Wonder Plant #008 - Marshmallow (Althea Officinalis), a gooey throat soother

*Remember to always consult a doctor if you plan to medicate with natural plants. 

Wonder Plant #008 - Marshmallow (Althea Officinalis), a gooey throat soother

                            

You know the name, but did you know where it came from? From this plant that used to be a key ingredient in the making of the famous treat. Nowadays, it does not contain the herb, but still bares it's name. As a matter of fact, marshmallow was used a medicine long before it was used in candies. Marshmallow, or Althea Officinalis, is a perennial plant that grows up to 4 feet tall in wet conditions. Also called sweet weed and wymote, is used for it's roots, leaves and flowers.

            

Properties and uses:

• Demulcent: soothing agent
• Emollient: soothing especially to the skin or mucous membrane
• Soothes sore throats
• Diuretic
• Soothing irritated tissue
• Soothes burns, carbuncles, furuncles and other wounds
• Vaginal douche
• Soothing eyewash
• Coughing
• Bronchitis and lung catarrh
• Digestive troubles
• Urinary problems

                          

Preparation and dosage: after flowering, the leaves develop their mucilaginous content. Roots can be gathered in the spring or fall and must be peeled before use. 

• Cold Extract: this is the preffered method of infusion as regular warm-water infusions tend to be gelatinous. Use 1-2 tbsp. of roots or plants in 1 cup of water. Drink 1 cup a day, keep cold.
• Infusion: Use 2 tbsp. of flowers or leaves in 1 cup of boiling water. Steep for 5 minutes.
• Decoction: Use 1 tsp. of roots in 1 cup of boiling water and simmer to preferred taste.
• Tincture: 20-40 drops.
• Poultice: Mix grated roots with honey to be spread on a linen cloth. Apply every 2-3 hours.

                

Useful links:

• PFAF Plant Database
• Althea Officinalis
• Marshmallow benefits and information
• Make marshmallows with marshmallow roots

Sources:

• All definitions were taken for the Merriam Webster website: https://www.merriam-webster.com
• Prevention Magazine Health Books. The Complete Book of Medicinal Cures. 1994. Berkley Health Reference. p. 352.
• Lust, John. The Herb Book. 1974. Bantham Books. p. 93.

Pictures (in order of appearance):

• food-info.net/images/marshmallowplant.jpg
• luirig.altervista.org/cpm/albums/bot-units22/althaea-officinalis17012.jpg
• mallowandwhitepine.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/p12900631.jpg