Herbal Profile

herbal profile: Marshmallow

Althea officinalis (Malvaceae)

by Khadijah Lacina  

Marshmallow is a beautiful perennial that can grow up to seven feet tall, though in my experience I have seen mostly two to four foot tall plants.  It grows well in wet, marshy areas of your lawn, in sun to partial shade.  It has pretty purple or pink flowers and heart shaped leaves.  And yes, in the beginning marshmallows were made of marshmallow root.  According to Shatoiya de la Tour in her Earth Mother Herbal, pieces of the root were dug, cleaned, and cut into small pieces, which were then boiled with sugar.  She says," They were actually getting health benefits because the mucilage in the plant helps strengthen the mucous membranes."  I wonder if anyone ever made S'mores with those original marshmallow treats???? 

Chemical Compounds
starch
mucilage
tannins
pectin
flavenoids
phenolic acids
sucrose
asparagines

Key Actions
demulcent
emollient
nutritive 

Marshmallow is a truly wonderful, soothing herb that can be used both internally and externally.  The root is decocted, the leaves infused.  Marshmallow contains 11% mucilage, making it indispensable in the treatment of most types of inflammation, inside or out.  It  can often be used instead of licorice in formulations for people with high blood pressure.  Also, please note the it can also replace slippery elm, which is on the UpS At Risk Plant List. 

Internally, it protects and soothes mucus membranes, making it excellent in formulas for respiratory, digestive, and urinary tract problems.  It can soothe a tickly throat, and counters excess stomach acid production.  It is mildly laxative, and so is helpful for many intestinal complaints, as it is soothing as well.  It also lends a sweet, pleasant taste to your tea.  I find that it is extremely effective in cough syrups, for children as well as adults. 

Cough Syrup
1 part coltsfoot (not to be used if you are pregnant!!)
1 part marshmallow root
1 part wild cherry bark
1 part thyme 

Combine about one ounce of the herbs in a quart canning jar.  Add boiling water almost to the top of the jar, cover, and let steep for about two hours.  Strain the liquid, composting the leftover herbs.  Place the infusion into a small pot and simmer gently over very low heat until you are left with about a cup of liquid.  Add an equal amount of honey, maple syrup, or sugar.  Do NOT give honey to children under the age of one.  Pour into a sterile jar and cap tightly.  Stored in the fridge, it should last two months, though I have had it last six months, myself.  Dosage is 1 teaspoon for children three and under, 1 tablespoon for older children, and two tablespoons for adults, all taken as needed. 

Externally, the flowers of the marshmallow plant may be used either as a poultice or infusion to soothe any type of inflamed skin.  The root is excellent in salves and balms, lending a particularly slippery feel to them.   The following recipe is adapted from Shatoiya De La Tour's "Velvety Venus" love lubricant.  It can be especially soothing for menopausal women. 

Slippery, Soothing Salve
1 part marshmallow root
1 part oat tops
1 part St. Johnswort
1/2 part calendula flowers
1/2 part lavender flowers 

Combine the herbs in a quart jar.  Add sweet almond, apricot kernel, or olive oil to cover.  Place in a sunny place and let sit for three to six weeks.  Or, heat gently in the top of a double boiler for about forty five minutes to an hour- do NOT let this come to a boil!!!!  Then let sit overnight.  Strain the herbs from the oil and compost the herbs. 

Combine 1/4 cup olive oil (not the infused oil) with two tablespoons of beeswax in the top of a double boiler.  Gently heat this until the beeswax melts, then remove from the heat.  Add 

3 tablespoons shea or cocoa butter
3 tablespoons coconut oil 

And stir until these are melted.  Gently heat your infused oils until they are about the same temperature as the beeswax/butter blend, then combine them.  If desired, add one teaspoon of lavender essential oil to the oils.  Pour into a sterile jar and allow to cool completely before capping. 

As for soap, infuse the marshmallow in your liquid oils for a wonderful "slip"! 

And, lastly, for S'mores, use the store bought sugar marshmallows, and DOUBLE the chocolate!!!! 

Note: The information in this article is simply meant for informational and educational purposes only, based on the author's education and experience.  It is NOT intended to replace the advice of a good physician or to preempt medical treatment when necessary.  As with any herbal treatment, people may react to different herbs in different ways.  Soapnuts and the author of this article are in no way responsible for any outcome that may come from the use of the information set forth in this article.