Althaea officinalis, Malvaceae family (Mallow family)
When looking for a soothing and healing plant to add to your arsenal of healing herbs, look no further than marshmallow. Marshmallow was used medicinally for centuries by the Arabs, Greeks, and Romans, and is used today as food, tea and medicine by herbalists.
Marshmallow owes its wide acceptance and usage to its gentle nature and healing properties. Its genus name, Althaea, derives from the Greek altho (“to cure”), and the family name Malvaceae comes from the Greek word “malake” which means “soft”. Both names reiterate marshmallow’s ability to heal and soothe.
Mothering Marshmallow
This plant is an easy growing tall perennial that blooms pale pink blossoms in late spring to early summer. The fresh young leaves and whole seed pods are edible. In countries where crop failures bring famine, marshmallow (and the mallows in general), is an important food for subsistence.
Both the leaves and root are also used as soothing agents in traditional herbalism. The leaves, flowers, and whole plant have milder properties and can be used interchangeably. Most often, however, the plant’s roots are used as the main source of medicine. Mallow roots are the most potent medicinally and contain 25%-40% mucilage (the active soothing agent) in the fall. Herbalists rely on marshmallow root for subduing inflammation and irritation of the esophagus, stomach and intestines, and urinary and respiratory organs. Drinking marshmallow coats the stomach lining with its mucilage and has a relaxing effect on the body’s internal passages.
Marshmallow Goodness
Marshmallow root was historically used in – guess what – the first marshmallows! The first marshmallow-like dessert originated in France. The sweet concoction mixed marshmallow root, rose water and meringue. Today, an authentic French confectioner’s paste, pâté de guimauve, is still made from the roots of the marshmallow.
Our Teas with Marshmallow
We love to blend with marshmallow root, as it offers a smooth, unobtrusive taste and wonderful health benefits. Our Sweet Rhapsody, Follow Your Bliss, No Thyme for Cold & Flu, and Zen Cleanse feature this soothing root. Marshmallow root brings a malty sweetness, making it well suited for our herbal concoctions. Truly, nothing says “mellow” like marshmallow.
Written by: Greta de la Montagne Edited by: Heather Kreilick and Boo Curry
References:
Herbal Medicine by Rudolf Fritz Weiss, MD; Culpeper’s Color Herbal ed. Sterling; Textbook of Modern Herbology by Terry Willard, PhD; The Eclectic Materia Medica, Pharmacology and Therapeutics by H.W.Felter, MD; Herbal Medicine from the Heart of the Earth by Sharol Tilgner, ND; Health Secrets of Medicinal Herbs by Michelle Mairesse; Herbs; Partners in Life by Adele G. Dawson
