Herbal Lesson #7

By Sister Kaeli A./Triple Moon Coven
Feb 22, 2016
2 min read

By Sister Kaeli A. -

Merry Meet and welcome back! todays Herbal lesson is on Althea and its proporties.

Herbs: Althea

Common Name - marshmallow, sweet weed, wymote

Scientific name- Althea officinalis

Origin- salt marshes all over Europe, no specific origin.

Category- N.O. Malvaceae

Height- 1 meter to 1.5 meters high (3 to 4 ft)

Grow Zone- salt marshes in various places around the world

Planet: Venus

Element: Water

Masculine or Feminine- feminine

Toxicity: Not toxic, can be used as food.

*Possible interactions:* - diabetes medication and lithium. This herb may increase the effects of these types of medications.

Description: The leaves, shortly petioled, are roundish, ovate-cordate, 2 to 3 inches long, and about 1 1/4 inch broad, entire or three to five lobed, irregularly toothed at the margin, and thick. They are soft and velvety on both sides, due to a dense covering of stellate hairs. The flowers are shaped like those of the common Mallow, but are smaller and of a pale colour, and are either axillary, or in panicles, more often the latter.

Medicinal uses- This herb is used as an anti-flammatory for the urinary and upper respiratory organs. This has been used on diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, common cold, sore throat, inflammatory bowel disease, stomach ulcers, skin inflammation. I've not used this plant personally for medical uses for myself, though it is worth investigation as a topical aid in this way perhaps for psoriasis or eczema. Organs affected are the lungs, stomach and kidneys.

Magickal Uses- This herb provides protective and amplification of psychic powers. You can burn this herb as incense or carry it in a sachet. It will draw good spirits when in use in rituals. As well, as its planet is Venus, it is known as an aphrodisiac. You would make an oil from seeds gathered under a full moon and rub it on the genitals. An amulet or a root worn as well near the genitals will also have the same effect.

Culinary Uses-

Eat fresh seeds alone or on salads, toss the flowers and/or mix young leaves on salads. In middle eastern cultures, some boil it and fry it with onions and butter. A confection made from this herb is the inspiration of the candy called by the same name.

Thank you for reading! We hope that you found this Article informative, and as always we appreciate your feedback. You may contact us here or facebook.com/triplemoonministries with your comments or questions. Have a Blessed Day.

Text by Kaeli A. with reference to www.earthwitchery.comhttp://www.herbslist.net/https://www.plantvillage.org/en/topics/aloe-vera/infos/diseases_and_pests_description_uses_propagation

Image Courtesy of Google