Actions: the root, leaves and flowers are expectorant. The leaves and root are demulcent and wound healing. The root itself, most commonly used, is a gentle diuretic and expectorant. Indications: for inflammations of any tissue, whether it be internal or external, it is excellent. It is very useful for cystitis, especially when combined with cleavers. It is a very soothing herb, specifically indicated for esophagitis or ulcers. It is often used in salves for healing topical burns and wounds.

Preparations and Dosage: to make a tea, soak 1 Tablespoon of the root in 3 cups room temperature water for 1 hour. Strain, then heat to boiling. Dilute if necessary. Drink 1-3 cups daily as needed.

For a poultice, make a paste of the powdered root with water to apply to skin inflammations and wounds.

Marshmallow Root, (Althaea officinalis) Powder Bulk

Family

Malvaceae (Mallow Family)

Etymology

The genus name Althaea derives from the Greek althe, "to heal." Officinalis, the species name, indicates that this was an official drug of the old European apothecaries. The common name malva derives from the Greek malake, "soft," in reference to this plant's soothing properties.

Range of Appearance

Native to Africa, Asia, and Europe but naturalized in the eastern United States, this perennial herb can be found growing in cool, damp lowlands. It can grow to 4 to 5 feet in height and has downy, lobed leaves and large, hermaphroditic, pink to purple flowers. The fruits mature into buttonlike achenes. Marshmallow thrives in partial sun to full shade, prefers a rich loam soil, and requires only moderate amounts of water.

Parts Used

Root, leaves, flower

Physiological Effects

Alterative, antacid, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, antitussive, aphrodisiac, demulcent, diuretic, emollient, expectorant, galactagogue, hemostatic, immune tonic, laxative, lung tonic, nutritive, rejuvenative, vulnerary, yin tonic

Medicinal Uses

Marshmallow root and leaf have a high mucilage content, which calms inflammation, nourishes bone marrow, soothes and moistens the skin, and promotes tissue healing. Marshmallow is especially effective in soothing irritation in the respiratory, urinary, and gastrointestinal tracts. As a tonifying herb it can aid children's growth and development. It also can help calm an overactive immune system and, because it helps stimulate white blood cell production, can function as an immune tonic. It decreases the nerve sensitivity that causes coughs. Marshmallow is used in the treatment of acid indigestion, AIDS, asthma, blood in the urine, bladder stones, bronchitis, burns, catarrh, colitis, constipation, coughs, cystitis, diabetes, diarrhea, dysentery, dysuria, eczema, edema, emaciation, gastritis, hemorrhoids, herpes, HIV, hot flashes, insomnia, interstitial cystitis, irritable bowel syndrome, kidney stones, laryngitis, mastitis, nephritis, neuralgia, pharyngitis, pleurisy, pneumonia, polyruria, prostatitis, psoriasis, rheumatism, rickets, sexual debility, sore throat, tuberculosis, ulcers, urinary tract infection, vaginal dryness, and whooping cough. Topically, the root and leaf can be used in compresses to treat burns, eye irritation, gangrene, hemorrhoids, insect bites, mastitis, psoriasis, sunburn, varicose veins, and wounds. They also can be prepared as a gargle to relieve sore throat or as a douche or enema to relieve vaginal or rectal irritation.

Culinary Uses

Marshmallow was originally an ingredient in the candy we now know as marshmallow. It is still used in the Middle East to make the sesame confection halva. The leaves and root can be eaten raw or cooked. The flowers are very beautiful and can be sprinkled raw as a garnish on other dishes. The seeds (known as cheeses for their old-fashioned cheesewheel shape) have a nutty taste and may be eaten raw, cooked, or pickled. Marshmallow makes pleasant, soothing, mucilaginous tea. The concentrated tea can be used as an egg white substitute in many recipes.            

Other Uses

Marshmallow is a hydrating herb that can be used in the bath to moisturize dry skin and in hair rinses to moisturize and add luster to dry hair. It is commonly substituted for slippery elm bark in herbal remedies, as elm becomes endangered due to Dutch elm disease. The root and stem yield a fiber that can be used in papermaking. Marshmallow root powder has been used as a binding agent in the manufacture of pills; the root also yields a glue. The oil from the seed can be used to make paints and varnishes. The peeled root can be given to teething babies for them to chew on (under supervision, of course). The peeled root can also be used as a toothbrush.

Constituents

Beta-carotene, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, niacin, vitamin B5, vitamin C, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, unsaturated fatty acids, mucilage, polysaccharides, flavonoids (quercitin, kaempferol), betaine, asparagine, tannins, coumarin, phenolic acids, lecithin, pectin, malic acid

Contraindications

The mucilage in marshmallow may cause a delay in the effects of pharmaceuticals taken at the same time.

Plant details were provided by iPlant by Brigitte Mars.

Hyperlink it to https://brigittemars.com/iplant-app/