Marshmallow (Althea officinalis)

Marshmallow (Althea officinalis) is also known as white mallow herb. Other alternative names are Malvavisco, Althea, Khatmah, Usubeni-tatiaoi, Khitmi, Iviscus, and Ghasul. This psychoactive herb originated from Europe. Its therapeutic effect to the body explains why it is use as an alternative medicine.

The botanical name comes from a Greek word, altho, meaning “to heal”. The modern name comes from the Anglo-Saxon merscmealwe (merse means “marsh,” and mealwe is “mallow”) Marshmallow was a food before it was a medicine. The Book of Job mentions a plant that was eaten during famines. And during the Middle Ages when crops failed, people boiled marshmallow roots, then fried them with onions in butter. A dish of mallow was considered a delicacy by the ancient Romans and the Chinese also used a species of mallow for food. Backpacking guides suggest the plant for wilderness foragers today. Fresh young tops are still eaten in France as a spring tonic. The French first candied marshmallow roots centuries ago (pate de guimauve). They peeled the root bark, exposing the white pulp, and boiled it to soften it and release its sweetness. Then they added sugar. The result eventually evolved into the confection marshmallows.

The plant’s history as a medicinal goes back to Theophrastus (372-286BC) who reported that marshmallow root was taken in sweet wine for coughs. Hippocrates prescribed a decoction of marshmallow roots to treat bruises and blood loss from wounds. The Greek physician Dioscorides recommended marshmallow root poultices for insect bites and stings and prescribed the decoction for toothache and vomiting and as an antidote to poisons. 10th century Arab physicians used mallow leaf poultices to treat inflammations and early European folk healers used marshmallow root both internally and externally for its soothing action in treating toothache, sore throat, digestive upsets, and urinary irritation. Culpeper recommended it and by the mid-19th century, it was included in the U.S. Pharmacopoeia. In the 9th century, Emperor Charlemagne ordered marshmallow cultivated in his monasteries. Those about to undergo torture by hot irons during the Inquisition would paint their skin with an ointment of mallow sap, white of egg and plantain seeds. A coating of this ointment would lessen the effects of the burns and so hopefully prove their innocence.

Marshmallow originally grew in salty soils. But now it thrives in moist, uncultivated ground. It is found in southern and western Europe, western Asia, and the northeastern region of North America. Its fleshy, upright stems reach heights of 0.91 to 1.22 m. The pale yellow roots are tapered, long, and thick, with a tough, yet flexible exterior. The short stemmed leaves are round, with irregularly toothed margins and 3 to 5 lobes. A soft and velvety down covers the leaves and stem. The flowers have five reddish white petals. The whole plant, especially the root, is filled with mild mucilage.

Medicinal Benefits

The marshmallow has several medicinal benefits. Aside from the roots, other part of this psychoactive herb is used as an active ingredient for teas, food supplement, and pharmaceutical medications.

The flower of this herb is used for conventional processing in making cough syrups. It contains potent natural compound that can loosen thick secretions. Thus, pharmaceutical companies that manufacture expectorants use the flower of this herb to extract the essential elements.

Other medicinal benefits of Marshmallow root (Althea Officinalis) are:

1. Used as a remedy for sore throat. Ancient medicine extracts the large amount of mucilage found in this herb to treat respiratory problems such as pertussis (whooping cough) and bronchitis (inflammation of the bronchial tubes).

2. The active compound found in this herb produces therapeutic effect for alleviating the manifestations of diarrhea (watery stool). It improves the peristaltic movement, which facilitates proper digestion. The marshmallow root is effective for relieving the signs and symptoms of several digestive problems like Chron’s Disease, Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

3. Drinking of marshmallow root tea has been linked to weight loss, as well. The physiologic effect of the tea can block the body’s receptor, which signals the hunger center of the brain. As a result, people who drank this tea may have the feeling of fullness, and thus, eat less.

Methods of Use

There are supplements in the form of herbal tablets, which contain marshmallow roots. These are ingested orally or crushed and mixed to liquid.

1. It is recommended to take 5 mg of marshmallow root tablet and mixed it with water. Take at least 5 – 10 ml of the mixture for 3 times in a day.

2. For cough and other respiratory ailments, 2 grams of marshmallow root is sufficient to obtain its effect. Mix the solution to cold water and leave it for 2 hours. Afterwards, use the mixture as mouth gargle and do this for 2 times in a day.

3. For topical application, peel the root and soak it in warm water. Mix it until the solution becomes pasty. Spread the solution in a clean cloth and apply it directly to the affected area of the skin.

4. Marshmallow roots makes a smooth smoke. It is ideal as a base for any herbal blend alike herbs like Mullein and Damiana. It relaxes the mind when smoked on his own, but it’s not as strong as some other herbs like Skullcap or Wild dagga flowers.

Effects

The Marshmallow plant, especially the leaves and roots, contains polysaccharides that have antitussive, mucilaginous, and antibacterial properties. Because of this, marshmallow has a soothing effect on inflamed membranes in the mouth and throat when ingested orally, specifically a sore throat. The antitussive properties help reduce dry coughing and prevent further irritation. It also relaxes the mind when smoked on his own.

Side Effects

Marshmallow is regarded as an extremely safe herb and almost no negative effects have been reported with its use. Marshmallow might, nevertheless, trigger low blood glucose in some individuals, so those who have low blood glucose should talk with a doctor or herbalist before utilizing marshmallow. The tinctures of this herb are created using sugar and alcohol, therefore diabetics and people with liver issues should consider using marshmallow in something other than a tincture. Marshmallow isn’t suggested to be used in those who are pregnant or lactating, primarily since there aren’t any studies on short-term or long-term effects to the fetus or newborn.

Marshmallow may influence the absorption of other medications. Because of this marshmallow should only be taken six hrs before or six hours after using other medicine. Lastly, marshmallow contains asparagine, and as such anyone who has cancer or is at risk for cancer should ask their primary health care provider before making use of the herb.

Where to buy Marshmallow?

Marshmallow is available on Amazon, and eBay. You can always find great deals on these sites.