Armenian marsh-mallow (Althaea armeniaca) is a representative of the mallow family (Malvaceae) of the marsh-mallow genus. The plant blooms in June-September and bears fruit in July-October. It's a plant that requires moisture. It is propagated by seeds. In medicine, its roots serve as raw materials. The roots of the marsh-mallow are collected in early spring or autumn. It is necessary to dig the root, clean from the soil. Then rinse and remove any wood or rotten places. Cut them 20 cm thick and dry them outdoors or in dryers at a temperature of 50-60 degrees. Plant roots contain moisture, polysaccharides, starch, sucrose, betaine, fat, pectin, tannin, mineral and other substances. Armenian marsh-mallow is a popular herb in folk medicine. Decoction from its roots is used for hemorrhage, coughing and chest pains. With a decoction of flowers and leaves of the marsh-mallow, women wash their hair. In scientific medicine, it is used as an expectorant, emollient, anticold agent, in chronic bronchitis, tracheitis, laryngitis, bronchial asthma. Also, the preparation from its root is used for gastritis and ulcers of the stomach and duodenum, enterocolitis, diarrhea, eczema, psoriasis, cystitis and for the treatment of oral wounds. Pharmacies sell dry and liquid extracts of marsh-mallow root, as well as marsh-mallow syrup and solution. Two teaspoons of crushed dry plant roots should be added to one glass of boiled water and left to infuse for 1 hour. Then strain it and take one tablespoon every 2 hours during the day. You can add sugar or honey to it, because the taste of the decoction is very bitter.
