Common Mallow and American Ginseng Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Common Mallow and American Ginseng - Essay Example As the discussion stresses the plant is edible and can be eaten raw or cooked. In fact a decoction of the roots can actually be sued as an substitute for eggs when cooking meringue. In folk medicine, the mucilaginous nature of the plant was used for both internal and external cases of swelling and sores. It was also used to treat various kinds of inflammation and some skin infections including rashes.This paper declares that the plant is edible and its leaves and young stems are used in cooking and is used especially in salads owing to the mild taste and high nutritive value. The plant however, also has several medicinal properties. It is believed that the Cherokee Indians used the plants for treating sores. They would mix the flowers in oil and apply on the sores. The common mallow is most popularly known to help in treating respiratory disorders. The plant has mucous chemicals which help to form a layer on the mucosa of the respiratory tract. It may also be used for cough or hoarse ness.   Today, industries used the dried flowers of the plant to make over the counter medication for cough relief. For household purposes, one can boil the roots and the flowers in milk before consumption to treat chest problems and common cough.  The American ginseng is a commonly found herbaceous plant. It is a perennial plant and belongs to the ivy family of plants. Scientifically the American ginseng is known as Panaz quinquefolius. The leave of the plant grows in a circle around the stem and bears greenish, umbrella shaped flowers.