Family: Malvaceae
Clinical Actions: demulcent, diuretic, vulnerary, immunostimulant
Energetics: Sweet, bitter, cool
Selected Constituents: Mucilage, asparagines and tannins in the root; mucilage, flavonoids and phenolic acids in the leaf
Parts Used: Leaf and root, together or separately – use cold infusion to preserve mucilage content.
Dose: 5- 30 grams dried herb infused in 8 ounces of water; 1/4 to 1/2 cup per 20 pound BW; given three times a day I rarely use tincture.
Clinical Actions: demulcent, diuretic, vulnerary, immunostimulant
Energetics: Sweet, bitter, cool
Selected Constituents: Mucilage, asparagines and tannins in the root; mucilage, flavonoids and phenolic acids in the leaf
Parts Used: Leaf and root, together or separately – use cold infusion to preserve mucilage content.
Dose: 5- 30 grams dried herb infused in 8 ounces of water; 1/4 to 1/2 cup per 20 pound BW; given three times a day I rarely use tincture.
I have to say, I’m in love with marshmallow for myself and my friends as well as for dogs; it’s an all around wonderful addition to a veterinary herbalist. It simply hasn’t been used popularly in canine circles and that’s a shame – marshmallow is safe, cooling, beautifully demulcent and works on two systems that dogs so often suffer with; gastric and urinary. It’s great for gastritis and ulcer, for issues related to chemotherapy, for bladder and kidney infections, it isn’t horrible tasting and a little seems to go a long way with many dogs. Use a cold infusion, finely chopped root and/or leaf and let stand at least four hours. Can be used topically of course; can ease respiratory problems such as kennel cough, and also has some antimicrobial properties. Very safe, but might impair absorption of drugs if taken at the same time, so use an hour or so apart from any meds your dog takes.
