The herbal and health information provided in this Web Site is intended as historical information only. The historical uses are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Nothing listed within this Web Site should be considered as medical advice for dealing with a given problem. You should consult your health care professional for individual guidance for specific health problems. Persons with serious medical conditions should always seek professional care.
Althea Root is also known by the names Mallards, Sweet Weed, Hock Herb, Wymote, and Schloss Tea. The genus name Althaea is from the Greek word "althe" and means "to heal". Althea Root powder has been used as a binding agent to hold other herbs together in making pills, and has been commonly substituted for Slippery Elm in herbal remedies as many Elm trees are becoming endangered due to Dutch Elm Disease. During times of famine, Althea Root has nourished many people. During the reign of Charlemagne in the 9th century, Althea was promoted as a cultivated vegetable. Althea is a native of most countries of Europe, from Denmark southward, and is found in the western U.S. It grows in salt marshes, in damp meadows, by the sides of ditches, by the sea, and on the banks of tidal rivers.
Served as a vegetable, the plant was considered a delicacy among the Romans. In France, the young tops and leaves are eaten uncooked in salads. Althea Root has been utilized for thousands of years not only as a food during times of famine, but for its healing properties as an herbal remedy. Primary chemical constituents of Althea Root include mucilage, polysaccharides, flavonoids (Quercetin, kaaempferol), asparagine, tannins, lecithin, and pectin. The great demulcent and emollient properties of Althea Root make it useful in inflammation and irritation of the alimentary canal, and of the urinary and respiratory organs. Recently, Althea Root has been used as an expectorant to treat a variety of upper respiratory problems. Althea Root contains large amounts of Vitamin A, calcium, zinc and significant amounts of iron, sodium, iodine, and B-complex. Like Slippery Elm, Althea Root reduces inflammation and has a calming effect on the body.
The active constituents in Althea Root are large carbohydrate (sugar) molecules, which make up the mucilage. This smooth, slippery substance can soothe and protect irritated mucous membranes. Although Althea Root has primarily been used for the respiratory and digestive tracts, its high mucilage content may also provide some minor relief for urinary tract and skin infections. Althea Root's mucilage content helps soothe inflamed tissues, often caused by bronchitis and asthma. Althea Root also relieves dryness and irritation in the chest and throat, usually brought on by colds and persistent coughs. Althea Root has been known to relieve indigestion, kidney problems, urinary tract infections, and even external skin wounds such as boils and abscesses.
(This herbal ingredient can be purchased from Viable Herbal Solutions in powdered and capsule form as part of our Single Herb sales program.)
