Picture taken by Phil Sellens
Most people think about a white fluffy sweet treat when hearing marshmallow. In fact the sugary confection used to be made from the root of the marshmallow plant since ancient Egyptian times. Today most marshmallow treats no longer contain marshmallow root. Its main purpose today is to serve as a medicine and is commonly used in herbalism. In pharmacies this plant is mostly found under the name "Althaea officinalis". It's healing abilities are even depicted in the name of the plant. Althaea is a Greek term and means "heal". The root of the plant is a good remedy to treat digestive problems and skin irritations. Complaints with the urinary system and the lungs can be treated with the leaves of the plant. Wherever soothing is needed marshmallow is an effective herb that is mostly used as an anti-inflammatory and a soothing agent.
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History & Folklore
Marshmallow's history goes way back to ancient Egyptian times. It was a popular ingredient for candies, cakes and sweets. If the plant was added into a candied delicacy it was only served to gods and pharaohs. "Lower class people" back then weren't allowed to eat those sweets since it was a crime. The Romans and the Greeks were a big fan of the herb because of its ability to cure soar throats and pains. It became a part of medical treatment for coughs, diarrhoea and toothaches. During this time it was also believed that the herb had other powers besides healing abilities. One of those powers was serving as a love potion. In the 1800's the French started normalising using marshmallow as an ingredient for sweets and candies. They mixed marshmallow with other ingredients like egg white and syrup. This is when the white fluffy marshmallows were discovered. Today marshmallow sap is not used to create today's marshmallow anymore. It manly serves as a natural remedy today.
Habitat & Cultivation
Native to Europe, Western Asia and North Africa the plant is also naturalised in America. Marshmallow can be found in France and Germany mostly and is cultivated in some northeastern states of the United States. The plant prefers partial sun, but can also grow well in shade or full sun. The soil should be rich and well moistened to assure the best growing results. Marshmallow is cultivated for medical uses therefore to obtain a powerful and nutritious plant the best conditions should be provided. The plant flowers in the second year. The flowers and leaves can be collected in summer, while the roots are best unearthed in the fall.
Uses
mild laxative benefits intestinal problems including regional ileitis, colitis, diverticulitis, and irritable bowel syndrome.
frequent urination
inflamed skin
inflammation
Parts used
Leaves
Flowers
Root
Constituents
37% starch
11% mucilage
11% pectin
Flavonoids, phenolic acids, sucrose and asparagine
View References
References
- Chevallier, Andrew, FNIMH; Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine - 550 Herbs and Remedies for Common Ailments; 3. Edition 2016; ISBN: 978-0-2412-2944-6; Page 165.
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