(Marshmallow.)

Origin. - The dried root of Althaea officinalis L., a perennial herb indigenous in the temperate portion of Northern and Western Asia and in the greater part of Europe.

Description and Properties. - In cylindrical or somewhat conical pieces, from 4 to 6 inches (10-15 Cm.) long, about 1/2 inch (12.7 Mm.) thick, deeply wrinkled, deprived of the brown corky layer and small roots; externally white, marked with a number of circular spots, and of a somewhat hairy appearance from the loosened bast-fibers; internally whitish and fleshy. It breaks with a short, granular, and mealy fracture, and has a faint, aromatic odor and a sweetish, mucilaginous taste. It contains asparagin, mucilage, sugar, and pectin.

Physiological Acion and Therapeutics. - Marshmallow is emollient, demulcent, and protective, and is an efficient protective and emollient in irritable and inflamed conditions of the skin, and a highly efficacious demulcent in all inflammatory and irritable conditions of the respiratory, digestive, and urinary organs.