Plant of the Day: Alcea rosea
Alcea rosea, or Hollyhock, grows to 7ft (2.5m) tall. It can be used as an anti-inflammatory, astringent, demulcent, diuretic, emollient, and febrifuge.
The flowers are demulcent, diuretic and emollient, meaning they are useful in the treatment of chest complaints. A decoction is used to improve blood circulation and can help treat constipation, dysmenorrhoea, and haemorrhage.
The shoots are used to ease a difficult labor. The root is astringent and demulcent when it is crushed and applied as a poultice to ulcers.
Internally, Hollyhock is used in the treatment of dysentery. The roots and the flowers are used in Tibetan medicine, and they are said to have a sweet, acrid taste. Hollyhock is used in the treatment of inflammations of the kidneys or womb, and the roots on their own are used to treat loss of appetite. The seed is demulcent, diuretic and febrifuge.
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