Marshmallow syrup: instructions for use for children of different ages for cough and other symptoms

Marshmallow syrup is a well-known medicine for various inflammatory processes of the lower and upper respiratory tract. The syrup belongs to the group of mucolytics, and its main advantage is its natural composition.

The beneficial properties of the plant, which is the basis of the drug, were mentioned back in the 10th century by the great scientist Avicenna. The choice of pediatricians and parents in favor of marshmallow for the treatment of children in our time is also not surprising - in addition to the powerful therapeutic effect on cellular formations in the respiratory organs, the drug has a minimum of contraindications and side effects. In addition, mallow, as marshmallow is also called, is part of the group of “children’s” herbs and does not harm internal organs.

Compound

The active substance of the syrup is an extract extracted from the roots of marshmallow. It is this part of the plant that is believed to have the best healing effect for coughs in children and adults. Per 100 g of medicine there are 2 grams of the active ingredient, that is, Althea is a 2% solution.

To give the extract a thick consistency in the form of syrup, it is combined with sugar syrup. Sucrose acts here as a natural preservative. In addition, other excipients include potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate.

Beneficial properties of marshmallow root syrup

All parts of the plant are used in medicine - leaves, seeds, flowers, but the marshmallow root is of greatest value. It contains: polysaccharides and fatty oils, phytosterol and asparagine, sugar and starchy compounds, tannins and carotene, vitamins, betaine and mineral salts. A storehouse of natural beneficial ingredients is especially important in case of malaise and lack of appetite in children. In addition, the herbal medicine helps restore sleep and cope with nervousness.

The medicine enhances the production of bronchial mucus by goblet cells of the ciliated epithelium, thereby achieving the necessary mucolytic effect.

In addition, the medicinal plant has the following properties:

• eliminates swelling of mucous membranes;
• prevents the spread of inflammation;
• has a softening and relaxing effect on coughs;
• makes mucus and phlegm less viscous;
• eliminates pain during the inflammatory process;
• has an expectorant and enveloping effect;
• reduces the production of hydrochloric acid and proteolytic enzymes;
• cleanses mucous membranes and removes plaque consisting of pathogenic microorganisms;
• acts as a bactericidal agent;
• protects the mucous membrane of the larynx and lungs from irritation;
• has an anti-inflammatory effect;
• activates the recovery process.

pharmachologic effect

Marshmallow root extract, once ingested, increases mucus secretion in the respiratory tract. The medicinal plant also helps improve the motor function of the respiratory organs. In this regard, the syrup is classified as an expectorant herbal preparation. After taking the drug, the patient experiences the following effect:

• Thanks to the plant mucus contained in the root of the plant, the medicine has an enveloping and protective effect. This helps reduce negative sensations during coughing and remove irritation from the respiratory tract.
• The drug helps remove mucus from the bronchi. The medicine works effectively for both dry and wet, productive coughs.
• Root extract stimulates the healing process and helps reduce inflammation.

The therapeutic effect when taking the drug extends not only to the respiratory organs, but also to the nasopharynx, as well as the digestive system.

Expert opinion

Ksenia Dunaeva

User experience expert and comment moderator. Higher medical education and more than 5 years of actual practice.

Ask Ksenia

The therapeutic effect of marshmallow root is provided not only by mucus, but also by the components that make up the plant, including vitamins, microelements, oils, pectin and others.

Marshmallow syrup - instructions

Medicinal marshmallow is a perennial plant that has healing properties. The root is valuable - it contains carotene, mucous substances, fatty oils, pectin, and betaine and asparagine necessary for the body. The mixture is a transparent, thick liquid of yellow or red color with a pleasant aroma and sweet taste. The medicine is produced in dark glass jars or bottles of 125 or 200 g. The description of the instructions for marshmallow syrup states that the drug has an expectorant, anti-inflammatory local bactericidal effect.

The drug contains:

• purified water;
• marshmallow root;
• sodium benzoate;
• sucrose.

Currently, marshmallow syrup, the instructions for use of which describe the release form and indications for use, has positive reviews, noting the rapid relief from cough and the high effectiveness of the herbal medicine. As a rule, only a doctor can prescribe a remedy after determining the cause of the cough. Since marshmallow syrup (althaeae sirupus) has expectorant properties, it is often used for difficult to clear sputum. The mucous component of the drug envelops inflamed as well as healthy areas, thereby protecting them from irritation.

Indications for use

Althea syrup is considered effective for infectious and inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, nasopharynx and upper respiratory tract, accompanied by cough in children and adults. Treatment with the drug is allowed for the following conditions:

• Tracheitis.
• Tracheobronchitis.
• Bronchitis.
• As a medicine included in complex therapy for pneumonia.
• Flu, ARVI.

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Children suffering from diseases of the digestive system are also recommended to drink Althea syrup. The remedy is indicated for diseases such as ulcers, gastritis, colitis, enteritis.

It is necessary to give medicine to a child of any age only after consultation with a specialist, despite its apparent safety and herbal composition.

Marshmallow syrup during pregnancy

Doctors often recommend marshmallow cough syrup for use by women who are expecting a baby. In this case, you cannot self-medicate and take the drug yourself; you must consult with a specialist about the benefits and harmful effects for the child. According to reviews from many pregnant women, syrup is a safe drug that is well absorbed in the stomach and removes toxins and microbes from the body.

They try not to take marshmallow root during pregnancy in the first trimester. An increase in coughing attacks can lead to tension in the uterus, resulting in hypertonicity. In the 2nd and 3rd trimester, syrup is prescribed with caution. In this case, the woman needs to take the medicine one tablespoon after diluting it in 100 ml of boiled water. According to the instructions, the frequency of administration is determined individually, but not more than three times a day.

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Possible side effects

The product in question includes natural plant components, therefore, they can cause an allergic reaction in the child in the form of skin rashes. To prevent such a side effect, you should make sure that the little patient tolerates the marshmallow extract well.

To do this, you need to give the baby a small amount of medicine and carefully monitor the body’s reaction throughout the day. If no adverse reactions occur, you can safely carry out treatment.

Contraindications and possible adverse reactions

The main contraindication to the use of the herbal medicine is based on drug interactions - its simultaneous use with any antitussive drug is prohibited. Otherwise, marshmallow syrup will promote the production of mucus, and the latter will accumulate in the respiratory tract, promoting the proliferation of pathogens and worsening the patient’s condition. However, according to the instructions, the product is allowed to be taken with sodium bicarbonate - this will only enhance the expectorant effect and speed up the healing process.

Other contraindications to taking cough syrup are:

• the drug cannot be used with products that contain codeine, it negatively affects the effectiveness of treatment;
• individual intolerance, in particular allergies;
• diabetes mellitus in a child (we recommend reading: signs and symptoms of diabetes mellitus in a child);
• lack of isomaltase and sucrase in the body and adherence to a hypocarbohydrate diet (the drug contains bread units);
• glucose-galactose malabsorption.

An overdose of marshmallow syrup can cause nausea and vomiting in a child. In this case, the drug is stopped immediately; in addition, the body is cleansed with saline solution, enterosorbents and plenty of fluids. For any manifestation of an allergic reaction - hives, itching, eczema - antihistamines and the mandatory exclusion of syrup as a therapeutic agent will help relieve the symptoms.

If there is no therapeutic effect after 4 days of use, it is necessary to change the drug by a doctor. In such cases, children are sometimes prescribed antibiotics to restore the mucous membrane and eliminate inflammation after the death of the pathogen.

Directions for use and dosage

Marshmallow is given to the patient after meals in the dosage indicated in the table.

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Pediatricians recommend drinking marshmallow 3-4 times a day. If you cannot eat, you can drink the syrup on an empty stomach. The medicine does not cause irritation to the digestive organs. It is also not necessary to dilute the medication. Many kids, on the contrary, like its sweet taste. The duration of treatment is determined by a specialist depending on the severity of the disease and the achieved therapeutic effect.

You might be interested in reading about a cough remedy for children based on licorice root. More information here.

How to take marshmallow syrup

Many patients are often interested in the question: how to drink marshmallow syrup? Before using the drug, be sure to consult a doctor and read the instructions, which indicate how to use it. As a rule, marshmallow tincture for cough is used by patients of any age. It can be given even to a small child. The correct dosage helps to quickly cure a debilitating, prolonged cough. Before using the medicine, you need to dilute one teaspoon of the drug with warm water, leave for 10 minutes and take every 5 hours.

When starting treatment with a herbal preparation, it is necessary to take into account a number of features:

• take the medicine with caution during pregnancy;
• if vomiting or nausea occurs, you should stop using the medicine and rinse your stomach;
• people with diabetes should use this drug with caution, not exceeding the permissible dosage;
• Do not use the medicine simultaneously with codeine-containing drugs.

How to take marshmallow syrup for adults

According to the instructions, for a severe cough, the drug with marshmallow should be taken up to six times a day. For an adult, the drug is prescribed orally after meals. You should drink it after diluting it with water, at the rate of one tablespoon per half glass of water. Thanks to its enveloping and expectorant properties, the medicine heals the affected areas and protects healthy areas of the bronchi. It is recommended to drink the herbal medicine after meals for 15 days. In pharmacies you can find marshmallow root for coughs in the form of syrup, concentrate, powder and other forms.

How to take marshmallow syrup for children

According to the instructions, children should take marshmallow root in a course, not exceeding the daily volume and single dose. If you don’t have any syrup at home, you can use an infusion of the root mixed with any juice. Kids consume this mixture with great pleasure. Pediatricians do not recommend independently prescribing treatment with this drug for children who are less than one year old. The medicine can be prescribed to the child by his or her attending physician. During course therapy for 14 days, the dosage may be:

• children under one year old should take 2.5 ml no more than 2 times a day;
• children under 2 years old - also 2.5 ml no more than three times a day;
• Patients under 12 years old can take 6 ml of the drug 6 times a day.

Analogs

The modern pharmaceutical market offers a wide selection of drugs that have similar therapeutic effects. Many of them are plant-based, so they are widely used among young patients.

Let's name some of them:

• Gerbion.
• Gedelix.
• Syrup based on licorice root.
• Linkas.
• Sinupret.
• Bromhexine.
• Stoptussin.

The attending physician should prescribe a substitute. Each drug must be used among children in strict accordance with the instructions.

You can get more information about the above funds by visiting one of our sections.

Contraindications

Marshmallow syrup has a huge number of beneficial properties, but in turn it also has contraindications.

This drug is not recommended for use if you have frequent constipation or severe lung function problems.

This medicine should not be used in cases of glucose-galactose malabsorption, congenital fructose intolerance and isomaltose/sucrose deficiency.

Pregnancy, lactation and individual intolerance (sensitivity) to the components of the drug are contraindications to the use of the product.

During the period of following low-carbohydrate diets and diabetes mellitus, the drug can be used, but with extreme caution.

Benefits for children

The child's body is not yet fully formed. In this regard, children often suffer from viral and bacterial diseases that provoke coughing. In such a situation, the main thing is to provide timely and competent assistance to the baby. Althea syrup helps cope with the symptoms of flu and ARVI. Its advantages include:

• Environmentally friendly and safe composition.
• Ease of use.
• Good therapeutic effect.
• Availability and low price.
• Few contraindications.
• No serious side effects.

All this makes the medicine popular among doctors and parents, and children take the medicine with pleasure, as they like its sweet taste and pleasant smell. Take care of your children and be happy.

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All information in the article is provided for informational purposes and is not an encouragement for independent treatment.

Medicinal properties and contraindications

Chemical composition

The plant includes a huge amount of substances that are healing for humans:

• Slime;
• Starch and sugar;
• Carotene and pectin;
• Betaine and lecithin;
• Phytosterol and flavonoids;
• Mineral salts and organic acids;
• Fatty oils and polysaccharides;
• Vitamins C and A;
• Tannins;
• Minerals (potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, copper, zinc, cobalt, chromium, vanadium, selenium, iodine).

Beneficial features

Althaea officinalis has medicinal properties:

• Antitussives;
• Expectorants;
• Anti-inflammatory;
• Softening;
• Enveloping;
• Knitting;
• Painkillers;
• Immunostimulating.

Therapeutic effect

The plant has beneficial effects on the human body:

• Treats respiratory diseases;
• Normalizes metabolism;
• Helps fight stomach and intestinal diseases;
• Activates the intestines, which helps cleanse the body of toxins and waste;
• Reduces increased acidity of gastric juice;
• Relieves joint pain;
• Has an antiviral effect;
• Stimulates protective functions;
• Cures skin diseases;
• Regenerates mucosal tissue;
• Helps remove stones from the bladder;
• Treats the genitourinary system;
• Helps against heart disease;
• Effectively cares for skin and hair;
• Stabilizes hormonal levels.

Dried marshmallow root is used in the preparation of medicinal products to treat many diseases.

What cures

• Catarrhal condition of the upper respiratory tract;
• Cough and whooping cough;
• Flu, respiratory disease and sore throat;
• Pneumonia, bronchitis, pneumonia and bronchial asthma;
• Gastritis and enterocolitis;
• Ulcerative processes of the stomach and intestines;
• Infection of the genital organs, cystitis, prostatitis;
• Leucorrhoea and urinary incontinence;
• Diarrhea and dysentery;
• Inflammation of the gums, pharynx, eyes and skin;
• Purulent wounds, burns, eczema, psoriasis;
• Tuberculosis;
• Pustular skin diseases;
• Allergic dermatitis;
• Kidney diseases;
• Jaundice.

Contraindications

• Lung problems (respiratory problems);
• Thrombophlebitis;
• Phlebeurysm;
• Presence of diabetes mellitus;
• Chronic constipation;
• 1st stage of pregnancy;
• Hypersensitivity to components.

Terms of sale and storage

Althea should be stored at room temperature in places protected from children. Do not expose the medicine bottle to direct sunlight. This may negatively affect its therapeutic effect. The shelf life from the date of production is 18 months. After this time, the medication should not be used under any circumstances.

The syrup is dispensed from the pharmacy without a doctor's prescription, as it is not a narcotic or potent drug. Despite this, self-medication with its help is strictly prohibited. This is especially true for children in the first years of life.

Marshmallow syrup for breastfeeding

Cough is not a reason to stop lactation. But women during breastfeeding should begin taking any drug only after consultation with a therapist and gynecologist to clarify possible contraindications. Marshmallow syrup during lactation, as well as licorice tincture, are the most popular means for softening and eliminating cough, because they are based on natural ingredients that do not affect the quality of milk. In this case, you can use diluted syrup no more than twice a day.

Collection and preparation of medicinal raw materials

Marshmallows, like any other plants, need to be collected for subsequent harvesting in environmentally friendly places. Plants growing near highways, factories, as well as in urban areas - in parks, squares and courtyards of residential buildings are not suitable.

There are different harvesting rules for marshmallow roots, flowers and leaves. The collected raw materials should not be rotten, eaten away by insects, damaged or too contaminated, as this will complicate or make it impossible to harvest them, as well as prepare medicines from them.

Harvesting of roots is carried out in the first half of autumn, until the end of October, when the above-ground part of the plant has already died. You can also collect it in the spring, while the marshmallow has not yet begun to “come to life” and grow. Plants 2-3 years old are ideal for this purpose. You will have to remove the rhizomes from the ground manually, acting carefully. It is necessary to remove excess soil, get rid of the coarsened part of the main root, as well as damaged parts. The roots need to be dried in the fresh air for a couple of days, then the plug should be removed from them. Thick roots are cut into several pieces, and long ones are cut into transverse parts, no more than 30 centimeters in length.

In cases where rhizomes that have not been cleared of plugs are needed, after digging them up, they should be quickly washed under running, cool water. It is strictly forbidden to soak the raw materials, since the valuable mucus will dissolve and the therapeutic effect of medicines prepared from such roots will disappear or be greatly reduced.

Marshmallow roots are dried naturally or in special dryers. The main thing is that the temperature does not exceed 50-60 degrees.

Marshmallow grass is harvested by hand picking or mowing. This should be done in the summer, within a month from the moment the marshmallow blooms. Dried, yellowed or brown leaves should be removed from the resulting phyto-raw materials. It is recommended to sort out the grass, removing foreign impurities. They could have gotten in during the process of mowing plants. The leaves are washed under running water and dried in a ventilated, dark place. You cannot use special dryers for this.

Marshmallow flowers are collected during the flowering period of the plant.
Fully blossomed, undamaged buds are suitable. They also need to be washed and dried in conditions similar to leaves. In order not to destroy this medicinal plant, during its collection it is worth leaving large specimens for subsequent seed ripening. It is also good to shake off its seeds when digging marshmallows into the holes formed at the site of the plant .
Medicinal raw materials are very susceptible to moisture and strong odors, so they must be stored in a well-ventilated area, away from sources of moisture or strong-smelling products or substances. Dried marshmallow roots retain all their beneficial qualities for 3 years, and herbs and flowers, like seeds, can last up to 5 years.

Description of the plant

Althaea officinalis botanical drawing
Large perennial grayish-green herbaceous plant up to 150 cm high. The rhizome is thick, short, branched; The main root is woody, the laterals are fleshy, gray on the outside, white on the inside. Stems are single or numerous, weakly branched. Leaves are alternate, petiolate; the upper ones are entire, ovoid, the middle and lower ones are without lobes or shallowly three-lobed, crenate along the edges, soft and densely pubescent, especially on the lower side.

Flowers with a diameter of 2-3 cm, on short stalks, sit in the axils of the leaves; the corolla is pale pink, white or reddish pink. The fruit is a disc-shaped polysperm, which in its mature state breaks up into individual short-haired fruitlets. The seeds are dark brown, glabrous, smooth, kidney-shaped. Blossoms from June to September, bears fruit in September - October; reproduces by seeds.

The marshmallow is widespread in the steppe and forest-steppe zones of the European part of Russia, in the North Caucasus, in Transcaucasia (mainly in the Araks and Kura valleys), in the steppe zone in the south of Western Siberia, in Kazakhstan. In Central Asia it is found in swampy lowlands, among sands in the semi-desert zone, and in mountainous areas it is confined to valleys and gorges. Individual island habitats are noted in the Vakhsh and Syrdarya valleys, in Turkmenistan and in the Sevan basin in Transcaucasia.

Marshmallow flowers

Prefers damp places: banks of rivers, oxbow lakes, irrigation ditches, lakes and ponds, coastal thickets of bushes, damp, mostly saline floodplain meadows and fallow lands. The main harvesting of marshmallow is carried out in the North Caucasus (Dagestan, Chechen-Ingush and Kabardino-Balkarian Autonomous Republics).

A complete substitute for marshmallow is Armenian marshmallow (A. armeniaca Tenore), which differs from it by denser gray-hairy pubescence of the stem and leaves (top and bottom) and more dissected five-lobed middle leaves.

Sometimes inexperienced collectors, instead of marshmallow, collect the roots of other representatives of the mallow family: wood mallow (Malva sylvestris L.) and Thuringian khatma (Lavatera thuringiaca L.). Marshmallow differs from these types of officinalis:

1. The color of the corolla: in the khatma it is bright pink, in the mallow it is pink with dark stripes.
2. The number of leaves of the undercup: in marshmallow it has 8-12 leaves, and in mallow and khama it has 3.
3. Shape of leaves: in mallow they are heart-shaped, rounded, five-seven-lobed, in khama they are angular-five-lobed.

Reviews

Reviews of marshmallow syrup are mostly positive. Those who take it note that the drug has a pleasant taste. It coats the throat very quickly and relieves pain. For dry coughs, the syrup is very effective. Sputum begins to disappear after 1 day of taking the drug. Users note that its important advantage is its natural composition. It can be taken by pregnant and nursing mothers, which undoubtedly increases the popularity of marshmallow syrup. Many parents prefer to give it to their children when they cough, as it has virtually no side effects.

According to reviews, many tried to buy expensive syrups, but were disappointed in them, because some turned out to be completely useless. Marshmallow syrup, on the contrary, helps to quickly get rid of attacks of dry cough, and is inexpensive. Users are very pleased with the price of this drug, because now it is difficult to find a cheap but effective remedy in pharmacies.

Composition and description

Marshmallow is a perennial herbaceous plant with a thick, woody root. It is considered a source of valuable polysaccharides. What is the composition of marshmallow root? When in contact with water, these components lead to the appearance of new substances:

1. Pentose.
2. Dextrose.
3. Galactose.

Dried marshmallow roots include:

1. Starch.
2. Pectin.
3. Phytosterol.
4. Fixed oils.

Small pale pink flowers are collected in spikelets on short stalks. They bloom between June and August. The fruits begin to appear at the end of September; it is a disc-shaped boric achene. Most marshmallows are found in areas with moist soil, for example, on the banks of rivers, lakes or swampy forest areas.

The main medicinal raw material is marshmallow roots, which are harvested in late autumn. They contain many valuable components, including fatty oils, polysaccharides and phytosterols. The leaves are rich in vitamin C and essential oils.

Does marshmallow have any contraindications?

Like any medicine, syrups containing marshmallow have contraindications. Since the syrup belongs to the category of herbal medicines, the list of contraindications is minimal. Althea should not be taken for cough by those patients who have hypersensitivity to the components of the drug.

If the patient has not previously taken the syrup, then if an allergic reaction occurs, you must immediately stop using it and take an antihistamine (Loratadine, Tavegil). In this case, the doctor will replace the drug with an analogue.

Patients with diabetes mellitus, fructose intolerance, or malabsorption of glucose and galactose are not recommended to take marshmallow for cough.

At what age is it allowed to take

Based on the text of the official instructions for use of the drug, it becomes clear that it is approved for use by children under 12 years of age, that is, the minimum age limit is not clearly defined. However, in practice, it is not recommended for children under 1 year to take this medicine, since it cannot be called hypoallergenic. Althea syrup can be taken by children under one year of age only strictly as prescribed by a pediatrician and in the amount specified by him.

Distribution and habitats of marshmallow

Althea is an inhabitant of temperate latitudes, but is quite thermophilic. The North Caucasus, the forest-steppe of the European part of Russia, and the foothills of Altai provide it with the best conditions for growth. It prefers wet habitats: briefly flooded river floodplains, the edges of swamps, wet meadows, and the slopes of ravines overgrown with bushes.

Marshmallow is a wild plant, but in many regions of Ukraine, Bulgaria, and the Krasnodar Territory it is cultivated as an agricultural crop and raw materials are harvested industrially. There are special highly productive varieties of marshmallow, for example “Rusalka” from Bulgarian breeders. Throughout the entire area of ​​the range, it is possible to use the plant in landscape design as a spectacular tapeworm.

Althaea - medicinal plant

For weight loss

Althea is suitable for quickly and effectively eliminating excess weight. Tea is used for this. It muffles the feeling of hunger, quickly satiates, and prevents the absorption of fat from foods.

It is necessary to chop the root, and then 1 tbsp. l. pour boiling water (200 ml) over the raw materials. The drink sits in a water bath for half an hour, after which it requires filtering. The solution should be taken in 100 ml doses. half an hour before meals. To obtain positive results, you will need to take it for 3-5 weeks.

Marshmallow root is effective in folk medicine. It is enough to take it in appropriate dosages, and then positive results will be noticeable very soon.

Dispensed from pharmacies, average price, analogues

This medicine is available without a prescription.

Average price: 75-199 rubles.

There are no direct analogues of Althea Syrup on the market, but as an alternative, drugs that have a similar therapeutic effect can be offered:

• Mucaltin (contains marshmallow herb extract);
• Bronchicum (contains tincture of grindelia, wildflower root, primrose, thyme, etc.);
• Sinupret (includes gentian root, primrose flowers, verbena herb, sorrel, elderberry flowers);
• Lazolvan;
• Bromhexine;
• Herbion plantain syrup (ascorbic acid, mallow flower extract, plantain leaves);
• Acetylcysteine ​​(ACC).

Indications for use

Marshmallow syrup for cough is prescribed for the treatment of various pathologies localized in the respiratory tract, which are manifested by a severe cough and difficult sputum production. Such pathologies include:

• laryngitis;
• bronchitis;
• whooping cough;
• pharyngitis;
• pneumonia;
• tracheitis;
• bronchial type asthma;
• emphysema, etc.

The mucus contained in the drug envelops the mucous membranes of the throat and relieves inflammation, while providing an analgesic effect.

The drug effectively affects the bronchi and lungs, relieving swelling and inflammation, as well as providing a restorative effect. Cough during treatment with syrup softens, becomes less painful and hysterical, which improves the general condition of a person.

Against the background of a mild expectorant effect, the bronchi are naturally cleansed of mucus. This increases the body's defenses and begins the healing process.

In addition, syrup is prescribed as an auxiliary drug in the treatment of gastric and duodenal ulcers, as well as gastritis, enterocolitis and colitis. Marshmallow in syrup form has an analgesic effect and helps normalize digestive processes.

Many people are interested in how adults can take marshmallow syrup. This will be discussed below.

Chemical composition

Researchers find chemical elements useful for humans in all parts of the plant, but their maximum concentration is concentrated in the roots, which are actually used by pharmacists and herbalists most often.

The roots of any marshmallow contain the most mucus (almost 35% of the composition) and starch (approximately 37%). The mucilaginous substances in the plant are usually polysaccharides, which, as a result of hydrolysis, are converted into galactose, dextrose, arabinose and pentose. By the way, in smaller quantities, but still quite a lot of mucus was found in grass leaves (within 12-13%) and in flowers (up to 6%).

In addition to starches and mucous substances, scientists found a high content of pectin, carotene, betaine, lecithin, asparagine, phytosterol, mineral salts and healthy oils in marshmallow roots. The amount of micro and macro substances in this part of the plant is also impressive. Marshmallow roots are a storehouse of potassium, iron, calcium, manganese, magnesium, and copper. In this part, researchers found zinc, chromium, cobalt, aluminum, vanadium, as well as some reserves of selenium, nitrogen, iodine, sulfur, lead and boron. The leaves of the grass are rich in essential oils, rubber-like substances, carotene and ascorbic acid.

Indications and contraindications for use

The main indication for use is acute inflammatory diseases of the upper and lower respiratory tract. Effective in the treatment of wet cough, as a symptomatic remedy. The main indications for use are diseases such as:

• Laryngitis;
• Tracheitis;
• Pharyngitis;
• Acute or chronic bronchitis;
• Tracheobronchitis;
• pharyngobronchitis;
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease;
• Obstructive bronchitis;
• Pneumonia.

It is also used as an anti-inflammatory, enveloping and pain-reducing agent for gastric or duodenal ulcers.

Marshmallow extract promotes a reflex increase in the secretion of bronchial glands.

Due to the herbal basis and monocomponent nature of the drug, it has virtually no contraindications for use. The only limitation is individual intolerance to marshmallow root.

The drug is not recommended for use by people with diabetes of any type. because it contains a large amount of sugar syrup. In addition, it is used with caution by people who are indicated for a low-carbohydrate diet.

During pregnancy

The drug is used with caution during pregnancy, since there is no accurate clinical data on the harmful effects on the fetus. The same applies to the possibility of use during breastfeeding, since it passes into breast milk.
Like a large number of medications during pregnancy, Althea syrup can only be used as prescribed by a doctor. This is done only when the possible benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus.

For small children

Althea syrup is not recommended for use in children under 3 years of age. This is due to the narrowness of the baby's respiratory tract, which can lead to suffocation due to increased mucus production. After this, the drug can be used without restrictions, but only as prescribed by a doctor.

Before the first use, you must do an allergy test. To do this, you need to give the child 1 teaspoon of syrup, and then carefully monitor his condition for 30 minutes. If there is no itching, hives, redness of the skin or other manifestations of allergies, the medicine can be used.

Althea syrup may cause side effects such as:

• Itching;
• Hives;
• Redness of the skin;
• Swelling.

There is no data on harmful effects in case of overdose of the drug.

Allergic rhinitis: symptoms and treatment in adults

You can read how to cure sinusitis in a child here.

How to treat chronic rhinitis //drlor.online/zabolevaniya/nosa/rinit/prichiny-i-lechenie-xronicheskogo.html

How does the drug work in the body?

Marshmallow syrup is effective for dry cough. Once in the body, it softens the mucous membrane of the respiratory system, and also promotes the formation of mucus and its removal. Thus, the drug has an expectorant effect. In addition, marshmallow syrup relieves swelling, reduces pain, and stimulates the regeneration processes of damaged tissues.

It is important to note that the drug has a positive effect on the gastrointestinal tract and stops various inflammations in the oral cavity. Marshmallow syrup relieves nervous tension and increases appetite.

Properties

Marshmallow root has unique properties. It eliminates dry cough with difficulty removing sputum, and also has a bactericidal effect. In addition, the drug based on marshmallow has mucolytic, expectorant, softening and enveloping properties, effectively eliminating the inflammatory process in the respiratory tract.

The structure of the marshmallow root is mucous. Two-thirds of its total composition are mucous components, which are a mixture of pentosans and hexosans, which have the property of enveloping the bronchi and lungs. Moisturizing the mucous membranes promotes blood microcirculation in the epithelium, healing microcracks and preventing re-inflammation.

special instructions

For people with allergies, it is better to use other cough suppressants. People diagnosed with severe liver pathologies, epilepsy, and diabetes mellitus should use the syrup with great caution.

In rare cases, a negative effect of the drug on the central nervous system is noted, which is manifested by headaches, dizziness, and daytime drowsiness.

Marshmallow syrup can be combined with sodium bicarbonate. The drug does not reduce the speed of reactions and does not affect the ability to concentrate. Thus, it can be freely prescribed to persons regardless of their profession and type of activity.

Rules for the preparation of raw materials

Marshmallow root photo
The roots of both types are harvested in the fall after the stems dry out or in early spring; in the European part of Russia and in the regions of Siberia in September - early October, in the Caucasus and Central Asia throughout autumn and spring. Harvesting should be carried out selectively, leaving up to 30% of plants for restoration of thickets. If harvesting rules are followed, the thickets are restored in 3-4 years.

They dig up roots with shovels, and in extensive thickets with plows. Then they are freed from the ground, the stems, the capitate parts of the rhizomes and the main taproot, usually woody and unsuitable for use, are removed. Non-lignified roots are washed, slightly dried, cut into pieces 30-35 cm long (thick, fleshy ones are split lengthwise into 2-4 parts).

Dried Althea rhizomes - medicinal raw materials

To obtain purified raw materials, scrape off the gray plug from the roots with a sharp knife. Immediately after processing, the raw materials are dried, laid out in a loose, not thick layer on nets, stretched panels, plywood sheets, which are placed in the form of racks at intervals of 50-60 cm. Drying is best carried out with artificial heating in ventilated rooms or special dryers at a temperature of 50-60 cm. 60 °C. The roots are considered dry if they do not bend when bent, but break with a bang.

There are 4 types of raw materials of wild and cultivated marshmallow and Armenian marshmallow: whole peeled roots, cut peeled roots, whole unpeeled roots and cut unpeeled roots.

Pharmacy and home remedies from marshmallow for children

If a child of preschool and school age has a dry cough, then marshmallow medicines will help him. For children, you can buy either pharmacy syrup or prepare it at home. Up to 12 years of age, a single dose of syrup should not exceed a teaspoon, and over 12 years of age, a tablespoon of the drug can be given at a time.

Many consumers are wary of the sodium benzoate content in pharmaceutical syrup. Today, many foreign scientists consider this substance a harmful food additive. They recommend that manufacturers remove this compound from products marketed to children.

Parents who do not trust ready-made medications can prepare the medicine themselves.

If marshmallow grows in the region, you can prepare its roots yourself. This is done in the spring and always in an environmentally friendly place. The roots are carefully dug up, the thick main root and small roots are separated. Leave the lateral roots, wash them, and remove the top layer. Dry in the shade outdoors. Stored in cardboard boxes.

If it is not possible to prepare the roots yourself, then buy them at the pharmacy.

For children, the medicine is prepared as follows:

1. Pour a tablespoon of well-chopped roots into a glass of water, boiled and cooled to 30 degrees.
2. Leave for one hour. Strain and squeeze out the contents.
3. Add a spoonful of honey or sugar.

Give your child a tablespoon every three hours. In addition, you can wash your eyes with this infusion, but without honey, if the disease is accompanied by inflammation.

Is it possible to give marshmallow cough syrup to children and pregnant women? The instructions for use do not give a direct answer. However, it does not prohibit the use of the drug by patients from the named categories.

Use in cosmetology

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In addition to everything said above, marshmallow is also useful in cosmetology. In particular, as a means to relieve irritation and inflammation of the skin, to accelerate cell regeneration and moisturize the skin, treat acne and acne. For dry skin, for example, lotions made from an infusion prepared from a glass of boiling water and one and a half tablespoons of dry crushed roots will be useful. It is useful to wash the skin with the same product after shaving, peeling or vacuum massage. Marshmallow leaves have antioxidant properties that prevent skin aging, restore its healthy glow and beautiful color.

For hair, marshmallow is useful as a remedy against baldness and stimulating the growth of new hair. A product made from marshmallow seeds and vegetable oil (1 tablespoon of seeds per 150 ml of oil) has proven itself well as a means for restoring curls. It is useful to rub this mixture into the scalp 1-2 times a week. The course of treatment consists of 15-20 procedures.

Alteyka cough syrup

A prolonged dry cough causes a lot of unpleasant sensations, interferes with full work and rest, can cause hostility from others and bring many more troubles to the patient. Cough can be a symptom of many different diseases, but most often appears with colds and viral diseases and bronchitis. A good cough medicine should not only quickly relieve symptoms of the disease, but also have a mucolytic and expectorant effect. Cough syrup - Alteika successfully combines all the required qualities and is excellent for treating coughs in children and adults.

Alteyka is a medicine made from plant raw materials, an extract of medicinal herbs contains polysaccharides as the main active ingredient, and in addition, pectides, amino acids, organic acids, phytosterols, fatty oils, mineral salts and provitamins.

Properties of the drug

Alteika cough syrup has a pronounced expectorant effect, in addition, it thins mucus, stimulates bronchosecretion, and coats irritated mucous membranes, making cough less painful. The result is achieved due to reflex irritation of the respiratory, cough and vomiting centers in the medulla oblongata, and this, in turn, causes increased bronchial peristalsis and active movements of the ciliated epithelium of the bronchial mucosa, “helping” to drive sputum out. And an increase in mucus production in the bronchi and its simultaneous liquefaction help to quickly get rid of accumulated sputum, pus and microorganisms in the bronchi. The plant extract envelops inflamed areas of the mucous membrane, helping to relieve swelling and irritation in the bronchi.

In addition to its main action, Alteika has a number of additional properties:

• has cytoprotective properties and activates the regeneration of epithelial cells;
• relieves swelling and inflammation;
• reduces the production of gastric juice, thereby protecting the upper respiratory tract from irritation by hydrochloric acid from the esophagus.

Indications for use

Marshmallow is a good drug that is used for any acute and chronic inflammatory diseases of the respiratory tract, with cough and sputum discharge:

• tracheitis
• bronchitis
• laryngitis
• whooping cough
• bronchiectasis
• bronchial asthma
• pneumonia
• emphysema

How to use orphan Althea

Marshmallow is an excellent remedy for treating cough in children from the first months of life and adults. Before use, it is recommended to shake the contents of the bottle, and for children under 6 years old, dilute it in a small amount of boiled water.

Alteika cough syrup is prescribed for adults and children in doses:

• infants up to 1 year - 2.5 ml (half a teaspoon of syrup), the daily dose should not exceed 5 ml;
• Children under 2 years old can be given syrup in the same dose - 3 times a day;
• from 2 to 6 years – 5 ml (teaspoon) – 4 times a day, the maximum allowed amount is 6 times a day;
• from 7 to 14 – 10 ml (2 teaspoons or 1 dessert spoon) – 4-6 times a day;
• from 14 years old - a single dose of 15 ml (tablespoon) - 4-6 times a day.

Use in folk medicine

As already mentioned, it is the roots of this herb that have pronounced healing properties, although marshmallow greens are also used in many folk recipes.

Roots

Water infusions from marshmallow roots (1 tablespoon and a glass of boiling water, infused in a water bath for 20 minutes) are the most popular folk weapon against sore throat and other throat diseases. This medicine is good to rinse the mouth with inflammation of the gums or violations of the integrity of the mucous membrane. By the way, for treating the throat, the infusion is suitable both as a gargle and for oral administration (10-20 ml every 2-3 hours, you can add a little honey).

For tracheitis, bronchitis and some other respiratory tract ailments in children, taking marshmallow root syrup gives good results. This product can be bought at any pharmacy, or you can make it yourself at home. Herbalists prepare this medicine this way: add dried marshmallow roots crushed into powder (in a ratio of 98:2) to sugar syrup. When the powder gets wet, the mixture is stirred and heated well over low heat. After cooling, the medicine is ready for use.

The root part of the marshmallow is often included in herbal teas intended to treat stomach or duodenal ulcers. The most popular recipe of this type includes equal parts of marshmallow, comfrey (larkspur) and licorice (licorice) roots. Brew tea from a tablespoon of herbal mixture and a glass of hot water for 5 minutes, which is recommended to drink before bed.

Traditional healers recommend using a decoction of the roots to wash wounds, burns, and pustules on the skin. This remedy is useful for external use for furunculosis and dermatomycosis. And to treat tuberculosis, it is recommended to drink a milk decoction of marshmallow root.

Leaves

Juice from fresh marshmallow leaves (usually juicy greens collected in early summer) is also a useful medicine. If you take 20 ml of marshmallow juice three times a day (sweetened a little with honey), you can cure bronchitis, persistent cough, gastritis, enterocolitis, diarrhea, and cystitis. This remedy is useful for asthma, pulmonary tuberculosis and many other diseases. The juice of the herb is useful for external use. They are advised to wash their eyes, burns, and pustules.

A decoction of a mixture of leaves and roots can be used as a mild laxative, a medicine for enterocolitis, or to gargle a sore throat.

Decoctions and infusions from the flowers of this herb have the same effect as preparations from marshmallow roots.