Althaea (plant) Althaea (plant) Althaea is a genus of 6–12 species of perennial herbs native to Europe, North Africa and western Asia. It includes "Althaea officinalis", also known as the marshmallow plant, whence the fluffy confection got its name. They are found on the banks of rivers and in salt marshes, preferring moist, sandy soils. The stems grow to 1–2 m tall, and flower in mid summer. The leaves are palmately lobed with 3–7 lobes. "Althaea" species are used as food plants by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species including "Bucculatrix quadrigemina". The genus formerly included a number of additional species now
Mastic (plant resin) from , weeping, and is thought to refer to the "tears" of resin secreted by the mastic plant. Ancient Jewish halachic sources indicate suggest mastic as a treatment for bad breath: "Mastic is not chewed on shabbat. When [is it not permissible to chew mastic on shabbat]? When the intention is medicinal. If it is used for bad breath, it is permissible." Mastic is an essential ingredient of chrism, the holy oil used for anointing by the Orthodox Churches. Mastic is used in some varnishes. Mastic varnish was used to protect and preserve photographic negatives. Mastic is also used in