Marshmallow Leaf

Althaea officinalis – Marshmallow

Botanical Name – Althaea officinalis

Family - Malvaceae

Other Names - Velvet Leaf, Mortification Root, Cheeses, Schloss Tea

Planetary Ruler – Venus/Moon

Element –Water, Gender – Female, Sign – Sagittarius, Gem - Topaz

History - The name ‘althaea’ is believed to come from the Greek ‘altho’ meaning ‘to cure.’

Marshmallow was introduced from China. The Romans used it for barley soups and in the stuffing for pigs. Carrying a piece of mallow was thought to attract a new love or make a departed lover think about you. It has long been associated with love, as it was believed to cure impotency and act as an aphrodisiac.

The roots contain natural sugars and were early medicinal sweets and the original marshmallow.

Parts Used - The Leaves can be collected when required in summer and the seeds are collected ripe in autumn. The root is best harvested in late autumn, where it needs to be dried immediately.

Cultivation - Seeds are sown in spring. The base can be divided in spring or autumn and stem cutting are best taken in spring. Plant marshmallow 2 feet apart.

Description - Marshmallow is a hardy, herbaceous perennial that can grow up to 6 feet, if in the right conditions. It likes full sun in a moist soil.

The shortly petioled leaves are large, velvety, toothed and tear-shaped. They are green-grey in colour. The root is thick, long and yellow-brown, and it tapers to a white fibrous fleshy root that is fibrous on the inside.

Flowers appear in late summer or early autumn. They are pale pink or white with pink stamens and they are usually 1 inch across. Light brown disc-shaped seeds are found slotted upright in a ring called a ‘cheese.’ 

Active Constituents - Root: 11-25% mucilage, 11% pectin, 37% polysaccharides. Oil, sugar, phosphate of lime, asparagine, tannins, glutinous matter and cellulose.

Flowers: Mucilage and flavonoids.

Leaves: Mucilage, flavonoids, coumarin, salicylic acid and other phenolic acids.

Actions

• Demulcent
• Diuretic
• Emollient
• Vulnerary
• Mild Laxative
• Expectorant (Leaves)
• Antilithic

Indications - Marshmallow with its high mucilage content is perfect for all conditions requiring healing and soothing, especially where there is inflammation, irritation and burning on mucous membranes.

It can be used internally for bronchitis and asthma. It used to be boiled in wine or milk and used to relieve diseases of the chest and hence was used for coughs, bronchitis and whooping cough. 

Leaves turned into a poultice will reduce inflammation and bruising. it is also very useful in bites and stings to take the inflammation and swelling away. 

Externally the root will aid varicose veins, ulcers, abscesses and boils. A compress will help to soothe burns and skin irritations. The root is indicated for weather damaged skin.

A good poultice can be made with crushed fresh roots to remove any obstinate inflammation and prevent mortification, hence its other name.

Marshmallow ointment is indicated for ulceration and to help draw splinters.

Dosage - Leaf infusion with 1-2 tsp for a cup of boiling water and allow to infuse for 10 minutes. This can also be drunk three times a day.

Tincture 1 to 4 ml three times a day. Syrup of the root 2-10ml, three times daily.

1 teaspoon in a decoction boiled for 15 minutes can be drunk three times a day.

Cautions -  Prolonged usage could lead to vitamin or mineral deficiencies.