10/01/2019 / By Melissa Smith
The marshmallows that most people know are the sugary, spongy candies that are unhealthy. However, the marshmallow plant (Althea officinalis), where the candy got its name from, can be used to treat skin irritation and wounds.
Marshmallow is a flowering plant that is native to Europe, Northern Africa, and Western Asia. It has a root that looks like a brown, fibrous husk. The flowers, leaves, and root of this plant are all edible. Its medicinal properties come from the mucilage that the marshmallow plant produces. This sap-like substance contains antioxidants and other active ingredients, such as arabinans, arabinogalactans, galacturonorhamnans, and glucans.
The skin is the most extensive and diverse organ of the human body. It can sometimes be inflamed due to some triggers, such as pathogens, noxious mechanical and chemical agents, and autoimmune responses. Inflamed skin is characterized by redness, swelling, itching, heat, and pain.
A review published in the journal Advances in Dermatology and Allerlogy suggested that applying marshmallow root extract on the inflamed skin may soothe skin irritation caused by eczema and damage from ultraviolet (UV) radiation, or sun exposure – the leading cause of skin cancer and premature skin aging. The mucilage of marshmallow root is also used to coat tissues and prevent irritation. In addition, the herbal extract has cooling and moisturizing properties which are helpful in relieving irritated, red, and inflamed skin.
Marshmallow plant extracts may also be used to heal wounds faster. In one animal study, researchers from Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, and Ilam University of Medical Sciences in Iran looked at the antibacterial activity and wound healing potential of marshmallow extract.
The Iranian researchers found that the extract exhibited antibacterial activity against gram-positive bacteria. In addition, topical administration of the extract on wounded rats significantly increased the speed of wound healing. They published their results in the Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine.
The marshmallow plant can be used as an all-around herbal remedy. Aside from healing wounds and soothing skin irritation, here are some more health benefits you can get from the marshmallow plant:
Learn more natural ways of treating skin irritation and wounds at NaturalCures.news.
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Tagged Under: alternative medicine, Althea officinalis, herbal medicine, Herbs, marshmallow plant, Marshmallow Root, natural cures, natural medicine, pain relief, prevention, remedies, research, skin health, Skin Irritation, Wound Healing, wounds
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