Marshmallow or althaea officinalis is a perennial plant that differs from mallows by its calicle, which has more than 6 bracts. This officinal plant belongs to the Malvaceae family, it is native to the Asian steppes and the south of France.
Marshmallow and its health benefits
It can be used every day to calm irritation and inflammation: throat, respiratory tract, bladder, oral cavity, and intestine (enteritis), mucous membranes in general. Marshmallow is noticeably laxative, therefore effective in cases of constipation. Marshmallow flowers are classified as “pectoral species”.
For external use, you can use marshmallows for all skin inflammations. It also applies to insect bites and ulcers.
- Internal use:
Infusion or maceration of marshmallow root: cold, 20 g of root per liter. Infusion of leaves or flowers, following the same proportions. Do not hesitate to mix flowers, leaves, and roots. Drink 3 cups a day. Against irritation and inflammation.
Marshmallow syrup: to be prepared with a root decoction (15 to 20 grams of root per half a liter of water), to which 1 kg of sugar is added. Against coughing.
- External use:
A concentrated decoction of marshmallow plant: 30 to 50 grams per liter of water, boiled for 15 minutes. This decoction can be used in gargles, mouthwashes, washes, enemas, compresses, sitz baths. Sprayed, it softens fine, dry, and scaly skin, and decongests blotchy and sensitive skin.
Marshmallow properties
Marshmallow, especially its root, is very rich in mucilage. It is also a cough suppressant, expectorant, and softening. It is used as a cough syrup, eye lotion …
What about the marshmallow we eat then?
It doesn’t have much in common with medicinal marshmallows. Originally, it was made with a decoction of marshmallow root… Today, it is made with snowy egg whites, sugar syrup, and gelatin, not to mention synthetic flavors and dyes!
