HERBAL GARDEN
Khatmi (Althaea officinalis Linn.)
Classification
Synoyms
Khatmi
Gulkhairo
Khitmi
Atibala (in some regional texts)
Peetpushpa
Habit
A soft, perennial, mucilaginous herb growing up to 1–1.5 meters in height.
Habitat
Native to Europe and Western Asia; cultivated in temperate regions of India — mainly in Kashmir, Punjab, and Himachal Pradesh. Prefers moist soils near riverbanks and lowlands.
Morphology
- Root: Thick, long, white, soft, and mucilaginous.
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Stem: Erect, cylindrical, and softly hairy.
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Leaves: Alternate, heart-shaped, serrated margins, velvety with soft hairs.
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Flowers: Pale pink to lavender, 4–6 cm wide, borne singly or in clusters in leaf axils.
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Fruits: Small disc-like schizocarps with multiple seeds.
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Odor: Mild and sweet.
- Taste: Mucilaginous and slightly sweet.
Chemical Composition
Contains mucilage (up to 35%), starch, flavonoids, pectin, tannins, asparagine, volatile oil, sucrose, and organic acids.
Major active compounds include:
Althein and altheic acid,
Quercetin,
Kaempferol glycosides,
β-sitosterol
These constituents give the plant strong demulcent, soothing, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Guna-Karma
Rasa- Madhura, Tikta
Guna- Guru, Snigdha , Picchila
Virya- Sheeta
Vipaka- Madhura
Karma- Shothahara,
Vrana-ropaka,
Kantashothahara,
Vata-Pittahara,
Mutrala,
Kasahara,
Vranashodhaka,
Pittashamaka
Doshakarma- Pacifies Vata and Pitta doshas
Medicinal uses
Used in cough, cold, bronchitis, asthma, and sore throat
Helpful in gastritis, ulcers, and colitis due to its mucilaginous nature
Beneficial in urinary tract irritation and burning micturition
Root paste applied externally for inflammation, wounds, and boils
Decoction used as a mouthwash in oral ulcers and pharyngitis
Acts as a natural soothing agent for irritated mucosa and tissues
Useful Part
Root, Leaves, and Flowers
Doses
Powder (Churna): 3–6 g
Decoction (Kwatha): 20–40 ml
Infusion (Phanta): 30–50 ml
Fresh juice (Swarasa): 10–15 ml
Important Formulation
Khatmi Kwatha
Khatmi Taila
Gulkhairo Sharbat (Unani formulation)
Khatmi Churna (used in respiratory and digestive ailments)
Shloka
खत्मी मधुरा शीतला स्निग्धा गुरुश्च पित्तजित्।
कासश्वासज्वरार्तानां श्लेष्मजुषां हितप्रदा॥
Hindi Name
Khatmi, Gulkhairo, Khatmi Gul
English Name
Marshmallow, Common Marshmallow
Botanical Name
Althaea officinalis Linn.
Family
Malvaceae