Marshmallow

Marshmallow

Althaea officinalis

Botanical Family: Malvaceae (Mallow family)

Botanical Description

Althaea officinalis is a stately perennial growing 60-120cm tall with soft, velvety, grey-green leaves covered in fine down. The leaves have 3-5 shallow lobes and toothed margins. Pale pink, 5-petaled flowers cluster in the upper leaf axils. The thick, tapered root contains high levels of mucilage – the original marshmallow candy was made from this root.

Medicinal Actions

Primary actions: Demulcent, emollient, vulnerary, anti-inflammatory, expectorant, diuretic.

Key compounds: Mucilage (up to 35% in root), pectin, flavonoids, phenolic acids.

Traditional uses: Used since ancient Egyptian times for soothing irritated tissues. Hippocrates used it for wounds. The name “Althaea” comes from Greek “altho” meaning “to heal.”

Body Systems Affected

Digestive: Soothes the entire GI tract – mouth ulcers, heartburn, gastritis, ulcers, colitis.

Respiratory: Demulcent for dry, irritating coughs and sore throats.

Urinary: Soothes urinary tract irritation; mild diuretic.

Integumentary: External use for wounds, burns, and skin inflammation.

Safety Information

Very safe. No significant side effects or toxicity reported.

Drug absorption: Mucilage may slow absorption of medications. Take medicines 1-2 hours before or after marshmallow.

Diabetes: May lower blood sugar. Monitor if diabetic.

Pregnancy: Generally considered safe.

Growing Guide

Hardiness: Zones 3-9.

Light: Full sun to partial shade.

Soil: Moist, rich soil. Tolerates wet conditions and salt.

Sowing: Sow seeds in autumn or cold stratify for spring sowing.

Spacing: 45-60cm apart.

Harvesting

Root: Harvest in autumn of the 2nd or 3rd year. Roots are most mucilaginous when the plant is not flowering.

Leaves: Harvest during flowering.

Flowers: Harvest when open.

Drying & Storage

Slice roots and dry at 40°C (104°F). Properly dried root should be off-white and slightly fibrous. Store in airtight containers. Retains potency for 2-3 years. For maximum mucilage extraction, make cold infusions (soak in cold water overnight).