Marshmallow for female beauty and health
 The ancient Greeks called this plant "altseya", which means "mnogopolezny" or "the one who heals, the healing."

In another version of the Latin name of the plant is given in honor of the wife of the hero of the Trojan War, Aeneas. This version adhered to Theophrastus and Dioscorides.

Vernacular - Proskurnikov, Prosvirnyak, marshmallow, prosvirka, up, prostirka, prosvirki, mallow, breast herb grudishnik, grudashnik, cufflinks, zinzivey, zinziver, up, perepochki, Pryanichnikov, pyshechnik

Althaea officinalis - Althaea officinalis   - A perennial herb of the family Malvaceae direct, slightly branched, pubescent soft stem 50 to 150cm in height. The young plant stems solitary, the old bushes them to 6-10. Leaves velvety-soft felt, five - lobed petioles.

Large silky pink or pale pink flowers are located in the axils of upper leaves, like a garden of mallow flowers, only smaller. Blossoms marshmallow from June to September. Fruit - discoid team achene, resembling a donut. It ripens in September and October. Propagated by seeds of marshmallow. The plant has a short branched fleshy rhizome with thick roots.

In the wild mallow grows almost the entire territory of Russia. It grows along rivers, ravines, plains, forest edges, in bushes, in the mountains. In the city it can be found near the houses and parks.

The medicinal and cosmetic purposes are used marshmallow root Which are harvested in the fall, dig up, shake off the ground, cut off the woody base of the main root and small branch, leaving a soft part and a large lateral roots. All this is cut into pieces and dried in the open air.

Marshmallow root comprise: vitamin C, carotene, starch, mucilage, polysaccharides, pectin, sugar, fatty oil, malic and phosphoric acid, flavonoids, traces of essential oils, tannins, potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, manganese, copper, zinc cobalt ...

 Marshmallow for female beauty and health
   Marshmallow root since ancient times been used for therapeutic purposes in almost all ancient countries. Sometimes used to treat diseases of flowers, seeds and leaves of marshmallow. We wrote about the medicinal marshmallow Theophrastus, Dioscorides, Pliny. I apply it in their practice known Roman doctor Alexander Trallianus (VI century). Avicenna recommended a decoction of the roots, seeds and leaves as an expectorant, emollient for coughs, pneumonia, pleurisy, bladder stones, difficulty urinating and even cancer.

Russian folk medicine used marshmallow root with angina, influenza, catarrh of the upper respiratory tract, tracheitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, tuberculosis, lung and other bronchial pulmonary diseases, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, jaundice, cystitis, for poisoning, for gargling, washing eyes in inflammation, for enemas at diarrheas.

- A decoction of marshmallow.   2-3 tbsp. tablespoons of crushed dried root pour 2 cups boiling water, simmer for 20 minutes, insisting 6:00, filter, take ½ cup 3-4 times daily after meals.

From cold compresses make the broth for psoriasis, eczema, rashes. Cotton swabs soaked in a decoction, applied at an inflammation of the mucous eye.

- Flowers Marshmallow steamed in honey water to produce so-called "Maiden of the skin." This mask improves micro-circulation, soft tones, removes signs of fatigue, puffiness and tightens facial contours.

- When inflammation and irritation of the skin . 1 tbsp. a spoonful of chopped marshmallow root pour 1 cup of boiled water, let stand for 3-4 hours and strain. The present wet gauze and 2 times a day (morning and evening) to apply to the face.

- Infusions of marshmallow   have a regenerating and moisturizing effect on the skin.
Therefore it is useful to use them instead of the morning washing. As well as freeze and wipe the face with ice cubes. 1 tsp. Izmёlchennyh roots pour 1 cup of cold water, infuse for half an hour, drain.

- Lotions infusion of marshmallow   when excessive dryness and flaking of the skin soften and tone the skin. 1, 5, Art. tablespoons dry raw sugar and 1 cup of cold water for 15-20 minutes. Wet terry cloth and apply to the face for 10-15 minutes. Wash then not necessary.

The same infusion wash skin with irritability after shaving and excessive sweating and diaper rash skin.

- The infusion of marshmallow to strengthen and stimulate hair growth . 3 tbsp. tablespoons minced root pour ½ cup of cold water, leave for 1 hour. Rub into the scalp after washing.

In Marshmallow leaves and roots are edible, they are cooked and stewed in the food consumed as young immature fruit, peeled cups.

From flowers Marshmallow get malvidin pigment, which is used for dyeing wool.

Mages are advised to sow marshmallow on the perimeter of the suburban area to protect against negative environmental effects and to attract good luck in life and love.
Author: Natalia Alexeeva