1 82 MARSHMALLOW. 



whitish. The purplish flowers are arranged in oval or 

 oblong heads, with usually pink bracts, and the calyx 

 is tubular and five-toothed. Taste and odour, thyme- 

 like. The oil sold under the name is distilled from 

 Thymus vulgaris, Linn., in France ; that of the Wild 

 Marjoram, Origanum vulgare, is not an article of com- 

 merce. 



MARSHMALLOW. Althaea officinalis, Linn. 



N.O. Mdvacea. 

 Syn. Mallards, Guimauve, Mauls, Schloss Tea. 



Parts used Leaves, root. 



Action Demulcent, emollient. This plant con- 

 stitutes a popular remedy for coughs, bronchitis, &c., 

 generally in combination with other remedies. In painful 

 complaints of the urinary organs, gonorrhoea, cystitis, 

 it exerts a relaxing effect upon the passages as well as 

 acting as a curative. The powdered or crushed fresh 

 roots make a good poultice, which may be relied upon 

 to remove the most obstinate inflammation and prevent 

 mortification. Its powers in this direction are so great 

 that it has been termed Mortification Root. The addition 

 of Slippery Elm is an advantage, and it should be applied 

 to the part as hot as can be borne, renewing the poultice 

 when dry. An infusion of i ounce of leaves to a pint 

 of boiling water is taken frequently in wineglassful 

 doses. 



Preparation Fluid extract,leaves : Dose,-2 drachms. 



Distinctive character The root is greyish white 

 externally, with transverse scars, internally white and 

 fibrous. It is generally sold in the decorticated state, 

 when the outer surface is fibrous and white. . It has 

 deep longitudinal furrows due to drying, and tapers 

 gradually below. Taste, mucilaginous, mawkish. Odour, 

 slight. It should be kept dry or will give a yellowish 

 decoction of unpleasant odour. The leaves are greyish 

 green and velvety, due to a dense covering of stellate 



