Top Benefits of the Marshmallow Plant (Althea Officinalis) – the food, the treat, and the lore

Top Benefits of the Marshmallow Plant

Althea officinalis of Malvales

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Althaea officinalis, also known as the marshmallow plant, is a lesser known curative herb. It’s name is obtained from the Greek word that describes its curative properties. When you hear of the name marshmallow, we simply think it is the fluffy white sweet snack we see in our hot chocolate or s’mores. Nonetheless, similar to how root beer soda is no longer derived from the roots of the Sassafras plant, commercial modern day snack mallows are no longer made from the marshmallow plant unless you find a retro maker of them.

The pale pink and purple flowers loved by bees grows delightfully in summer. Found mostly in Europe and Western Asia, it is labeled as a demulcent due to its anti-inflammatory properties and can soothe a variety of skin conditions most especially psoriasis. It not only benefits us in a range of health issues but also aids in weight loss. It works best when taking marshmallow leaves with fluids or liquids as it induces the stomach to have a feeling of fullness resulting in fewer cravings. This plant is displayed to be stalwart benefactor in almost all problems related to inflammation. Here we explore the interesting lore of the widely snacked yet obscurely known marshmallow plant.

History

In the onset of the 9th century BCE, marshmallows were used by Greeks to cure wounds and relieve sore throats. Arab specialists on the other hand created a poultice from ground marshmallow leaves and used it as an anti-inflammatory agent. The Romans discovered that marshmallows are good as a laxative agent. Through the Middle Ages in Europe, marshmallows served as a regimen for everything such as colds, insomnia and upset stomach.

However, the beginning of marshmallow medicinal history start far earlier in chronology than that.  Over 2000 years ago, it was the Egyptians who exposed the curative properties of marshmallow leaves. The plant’s sap was mixed with honey and was used to cure sore throats in kids.  This effect stemmed from the plant’s roots and leaves consisting of a gummy substance called mucilage that can coat and alleviate the throat and stomach. For ages subsequently, the plant was used as a food source only in times of scarcity in order to keep a plenitude available in times of illness. Eventually in the late 1800’s marshmallows made their way through agricultural trade to the United States.

Taxonomy

Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Order: Rosids
Family: Malvales
Genus: Althaea
Species: Malvoideae
Binomial Name: Althea officinalis

Lore

A peculiar trait in the lore found on the use of marshmallow involves it being carried during the European pre-industrial times to facilitate legal matters. The indicted would be treated with a marshmallow ointment and tested to hold a red-hot iron bar for a stated period of time. If the offender did not have a severe burn, innocence was pronounced.  Good old medieval law and order methods, eh?

Marshmallow was also believed to have a significance concerning affairs of the heart. They say that if you leave a bouquet of this plants leaves on the grave, your loved one will have a secure jaunt to the next world.

Uses

Medicinal – All parts of the plant consist of curative properties involving mild mucilage.   This herb plant’s leaves are used as an expectorant for mucus build-up, coughs, sore throats, bronchitis, pertussis, and a diuretic that can even aid in flushing kidney stones.  This herb has also been known to aid in the secretion and flow of urine during urinary tract infections that eases the burning sensation when urinating. In addition, a mixture of leaves can also be a remedy for diarrhea and cystitis.

The roots of marshmallow are ideal for digestive and skin disorders such as boils, ulcers, abscesses and varicose veins. Digestive disorders includes peptic ulcers, gastritis, diverticulitis, colitis and irritable bowel syndrome. Traditionally, the peeled root is best used for teething babies as was practiced in Persia in past times.   It diminishes the inflammation in the gums of teething babies. Marshmallow leaves can also enhance your immune system upon being ingested. External treatment has been considered effective as well. It can also be used as an eye compress externally to alleviate the skin around the eyes. Similarly, this same effect works as a remedy for cuts, scrapes and other wounds and eczema. The properties of the plant’s leaves can also be used as conditioner for limp and lifeless hair.

Culinary – The young leaves of this high vitality herb are great to use in salads. You can harvest and eat them fresh from plants you grow. Also, one can dry the marshmallow leaves and make tinctures, tea, extracts and oil infusions. You can add them straight to foods and drinks and blend it perfectly with tea. In the Middle East, people extract the roots and create a tasty snack called halva.

Spiritual – It is believed that marshmallow leaves in the old days implement psychic powers during rituals and also believed that is is good for visualizations. It is advised that you should carry a sachet of these leaves for protection, especially psychic protection. To calm a person when angry, you burn the roots of the herbal plant to create a soothing effect.

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Growing Tips

Marshmallows prefer pleasant weather. They may die during winter time if not kept appropriately. You can begin growing indoors by planting its seeds ¼-inch deep in soil. When the first leaves appear, you can cease using the heat mat so it can grow in light. You can have marshmallow plants outdoors when the weather is steadily above freezing for those living in less tropical environments. The roots of marshmallows are harvested during autumn for those who wish to try using them. It is also best to place this herbal plant outside during spring as this period promotes nourishing growth. Flowers of marshmallow normally blossoms during August to October.

Word of Caution:

Similar to many other herbs, this plant is not recommended for pregnant and lactating women. There are studies that marshmallow aids in producing milk in lactating women, but no official outcome has been published. On the other hand, it has been known to contribute to levels of toxicity in lactating milk due to its mucilage nature. It may impede absorption when taking other medicines if intake in large amounts. It is advised to eat parts of this plant at least six (6) hours before or after taking medication. Precaution is encouraged when taking it regularly as it may also decrease sugar levels in our body.

Final Note

Marshmallow plants certainly can alleviate a variety of health issues and disorders. It is termed a mallow demulcent due to its renown mucilage properties. The roots as well as the flowers can be found in numerous edible forms that include herbal teas, extracts and tinctures. It boasts a number of nutritional benefits all while being easy to blend into your cooking.

Next time you see those sticky white puff balls in packs at your local grocery store, keep this in mind; that the marshmallow can be so much more than a sticky snack!

Check out Eupterra Foundation’s main page for more informative reading and subscribe to our newsletter to get more herblore!

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Works Cited

Marshamallow. www.cloverleaffarmherbs.com/marshmallow/.

www.themagickalcat.com/Articles.asp?ID=242.

The New Encyclopaedia Britannica. Encyclopaedia Britannica, 2010.

“Marshmallow Leaf c/s.” Monterey Bay Spice Company, www.herbco.com/p-1350-marshmallow-leaf-cs.aspx.