106 MALVACEAE. 



Habitat. — Indigenous to Europe, but naturalized in salt marshes along 

 the coast of New England, New York, and New Jersey. 



Part Used. — The root — United States Pharmacopoeia. The root of the 

 cultivated plant is commonly employed, and, as occurring in commerce, is 

 deprived of its bark. 



Constituents. — The dried root contains as its most important constitu- 

 ents about twenty-five per cent, each of starch and mucilage. There are 

 also present pectin, asparagin, sugar, phosphate of calcium, cellulose, and a 

 little fatty oil. 



Preparations. — Syrupus althasae — syrup of althsea. — United States Phar- 

 macopoeia. This is made b}^ dissolving sugar, without heat, in a cold in- 

 fusion of the root, and is therefore practically free from starch, boiling 

 water being necessary to extract all the soluble constituents, while the 

 mucilaginous properties are readily imparted to cold water. The pow- 

 dered root is often used to impart a proper consistence to soft pill masses, 

 and also in the preparation of emollient poultices. 



Medical Properties and Uses. — The constituents of marsh-mallow indicate 

 clearly enough its therapeutic application. It is emollient and demulcent, 

 and may be used freely in inflammatory affections, either internally or 

 topically as occasion requires. Being nutritious also it is, in certain cases, 

 superior to many demulcents in common use. As a topical application it 

 has a wide range of usefulness. 



MALV A. —Mallow. 



Malva rotundifolia Linne. — Common Mallow. 



Description. — Calyx with a 3-leaved involucre ; otherwise as in althaea. 

 Corolla, stamens, ovary, styles, and fruit similar in structure to those of 

 althsea. 



A small biennial herb, with a long, tapering root and procumbent 

 stems. Leaves round, heart-shaped, somewhat plaited, crenate, smooth, 

 bluish-green, on long petioles. Flowers small, whitish, appearing through- 

 out the summer. 



Habitat. — One of the commonest weeds in door-yards and waste places 

 about dwellings. A native of Europe, it follows civilized man most persist- 

 ently and takes root wherever he establishes himself. 



Part Used. — The herb, including the root — not official. 



Constituents. — It possesses mucilaginous properties similar to those of 

 marsh-mallow. 



Preparations. — The decoction is employed in domestic practice. The 

 fresh herb, bruised, is employed topically. 



Medical Properties and Uses. — Similar to those of marsh-mallow. 



