Marshmallow

MARSHMALLOW, Althea officinalis

Family: Malvaceae (mallow)

Habitat: Europe, Western Asia, and Northern Africa

Flavor: Subtly earthy

Parts Used: Roots and leaves

How to Grow: Scarify and stratify the seeds before planting them in full sun to partial shade in moist, fertile soil around pH 4.8 and 8.2. Best in zones 3 to 9.

Method of Medicine: Cold or warm infusion, gargle, lozenge, powder, poultice, compress, and wash.

Contraindications: Talk to your physician before taking marshmallow during pregnancy. While on prescribed medications, use marshmallow half an hour before or after dosage, as it may delay absorption of some medications.

Herbal Actions: Alterative, Demulcent, Emollient, Expectorant, Vulnerary, Diuretic, Anti-Inflammatory, Nutritive, Decongestant, and Laxative.

Helps Heal:

• ·       Soothes and restores mucosa
• ·       Helps remove toxins
• ·       Reduces skin and gallstone inflammation
• ·       Digestion

o   Restores gut lining

o   Prevents ulcers, heartburn, and reflux

o   Inhibits histamine release

o   Treats constipation, IBS, and Crohn’s disease

• ·       Respiratory

o   Reduces spasmodic, irritating coughs

o   Treats asthma and chronic lung congestion

o   Treats cold and flu

• ·       Urinary

o   Treats bladder inflammation, urine retention, and painful urination

o   Counters bladder infection

o   Helps flush kidney stones

• ·       Cardiovascular

o   Increases good cholesterol

o   Lowers acute and chronic inflammation

o   Reduces fluid retention

• ·       Immune

o   Speeds healing

o   Removes damaged or dead cells from body

o   Treats bacterial infections like E. Coli and Staph

• ·       Nervous

o   Reduces oxidative stress

o   Treats disorders like Parkinson’s disease

o   Reduces inflammation causing pain

• ·       Skin Care

o   Reduces swelling and discomfort in bruises, burns, and chapped, dry skin

o   Stimulates skin-cell growth, cell recovery, and wound healing

A few months ago, my boyfriend and I were visiting Salt Lake and ended up catching colds. Luckily, I happened to bring my homework for respiratory herbs, which included Marshmallow root. One night, my boyfriend was really struggling with his throat and lungs; so, I made him some of this tea. After drinking it, he was able to clear his lungs out and had better mental clarity. Since then, he’s become a big fan of Marshmallow root tea; it’s possibly his favorite herb, now! And I have to agree with his enthusiasm—after drinking this tea, I feel calmer, like my body has synched up and isn’t trying to fight itself, anymore. It’s soothing on a sore throat and an upset stomach. While its taste takes a little bit of getting used to, I enjoy it because it tastes like I’m getting better as I’m drinking it.

Before using Marshmallow, be sure to research it based on your own body; and try it in just sips when first consuming it. Each body is unique, so there’s no telling how any one will react to a typically awesome herb. Be safe, and enjoy!