a protective layer on damaged skin, and interferes with the hormones that cause inflammation.

CONTRAINDICATIONS: Caution is advised to people that have diabetes, not to use the herb, as it may lower sugar levels.

This concludes another exciting issue of Natural Health. REMEMBER YOU HAVE TO READ TO WIN!

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