Althaea officinalis (Althaea leaf, althea leaf or Marshmallow leaf) relieves irritation by coating inflamed surfaces. Its primary use in modern herbal medicine is to relieve sore throat and relieves perianal inflammation (when taken orally) caused by severe diarrhea. Marshmallow leaves also counters excess stomach acid, peptic ulceration, and gastritis. Marshmallow leaf is also mildly laxative and beneficial for many intestinal problems including regional ileitis, colitis, diverticulitis, and irritable bowel syndrome.