Herbs - Marshmallow

 

Marshmallow, Closeup

Latin Name: Althea officinalis

Family: Malvaceae

 
Description

The healing properties of marshmallow were first recorded in the 9^th century BCE and were widely used in Greek medicine. Powdered roots were once used to make soft lozenges for throat infections and coughs and were forerunners to the popular candy "marshmallow" that no longer contains extracts of the herb. The name altheae comes from the Greek altha, which means "to cure" and refers to the healing properties of the plant.

Marshmallow was originally found throughout Western Europe, Central Asia and Northern Africa. It prefers moist to wet soil in sun.

Leaves are gathered in summer and dried for infusions, liquid extracts and ointments. Roots are lifted in autumn from two year old plants and dried to liquid extracts, ointments and syrups.

Prev - Next >>