Althaea officinalis Open-pollinated. Perennial to Zone 4. Cousin to the hollyhock, used to soothe and soften irritated skin and membranes and to relieve stuck hacking coughs. Also mildly stimulates white blood cell production and relieves urinary tract infections and prostate problems. Enjoy the attractive flowers of this showy 4–6' plant through the summer or eat the velvety leaves in salads. All mallows contain soothing mucilage in the root, and marshmallow has the most, so it makes a great home-garden substitute for slippery elm. Harvest roots in autumn of the third year. For tea, steep roots in cold water for several hours rather than boiling. Plant in cool moist soil. Will self-sow. About 350 seeds/g. ①
About medicinal herbs: Archeological evidence dates the medicinal use of herbs back 60,000 years to the Neanderthals. 85% of the world’s population employ herbs as medicines, and 40% of pharmaceuticals in the U.S. contain plant-derived materials. Fewer than 10% of higher plant species have been investigated for their medicinal components. Interest in traditional herbal remedies continues to grow.
Statements about medicinal use of plants have not been evaluated by the FDA, and should not be used for the diagnosis, treatment, cure or prevention of any ailment. Before using or ingesting any medicinal plant, consult a healthcare practitioner familiar with botanical medicine.
Takinagawa Burdock and Resina Calendula, as well as oats, mammoth red clover and alfalfa in the Farm Seed section, also have medicinal uses. Medicinal herbs such as black cohosh, licorice, and many more are available as plants, and shipped in the spring with orders from our Trees division.
Culture: Some herbs are customarily grown from divisions because they cannot come true from seed, such as scented thymes and flavored mints. Some require fall sowing of fresh seed, such as sweet cicely and angelica.
Using herbs: Drying herbs at home is not difficult. Whole leaves retain their flavor at least a year. To substitute fresh herbs for dried in cooking, use triple the dried quantity called for in a recipe.
Germination Testing
For the latest results of our germination tests, please see the germination page.
Our Seeds are Non-GMO
All of our seeds are non-GMO, and free of neonicotinoids and fungicides. Fedco is one of the original companies to sign the Safe Seed Pledge.
This item is certified organic