Latin Name: Althaea officinalis
Herb Class/Action: Marshmallow is classified as a demulcent, emollient, expectorant, and anti-inflammatory herb.
Parts of Plant Used: The roots, leaves, and flowers of the marshmallow plant are used for medicinal purposes.
Flavors: Marshmallow has a mild, slightly sweet flavor with mucilaginous undertones.
Energetics: Marshmallow is energetically cooling and moistening.
Medicinal Properties:
- Respiratory Health: Marshmallow is prized for its expectorant and soothing properties, which help relieve coughs, bronchitis, and other respiratory conditions by loosening and expelling mucus from the lungs and throat. It also soothes and protects irritated mucous membranes.
- Digestive Support: Marshmallow acts as a demulcent and emollient to coat and protect the digestive tract, providing relief from symptoms of indigestion, gastritis, ulcers, and inflammatory bowel conditions. It can help reduce inflammation, soothe irritation, and promote healing of the gastrointestinal lining.
- Skin Healing: Marshmallow is used topically to soothe and moisturize dry, irritated, or inflamed skin conditions such as eczema, dermatitis, and minor wounds. It forms a protective barrier on the skin and promotes tissue regeneration.
In the Garden: Marshmallow is a perennial herbaceous plant native to Europe and Western Asia but cultivated in many regions for its medicinal and ornamental uses. It prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. Marshmallow produces tall, upright stems with fuzzy, gray-green leaves and clusters of pale pink or white flowers in the summer. It is often grown in herb gardens, cottage gardens, and perennial borders or used as a medicinal herb in naturalistic landscapes.
Culinary Uses: While Marshmallow is primarily used for its medicinal properties, historically, its roots were used to make a sweet confection known as "marshmallow," which was traditionally used to soothe sore throats and coughs. However, modern marshmallow confections are typically made with gelatin rather than the herb itself.
Precautions: Marshmallow is generally safe for most individuals when used as directed. However, some people may experience allergic reactions, particularly those with sensitivities to plants in the Malvaceae family. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult with a healthcare professional before using marshmallow medicinally. Additionally, individuals with diabetes should use marshmallow with caution, as it may lower blood sugar levels.