Marshmallow (Gimov (Guimauve))
Althaea officinalis
A crossing plant — kept in both Haitian & Caribbean and Adriatic & Balkan traditions. Two shores, one root.
Marshmallow
Gimov (Guimauve)
Guimauve
Althaea officinalis
Traditionally used
Respiratory: dry irritating cough, pharyngitis, bronchitis (soothing mucilage). Digestive: gastritis, mouth/throat irritation. Urinary: mild cystitis soothing.
Prepared as
Root, leaves, flowers
Chemistry
Rich mucilage polysaccharides — form protective gel on mucous membranes (demulcent, emollient). Root has highest mucilage content.
In three languages
Kreyòl — Respiratwa: tous sèch, farennjit. Dijestif: gastrit, iritatyon gòj. Urinè: sistit dous. Gimov (gwimauve) kòn nan diaspora ayisyen pou tous sèch ak irritasyon gòj. Enfizyon rasin oswa fèy la itilize kòm kalmant pou mikilik respiratwa ak dijestif.
Français — Respiratoire : toux sèche irritante, pharyngite, bronchite (mucilage apaisant). Digestif : gastrite, irritations bouche/gorge. Urinaire : légère cystite. La guimauve est connue dans la diaspora haïtienne pour la toux sèche et l'irritation de la gorge; l'infusion de racine ou feuilles est utilisée comme calmant des muqueuses respiratoires et digestives.
Safety
Safety notes for this plant are still being written. Until they are, treat it with a cautious hand.
Plants can look similar and be misidentified — always verify with a local herbalist or guide before use.
Kept alongside