Marshmallow… wait! Isn’t it a candy? Well, it is, but where did it come from? Actually, marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) is a perennial flowering plant native to Europe, Western Asia and North Africa. From ancient times (as early as 2000 BCE) it was used to soothe coughs and sore throats. For that Ancient Egyptians boiled its root pulp with honey. When thickened, it became the first marshmallow candy. But that’s not all…
Marshmallow can be used to help with many different health issues. Actually its Latin name, Althaea officinalis, comes from the Greek word “althainein”, meaning “to heal” and Latin epithet “officinalis”, usually used for plants that have some medicinal properties or culinary value. So, what properties does it have? Marshmallow contains mucilage, a gelatinous substance that helps soothe and heal.
Cough and Sore Throat
Probably, the most well-known use of marshmallow is to help with coughing, sore throat, and other respiratory conditions. The mucilage in marshmallow root helps coat the throat, soothing irritation and reducing coughing. It is often used in cough syrups and lozenges for treating dry coughs or bronchitis. The anti-inflammatory and emollient properties of marshmallow can reduce inflammation in the throat and help with conditions like laryngitis or tonsillitis.Wound healing properties of yarrow
Digestive Health and Acid Reflux
Besides helping with coughing, marshmallow can be used to improve digestive health. Marshmallow root is soothing to the stomach lining, making it useful for treating gastritis, ulcers, and acid reflux by creating a protective barrier against stomach acid. Due to its high fiber and mucilage content, marshmallow can help regulate bowel movements, easing constipation and reducing inflammation from diarrhea.
Urinary Tract Health
The mucilage content can soothe and reduce inflammation of the urinary tract, making it helpful for treating urinary tract infections (UTIs) and cystitis by easing discomfort and promoting healing. Also, marshmallow’s diuretic properties encourage increased urine flow and help washing away toxins.
Oral Health
Do you have problems with gums? Marshmallow is a strong analgesic, and can be used as a mouthwash or gargle to soothe gum inflammation, reduce pain from mouth ulcers, and heal sore gums.
Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects
Marshmallow contains antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties, which may help with conditions like arthritis and other inflammatory disorders by reducing swelling and oxidative stress.
Skin Care
Marshmallow works wonders not only inside your body but outside as well. When applied topically, marshmallow can help soothe irritated or inflamed skin, accelerate wound healing, and reduce the appearance of scars.
Its anti-inflammatory properties make it effective for treating skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis, as it helps reduce irritation and redness.
Marshmallow’s soothing and hydrating properties make it useful for minor burns and insect bites.
Growing Marshmallows
The marshmallow plant is a tall perennial plant with nice white flowers. It can grow in full sun and will attract pollinators all summer long. The seeds can be planted in the fall, if the winter is mild, or in early spring.
One of the ways to get seeds to grow marshmallows as well as some marshmallow remedies recipes is a Medicinal Garden Kit by Nicole Apelian, Ph.D.
The kit contains among other things high-quality non-GMO marshmallow seeds, as well as recipes for:
- Cold Root Infusion for Heartburn and Reflux
- Stomach Tea
- Marshmallow Poultice for Skin Repair
- Decoction for Stubborn Coughs
- Throat Syrup
- Marshmallow Salve
Other seeds included in the kit:
- Chicory
- California Poppy
- Yarrow
- Chamomile
- Evening Primrose
- Lavender
- Echinacea
- Calendula
- Feverfew
Conclusion
Marshmallow is a beautiful plant, which not only gave name to a popular treat but also was used a herbal remedy since ancient times.
