I didn’t learn that marshmallow was a plant (and not just a fluffy white confection) until I was 22, can you believe that!? It has been so long in collective history that we’ve made marshmallow treats with real marshmallow root that so many of us don’t know where the treat gets its name. Way back when marshmallows were made with marshmallow root, they were more than a yummy treat, they were medicinal! And you’re going to learn why in this marshmallow monograph.
In this marshmallow monograph, we are going to go over marshmallow’s energetics, tastes, herbal actions, body affinities, constituents, and cautions. Then, we’re going to discuss when we work with marshmallow in practice, how to best prepare it, and which herbs to pair it with. Plus, you’ll get the opportunity to download this marshmallow monograph for free so you can reference it whenever you need.
Disclaimer
This article is for educational purposes only and shouldn’t be used as a replacement for medical attention, advice, or diagnosis. It’s recommended to talk to a doctor before beginning any herbal regimen, especially if you are taking any kind of pharmaceutical medication. Because every body is different, the following information may or may not apply directly to you.
Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis)
Did you know that mallow species are closely related to hibiscus, cotton, okra, and cacao? That’s right, all of these plants belong to the Malvacaea family, which is known for its soothing, hydrating, and nourishing qualities. Marshmallow is unique because of its association with the sweet treat of the same name. Marshmallow treats actually got their name because they used to be made with the root of the marshmallow plant. This speaks to the qualities of this valuable herb.
Marshmallow Monograph
In this section of the marshmallow monograph, we’re going to go over marshmallow’s energetics, tastes, medicinal plant parts, herbal actions, body affinities, differences between the leaf and root, constituents, and cautions.
Energetics & Tastes
Marshmallow is a cooling, moistening, and relaxing herb that is largely bland but slightly sweet and mineral-rich.
Medicinal Plant Parts
Both the leaves and roots are worked with. However, they have slightly different qualities and are worked with in slightly different contexts.
Herbal Actions
Let’s get into the medicinal properties of marshmallow.
Demulcent
Only second to slippery elm and Siberian elm, marshmallow is the most moistening herb to work with. Marshmallow is hydrating and nourishing to the body as a whole.
Expectorant (leaf)
Marshmallow leaf helps get all the junk stuck deep in the lungs up and out. This is especially helpful when dealing with a chest cold living deep in the lungs.
Anti-inflammatory
This is one of the most soothing herbs you can work with. Its cooling and moistening nature turns down the heat in inflamed areas and its nutritive properties give the inflamed areas the nourishment it needs to heal.
Nutritive
Marshmallow is nutritive in two ways. First, it itself is full of nutrients that it gives to the body. And second, its demulcency helps coagulate nutrients and helps the body better absorb them.
Emollient
Marshmallow is a wonderful moisturizer. Applied topically, it can moisturize the skin and hair, reduce inflammation, and heal wounds. Internally, marshmallow can bring moisture to dry and irritated areas in the GI tract.
Vulnerary
When applied to wounds, both topically as well as in the GI tract, it can help the wound heal and prevent infections.
Antimicrobial
Marshmallow is a secret superhero in the world of biofilm-busting. This herb can help break up communities of harmful microbes both in the gut when taken internally and superficially when applied topically.
Body Systems Affinities
Which area of the body does marshmallow have an affinity for?
Epithelial Tissue
AKA, the tissue that makes up your skin and the linings of your lungs, GI tract, sinuses, urinary tract, and more. Marshmallow has a particular love for mucus membranes, like the ones that line the cavities of the body. Its hydrating, vulnerary, and anti-inflammatory actions work on the mucus membranes of the body to soothe, moisturize, and heal them.
Marshmallow Leaf vs Root
Although they have similar properties, the leaf and root of marshmallow have slightly different actions and affinities. The root is the most common part of the plant to work with. The root is much more demulcent and therefore more potently emollient, nutritive and anti-inflammatory. Plus, when taken internally, marshmallow root targets the GI tract (especially the intestines) and urinary tract more so than other parts of the body.
The leaf, on the other hand, targets the lungs more than the GI and urinary tracts. It is less potent in terms of demulcence but it is better at expectorating mucus and fluid from deep in the lungs. Therefore, the leak is the preferred part of the plant when working to heal dry, unproductive coughs and other mucus-related issues in the lungs.
Notable Constituents
- flavonoids
- phenolic acids
- asparagine
- pectin
- arabinogalactans
- mucilage
Cautions When Working with Marshmallow
Because of marshmallow’s demulcent qualities, it can prohibit the absorption of medications. Therefore, it’s recommended to separate taking medications and taking marshmallow by at least an hour.
Marshmallow in Practice
Based on marshmallow’s herbal actions, let’s explore which conditions are indicated for this herb.
GI Tract Inflammation, Celiac Disease, & Food Allergies
All forms of GI tract inflammation can be soothed by marshmallow, particularly the root. Marshmallow root cold infusion will deliver cooling, hydrating, and soothing actions to all the areas in the GI tract that need attention. To learn how to make a marshmallow cold infusion, see below.
It’s important to keep a couple of things in mind. first, if you’re dealing with chronic digestive inflammation, it won’t be enough to drink marshmallow tea just once. You’ll have to drink a strong infusion daily for at least a month to begin feeling significant changes. Second, GI inflammation is there for a reason, and until you remove that reason, you’ll continue experiencing inflammation. In order to heal, you’ll have to look at your diet and work to eliminate allergens, inflammatory foods, and other foods you’re sensitive to.
Heartburn, GERD, & Ulcers
Not only can marshmallow assist when dealing with GI tract inflammation, but it can also assist with other forms of irritation, including those relating to heartburn and ulcer formation. These kinds of wounds are due to stomach acid or microbes damaging the mucus membranes in the stomach. Marshmallow can help soothe those areas of irritation and heal up those wounds. It’s important to note that issues like GERD and ulcers are caused by something. Marshmallow root can help temporarily heal those wounds but they won’t stop forming until you’ve addressed the underlying causes.
Cystitis & Urinary Tract Infections
Drinking a strong marshmallow infusion daily during a UTI can help speed up the healing process. Marshmallow’s soothing qualities make their way to the urinary tract to soothe inflammation and fight off the infection. This also applies to those working to heal cystitis. It also helps to take a bath with a strong marshmallow infusion or make a sitz bath. The marshmallow won’t access very much of the urinary tract this way but can help soothe inflammation lower down.
Burns, Wounds, & Skin infammation
Marshmallow is wonderfully soothing when applied topically. Applying a marshmallow poultice directly to a burn or wound will help soothe inflammation, prevent infection, and help heal. This also works for other forms of skin irritation. For irritation on the face, you can make a marshmallow facewash. You can also take a bath with a strong marshmallow infusion to get those soothing actions over the whole body.
Preparing Marshmallow
Let’s get into how we prepare this herb in practice.
Marshmallow Cold infusions
When making tea with marshmallow, it’s best to make a cold infusion. The starches that give marshmallow its demulcent action (and therefore most of its medicinal properties) will only incorporate into water when it’s cool. If you make a hot infusion with marshmallow, especially the root, you just won’t get the hydrating qualities we look for when working with this plant. To make a cold infusion, add room-temperature water to a container with the marshmallow root and let it sit for at least three hours, if not overnight. Strain and drink!
Marshmallow Electuaries & Lozenges
Marshmallow electuaries are my favorite way to work with this herb. All you have to do is mix equal parts honey and marshmallow root powder until you get a thick paste. I will eat a spoonful anytime I have a sore throat or dry cough.
You can use the same honey and marshmallow root powder mixture to make sore-throat lozenges. All you have to do is pinch off quarter-sized pieces, roll them in some extra marshmallow root powder, and stick them in the fridge. Both the electuaries and lozenges are perfect for everything from a tickle in the back of your throat to a raw and painful throat from dry coughing.
Herbal Pairings
Pairing marshmallow with the following herbs can help emphasize the medicinal qualities of the plant (and they taste great together!)
Sourcing Marshmallow
Marshmallow plants are a beautiful addition to the garden, so I recommend growing some yourself if you can! This herb likes a sunny spot that retains moisture, so if you have an area like that in your garden, marshmallow will be pretty easy to grow. Growing your own herbs is the best way to develop a relationship with them and to ensure medicinal-grade quality. Buy some marshmallow seeds here.
If growing your own marshmallow isn’t an option for you, I recommend finding a local herb farm or apothecary to buy it from. Herb farms are more common than ever and can be found nationwide. By purchasing your herbs from a local herb farm, not only are you ensuring high-quality products (most of the time) but you’re also supporting your local economy. You can also try buying from a local herbal apothecary.
If you’re looking to buy your herbs online, then I recommend checking out Mountain Rose Herbs. This company consistently gives you the highest quality herb material on the market and have a system of check and balances to ensure social and environmental responsibility. On their website, you can find marshmallow leaf, marshmallow root, marshmallow root powder, marshmallow root extract, and more.
Free Marshmallow Monograph Download
The Best Herbalism Books
There are hundreds of herbalism books available on the market. A quick Google search can be really overwhelming! Especially when the top search results from Amazon and Goodreads seem to be unreliable.
In this article, I’ve gathered all of my favorite herbalism titles in one place to share with you. If you don’t know where to start, that’s ok! The books are organized by type and I’ve written descriptions to let you know which I suggest in which situations. Plus, all of the books here are trustworthy, so you can follow your curiosity and pick which books stand out to you!
More Herbal Monographs
Want to learn about more herbs? In my online Materia Medica, you will find all of the herbs I have written about. Here, you can click on any herb you want to learn about and you’ll get a thorough herbal monograph that’s always being updated, just like this one. Plus, you can download the free monograph for every herb! Learn more here.
Summary: Marshmallow Monograph
Marshmallows are more than a tasty confection, they’re a valuable herb with so much to offer. In this marshmallow monograph, we learned about this plant’s energetics, tastes, medicinal plant parts, herbal actions, body affinities, constituents, and cautions. Then, we went over which conditions are indicated for this plant, how to best prepare it, and which herbs to pair it with. Plus, you’ve downloaded the free marshmallow monograph PDF so you can come back to this info anytime.
Have you worked with marshmallow before? Is there anything you’re excited to try? Leave your thoughts in the comments below, I would love to hear from you!
Thanks for reading and happy crafting!
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