Marshmallow and Fenugreek

Marshmallow and Fenugreek

Expectorant Formula

Said to support the health of the respiratory system with its nutrients, marshmallow and fenugreek combination is traditionally used as a expectorant formula to treat bronchitis, colds, hay fever, asthma, sinus congestion, earache, and cough symptoms. The formula is noted for its richness in aluminum, iron, magnesium, riboflavin, silicon, sodium, and thiamine. It is also rich in the B vitamins and in vitamins A and C. The main action of marshmallow and fenugreek combination is to thin the body’s mucosal fluids while increasing their production. Its ingredients are anti-inflammatory and work to relieve smooth muscle spasms. The three main ingredients which provide these various benefits are as follows:

Marshmallow’s history as a healing plant goes back to Hippocrates, who recommended its use in the treatment of bruises or in cases of blood loss. Other Greek and Roman physicians prescribed marshmallow as an antidote for toothache, vomiting, poisoning, insect bites, sore throat, and digestive upset. Rich in mucilage, the plant is diuretic, laxative and emollient, and soothes inflamed organs and body surfaces when taken internally or applied externally. Marshmallow contains significant amounts of calcium and magnesium. This herb enhances the body’s ability to bind with and eliminate toxins (marshmallow has sometimes even healed gangrenous sores and peritonitis). The mucilaginous root of this sweet and highly palatable herb helps facilitate expulsion of phlegm and works to soothe the respiratory abrasion and pain associated with sore throats and coughing.

Fenugreek’s name evolved from its function as “Greek hay,” part of an ancient animal food which sick horses and cattle would eat when they refused all other nourishment. Its seed is the part of the plant used in human food and medicine. Like the other ingredients in this herbal combination, fenugreek seeds are an especially good source of mucilage. Gelatinous when mixed with water, fenugreek can be made into poultices and ointments which soothe painful and inflamed tissues in many parts of the body. Taken internally, fenugreek has traditionally been used to counteract fevers and respiratory problems. Other intriguing properties of fenugreek are under investigation, including its ability to lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels in animals, its mild anti-inflammatory action upon arthritic joints, and its possible function as a uterine stimulant in late stages of pregnancy. Because of this last quality, fenugreek should be avoided by pregnant women, but is otherwise an FDA approved safe herb for adults.

Slippery elm contains an inner bark from which come the white fibers valuable in herbal healing. These distinctively scented fibers are finely powdered for use in drinks, gruels and poultices healthful for membranous tracts such as the digestive and urinary tracts. Slippery elm is a mucilage. Its viscous bark fibers absorb toxins and soothe the inflamed linings of the throat or intestines. Slippery elm is especially recommended as a gentle healing treatment for infants with gastro-intestinal distress. Extracts from this healing bark are effective on the respiratory tract when used topically. Its most popular modern use is as a demulcent expectorant, which is its main function in the marshmallow fenugreek combination.

Dosage: Take two capsules with meals twice daily.

Sources

Advanced Treatise in Herbology by Dr. Edward E. Shook (Trinity Center Press, 1978).

The Healing Herbs by Michael Castleman. (Emmaus, Pennsylvania: Rodale Press, 1991).

“Marshmallow” by Dr. John Christopher, M.H. in Herbalist (Vol. 1, No. 8, 1976).

Nutritional Herbology by Mark Pedersen (Warsaw, Indiana: Wendell W. Whitman Company, 1994).

“Slippery Elm: An Old Time Healing Aid and Survival Food” by Dr. John Christopher in Herbalist (Vol. II, No. 3, 1977).

Weiner’s Herbal by Michael A. Weiner, M.S., M.A., Ph.D., Janet Weiner, and Norman R. Farnsworth, Ph.D. (Mill Valley, California: Quantum Books, 1990).