MARSHMALLOW

Latin Name: Althaea officinalis

Alternate Names: Mallards, Hock Herb, Sweet Weed, Schloss Tea, Cheeses

Family: MALVACEAE

Parts Used: Root, leaves.

Properties: Alterative, Demulcent, Diuretic, Emollient, Expectorant, Galactagogue, Immune Stimulant, Laxative, Nutritive, Rejuvenative, Vulnerary, Yin Tonic.

Internal Uses: Bloody Urine, Bronchitis, Colitis, Cough, Cystitis, Diabetes, Diarrhea, Gastritis, Insomnia, Kidney Inflammation, Kidney Stones, Laryngitis, Pain, Pleurisy, Prostatitis, Sore Throat, Tuberculosis, Ulcers, Urinary Infections, Whooping Cough

Internal Applications: Tea, Tincture, Capsules

Helps reduce inflammation of the digestive tract, skin, and urinary system by nourishing dry tissues and providing moisture. The peeled root has been given to supervised babies to teethe on. It is valued as an immune tonic because it helps stimulate white blood cell production.

Topical Uses: Gangrene, Hair Dryness, Psoriasis, Skin Dryness, Sunburn, Varicose Veins, Wounds

Topical Applications: Added to cosmetics and ointments to soften chapped skin, including psoriasis. Poultice (leaves and root) or compress used for sunburn, varicose veins, wounds and even gangrene. Hair rinse for dry Hair. 

Energetics: Sweet, Cool, Moist.

Chemical Constituents: Mucilage, polysaccharides, flavonoids (quercitin, kaaempferol), asparagine, tannins, lecithin, pectin.

Comments: The genus name Althea is from the Greek word althe and means 'to heal'. Marshmallow was originally an ingredient in the candy we now know as Marshmallow. Marshmallow root powder has been used as a binding agent to hold other herbs together in making pills. It is commonly substituted for Slippery Elm in herbal remedies as many Elm trees are becoming endangered due to Dutch Elm Disease. 

During times of famine, Marshmallow has nourished many people. During the reign of Charlemagne in the 9th century, Marshmallow was promoted as a cultivated vegetable.