Althaea officinalis times of scarcity consequent upon the failure of the crops, this plant, which grows there in great abundance, is collected heavily as a foodstuff. The leaves, flowers and the root of "A. officinalis" (marshmallow) have been used in traditional herbal medicine. This use is reflected in the name of the genus, which comes from the Greek (""), meaning "to heal." Marshmallow was traditionally used as relief for irritation of mucous membranes, including use as a gargle for mouth and throat ulcers and gastric ulcers. The flowers and young leaves can be eaten, and are often added to salads or are
Sugar Plant Sugar Plant Sugar Plant is a Japanese dream pop band. Unlike most rock music, their music is generally very slow, mellow and melodic, in the vein of similar American "slowcore" groups such as Galaxie 500, Bedhead, or Low. The band consists of vocalist Chinatsu Shoyama and guitarist Shin'ichi Ogawa; the band also usually includes a keyboardist and drummer, these roles being filled by a changing roster of musicians. Chinatsu and Shin'ichi formed the band in 1993, while they were studying at university. The band's name comes from a sugar factory in Kawasaki, Kanagawa. Sugar Plant has released recordings on the