Altea in Herbalist: Property of Altea

Scientific name

Althaea officinalis L.

Family

Origin

Central-Southern Europe

Used Parts

Chemical constituents

• Mucilages (galatturo-ramnani, arabinani, glucani, arabinogalattani);
• Flavonoids;
• Asparagine enzyme;
• Starch;
• Polyphenols;
• pectin;
• Sterols.

Altea in Herbalist: Property of Altea

The main properties of the altea are the emollient and anti-inflammatory ones. These activities are particularly useful in the case of glossitis, gingivitis, pharyngitis, esophagitis, gastritis, inflammatory and spastic colitis.

Althea root powder can be used as a cold maceration, and also as a vehicle for essential oils.

Thanks to the rich presence of mucilages, which tend to form a thin protective and moisturizing film layer on the skin, for external use the height is useful in the presence of irritated, sensitive, dry, reddened, dehydrated skin, easy to crack, and against sores and sunburn.

Biological activity

Altea is a plant with emollient, moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties; for this reason, its use has been approved for the treatment of irritations of the oropharyngeal mucosa and gastric mucosa and bronchitis. More precisely, the aforementioned activities are mainly attributable to the mucilages contained in the plant.

At the altea are bechiche and sedative properties of the cough in the bronchial catarrhs ​​are ascribed.

Furthermore, from studies conducted in vitro, it emerged that the altea extract has antibacterial properties against several Gram-positive bacteria strains. While studies conducted on animals have shown that the application of extracts of marshmallow on wounds favors and accelerates healing.

Altea against cough and bronchitis

Thanks to the anti-inflammatory, emollient, bechic and sedative activity of the cough of which the altar is equipped, the use of its leaves for the treatment of respiratory tract diseases, such as coughs and bronchitis, has been officially approved.

For the treatment of the aforementioned disorders, the height must be taken internally.

As an indication, the usual recommended dose in adults is 5 grams of leaves per day.

However, on the market you can find different types of preparations based on marshmallow for internal use. Therefore, when using these products, it is advisable to follow the instructions on the dosage indicated on the package or on the package insert.

Altea against the irritation of the oropharyngeal cavity

Thanks to the action carried out by the mucilages present inside the plant, the use of the marsh roots has obtained official approval for the treatment of irritations of the oropharyngeal cavity.

As an indication, when the highness is used in the form of a dried and shredded drug for the treatment of the aforementioned disorders in adults and adolescents, it is recommended to take about 0.5-3 grams of product per day.

However, for more detailed information on the uses and dosages of the altea in the treatment of irritations of the oropharyngeal cavity, we recommend reading the article dedicated "Taking care of Altea".

Altea against gastric irritation

The emollient and anti-inflammatory properties ascribed to the mucilage present in the altar also develop at the level of the gastric mucosa. It is precisely for this reason that the use of the plant's roots can be a valid aid in giving relief from gastric irritation that occurs in the case of gastritis, esophagitis and inflammatory colitis.

Generally, for the treatment of the aforementioned disorders in adults and adolescents, it is recommended to take about 3-5 grams of dried and chopped drug per day.

Also in this case, for more information, read the articles on "Treating yourself with Altea" and "Altea-based cold macerated".

Altea in folk medicine and in homeopathy

In folk medicine, both the leaves and the roots of the garden are used as a remedy for diarrhea, ulcers and insect bites.

Altea is also used in homeopathic medicine, where it can easily be found in the form of granules, oral drops and mother tincture. In this context the plant is used for the treatment of sore throat, fat cough, dry cough and bronchitis.

The dose of homeopathic remedy to be taken may vary between individuals, also depending on the type of disorder to be treated and the type of homeopathic preparation and dilution that is intended to be used.

Warnings

The mucilages present in the altea may hinder the absorption of drugs taken orally. Therefore, the height or its preparations and any other drugs must be taken separately with an interval of at least two hours between one administration and another.

Contraindications

Marshmallow is a well tolerated plant. Particular attention must be paid to cases of hypersensitivity to one or more components.

Pharmacological Interactions

The main interactions of the garden concern the use simultaneously with oral hypoglycemic agents (the mucilages of the marsh contributes to the reduction of intestinal carbohydrate absorption; therefore oral antidiabetic therapy may require a dose adjustment).