Marshmallow

Althaea officinalis

Althaea Marshmallow Mortification Root Sweetweed Parts used Uses Habitat and cultivation Constituents How much to take Side effects and cautions How it works in the body Applications

Marshmallow is a perennial plant growing to a height of nearly 4 feet in some cases. Marshmallow is both cultivated as well as found growing wild in damp and wet places everywhere. The rootstock is white and sweetish like a parsnip, but with considerable mucilage to it. The plant sends up several unbranched, wooly stems with serrate, pubescent leaves. The axillary flowers are about 2 inches in width and can be either light red to white or royal purple in color.

To make a marvelous ointment for helping heal facial sores, skin eruptions, leg ulcers and ugly-looking wounds a lot faster, lightly crush approximately 1 gallon each of fresh marshmallow leaves and elder flowers. Then scatter them around evenly in a large roast pan and ad about 2-1/4 cups of melted lard or Crisco shortening and 1-1/2 Ibs, of beeswax. Stir thoroughly with a wooden ladle, cover, simmering in a 150 degrees F. oven until the herbs are fairly crisp, easily crumbling when touched. Strain mixture through a wire mesh strainer and continue stirring with a wooden ladle until entirely cold. Half a cup of glycerin or 2/3 cup powdered slippery elm can be added to help preserve ointment from rancidity later on. Put into clean jars while still relatively warm and allow to become somewhat firm. Seal with tight lids and store in a cool, dry place until needed.

PARTS USED

Root, leaves, flowers.

USES

Useful whenever a soothing effect is needed, marshmallow protects and soothes the mucous membranes. The root counters excess stomach acid, peptic ulceration, and gastritis. Marshmallow is also mildly laxative and beneficial for many intestinal problems, including regional ileitis, colitis, diverticulitis, and irritable bowel syndrome. Taken as a warm infusion, the leaves treat cystitis and frequent urination. Marshmallow's demulcent qualities bring relief to dry coughs, bronchial asthma, bronchial congestion, and pleurisy. The flowers, crushed fresh or in a warm infusion, are applied to help soothe inflamed skin. The root is used in an ointment for boils and abscesses, and in a mouthwash for inflammation. The peeled root of marshmallow  may be given as a chewstick to teething babies.
Other medical uses - Gastritis, Peptic ulcers, Wrinkles.

HABITAT AND CULTIVATION

Native to Europe, marshmallow is naturalized in the Americas. Marshmallow prefers marshy fields and tidal zones, and is cultivated for medicinal use. The aerial parts are gathered in summer as the plant begins to flower, and the root is unearthed in autumn.

CONSTITUENTS

Marshmallow root contains about 37% starch, 11% mucilage, 11% pectin, flavonoids,  phenolic acids, sucrose, and asparagine.

HOW MUCH TO TAKE

Marshmallow can be made into a hot or cold water tea. Make a tea by adding roots and/or leaves and letting it steep. Drink three to five cups a day. Herbal extracts in capsules and tablets providing 5-6 grams of marshmallow per day can also be used, or it may be taken as a tincture in the amount of 5-15 ml three times daily.

SIDE EFFECTS AND CAUTIONS

Marshmallow is very safe. Reports of allergic reactions are extremely rare.

HOW IT WORKS IN THE BODY

The mucilage is the main ingredient which acts to soothe and protect tissues in the body. Long used for complaints of the respiratory system, marshmallow is useful where inflammation occurs in conditions of bronchitis, pleurisy, and where there is a dry cough. It is also useful in the digestive system to help heal ulcers and gastric inflammation generally occurring in irritable bowel syndrome, etc. In the urinary tract it is used to calm irritated tissues in urinary tract infections such as cystitis. In skin problems where there are ulcers or boils, it is soothing and healing, and can be used as a poultice.

APPLICATIONS

FLOWERS:

SYRUP - Use a syrup made from the infusion as a cough expectorant.

LEAVES:

INFUSION - Use for bronchial and urinary disorders.

ROOT:

DECOCTION - For inflammations such as esophagitis and cystitis, use 25 g root to 1 liter water, and boil down to about 750 ml. This may need further dilution.

TINCTURE - Use for inflammations of the mucous membranes of the digestive and urinary systems.

POULTICE - Use the root or a paste of the powdered root mixed with water for skin inflammations and ulcers.

OINTMENT - For wounds, skin ulceration, or to help draw splinters, melt 5O g lanolin, 5O g beeswax, and 300 g soft paraffin together, then heat 100 g powdered marshmallow root in these liquid fats for an hour over a water bath. When cool, stir in 100 g powdered slippery elm bark.