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
Calendula officinalis oils. The flowers of "Calendula officinalis" contain flavonol glycosides, triterpene oligoglycosides, oleanane-type triterpene glycosides, saponins, and a sesquiterpene glucoside. Plant pharmacological studies have suggested that "Calendula" extracts may have anti-viral, anti-genotoxic, and anti-inflammatory properties "in vitro". In an "in vitro" assay, the methanol extract of "C. officinalis" exhibited antibacterial activity and both the methanol and the ethanol extracts showed antifungal activities. Along with horsetails ("Equisetum arvense"), pot marigold is one of the few plants which is considered astringent despite not being high in tannins. Calendula officinalis Calendula officinalis, the pot marigold, ruddles, common marigold or Scotch marigold, is a plant