Marshmallow Root
Botanical Name
Althaea officinalis
Common Name
Marshmallow root, marsh mallow, mallards, mauls, Schloss tea
Family
Malvaceae
Parts Used
root
Native To
Europe, western Asia, Africa
Harvesting Guidelines
Harvest the roots in the fall. Plant should have at least 2.5 to 3 years of growth before roots are ready. Leaves can be harvested throughout the summer while soft, fresh, and free of discoloration or mildew.
The marshmallow plant, a member of the mallow family, may be best known for its sweet confectionery namesake, but it also has a soft and inviting nature. Its leaves and petals are velvety to the touch, and its root contains a slippery mucilage that is released when steeped in water. This mucilage is abundant throughout the plant and has made it a gentle and nourishing ally to humans for thousands of years. In fact, the marshmallow plant has been so familiar to us that it was described by Culpeper in 1653 as "generally so well known that they need no description."(1)
Marshmallow root has a long history of use as both a food and a medicine, dating back to ancient civilizations such as Greece, Egypt, the Middle East, and Rome. In fact, the physician Pliny once declared that consuming marshmallow would protect one from all diseases for the day. The Greeks consumed the young aerial parts as food, while the Romans ate the root. Theophrastus, a Greek philosopher, mentioned in his writings that marshmallow root was combined with wine to treat coughs. The name "Althaea" comes from the Greek word for "to heal."(2)
Marshmallow root has a long history of traditional use for various medicinal purposes. It has been used as a poultice to reduce inflammation, as an internal treatment for sore throats and gastrointestinal discomfort, and to soothe the urinary tract. According to Culpeper, marshmallow root can help with "all hot and sharp diseases" and can make the body's passages slippery and open. In 1919, Dr. Ellingwood noted that marshmallow root has a soothing effect on the intestines and can be helpful for inflammation and irritation of the gastrointestinal tract and bladder. Overall, marshmallow root has been recognized for its cooling, soft, gooey, and moist properties that can benefit various health concerns.(3)
Marshmallow root and leaf have been used for centuries as natural remedies for various ailments. Herbalists today still use them as demulcents to soothe the mucus membranes. In fact, the German Commission E has approved the root for treating oral and pharyngeal mucosa irritation, dry cough, and mild irritation of the gastric mucosa, while the leaf is approved for dry cough and oral/pharyngeal mucosal irritation. Marshmallow is known for its demulcent, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, expectorant, and emollient properties, making it a versatile and popular herb in natural medicine.(4)
Marshmallow root has been used for centuries to soothe sore throats and irritated tissues. The plant's mucilage, a slippery gel-like substance, is responsible for its healing properties. To extract the mucilage, herbalists recommend a cold-water infusion of the leaves and flowers or a water decoction of the dried root. However, some suggest that a cold infusion of the root is best. When making a tincture, it's important to use low or non-alcoholic solvents as alcohol can cause the mucilage to precipitate out of solution. For those harvesting their own marshmallow, it's best to do so in the fall and winter when the plant is highest in mucilage content, ensuring the most potent medicine.(5)
Marshmallow root has been used for centuries to treat a variety of health issues, including respiratory problems, gastrointestinal disorders like IBS and colitis, and urinary tract discomfort. While both the root and leaves of the plant can be used for these purposes, the leaves are recommended for cystitis and frequent urination. The mucilaginous polysaccharides in marshmallow are believed to soothe these areas through a reflex action in the nervous system of the gut. However, some experts theorize that the tannins and volatile oils in the root may actually stimulate urine and mucous production, potentially irritating the urinary tract. Regardless, marshmallow remains a popular natural remedy for a range of health concerns.(6)
Marshmallow root has multiple benefits for gut health. It acts as a prebiotic, providing nourishment for the beneficial bacteria in the gut. It can also help with both diarrhea and constipation, depending on how it is prepared. To treat diarrhea, mix powdered root with a small amount of water and let it soak for at least an hour before drinking the resulting mucilaginous liquid. This method allows the remaining powder to absorb more water in the gut. For constipation, mix a teaspoon of powder with 8 ounces of water to create a fiber drink that can help move gut contents out of the system.
Adult Dose (7)
Tincture of dried herb: 1 – 4 mL of 1:5 in 25% 3 times/day. Water extract: 2 – 4 grams of root infused overnight in cold water.
Safety:
Theoretically, the mucilage in the plant may inhibit absorption of drugs taken simultaneously.
Actions
Energy
References:
(1)Grieve, Maude. (1971). A Modern Herbal. (Original work published 1931). New York, NY: Dover Publications.
(2)Chevallier, Andrew. (2000). The Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine. New York, NY: DK Publishing
(3)Ellingwood, Finley. (1919). The American Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Pharmacognosy. Retrieved October 2014 from http://www.henriettes-herb.com/eclectic/ellingwood/althaea.html
(4)Hoffman, David. (2003). Medical Herbalism. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press
(5)Pedersen, Mark. (2011). Nutritional Herbology. Warsaw, IN: Whitman Publications
(6)Chevallier, Andrew. (2000). The Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine. New York, NY: DK Publishing
(7)Hoffman, David. (2003). Medical Herbalism. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press
Scientific Research:
Information offered on Achula and on this page is for educational purposes only. Achula makes neither medical claim, nor intends to diagnose or treat medical conditions. Women who are pregnant or nursing, and persons with known medical conditions, should consult their licensed healthcare provider before taking any herbal product. Links to external sites are for informational purposes only. Achula neither endorses them nor is in any way responsible for their content. Readers must do their own research concerning the safety and usage of any herbs or supplements.
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