Marshmallow, known by its scientific name Althaea officinalis is one plant of about six to twelve in the genus “Althaea”. While there are relatives of Althaea officinialis that are used medicinally, it’s never the whole plant that is used, and is not as useful or efficient as Marshmallow. At one point, several other species belonged to the Althaea genus, but such species were later found to belong to a completely different genus.
 
Herb Overview
 
Marshmallow is an herb that has been used for centuries for the healing properties it possesses. There are records of it being used as far back as 372 B.C. as a Cough aide. It is believed that Marshmallow was also used by the early Chinese and Egyptians as well. Just about the entire plant is used for medicinal purposes, and the plant can be prepared in several different ways. Commonly used to treat coughs, it is boiled in milk or wine for that end, while it’s also historically been used as a poultice and applied to wounds to draw out the poisons. Even the bible has a passage from Job, “…is there any taste in the slimy juice of the Marshmallow?”  It was used during the renaissance to treat gonorrhea of all things. Some cultures even today use ointments of Marshmallow for religious purposes, including the warding off of evil spirits. Superstition says that if you want to help straighten out a lover who is straying away from you, put some Marshmallow in a vase in your window.
 
Herb Description
 
Originally native to Asia and Europe, Marshmallow is now harvested over North America as well. Althaea officinalis tends to grow between three and four feet tall, with few branches, if any. The leaves are attached with short stems, and are rounded and toothed. Flowers sprout along the whole length of the plant bearing reddish-white petals. Tough, pliable roots that are yellowish in color are also used for various medicinal purposes. It’s also unique in the fact that it has a large amount of medicinal properties, being a demulcent, diuretic, emollient, and an expectorant. Demulcents are soothing herbs that coat the throat due to mucilage. Emollients are skin soothing herbs that help soften the skin. Marshmallow can also be used to help treat urethral disorders, including kidney stones.
 
Herb Make-up
 
Marshmallow’s various parts can all be used for treatment. Both the leaves and the roots are used, but for different reasons. The roots in particular are used much more frequently due to their higher content of mucilage (which helps mucus form, easing coughs and sore throats). To be specific though, the roots are made up starch, pectin, mucilage, sucrose, asparagines, and phenolic acids. Starch and sucrose are both well known sugars. Pectin is also a sugar, but under the right conditions, it forms a gel. Flavinoids are anti-inflammation, anti-Cancer compounds that naturally occur in plants like the Marshmallow plant. Mucilage, as stated, is what soothes a Cough and sore throat by coating it. This happens because it’s actually made of sugar residues.
 
Types Available
 
Marshmallow comes in many different forms for use, depending on what the individual using the herb intends on treating. The leaves tend to come dried and can be used in teas, tinctures, and infusions (along with other herbs). Tinctures are mixtures of herbal extracts of the leaves with alcohol, or alcohol and water. Infusions are prepared by boiling the leaves in oil or water for ten minutes and straining out the leaf pieces. The roots are available in several different forms as well, from dried and peeled, unpeeled. Of course it’s available capsules and ointments as well, and also in some Cough syrups. Historically it was used as a drawing agent, and applied directly to wounds to remove toxins and infections. Also, the Marshmallow plant is commonly used topically to reduce swelling, especially of the eyelids. Sometimes Marshmallow is used to help soothe the lungs and windpipe. Even today, it’s taken to treat gastric disorders, such as heartburn and constipation. Bathing in water that has Marshmallow added can help relieve individuals that are experiencing Muscle pain.
 
Method of Intake
 
As with all herbs, Marshmallow should be taken is precise dosages: what will vary is the method of delivery, and the amount you take. The root in particular can be taken four ways; two to ten grams of Marshmallow in syrup as a Cough suppressant, five to ten percent in an ointment or cream for topical use (primarily to draw out toxins from stings), two to six grams of dried root in an infusion, or two to five percent in a cold water maceration of five ounces to soothe sore throats. The leaves of Althaea officinalis are generally prepared three ways; as a Tea with one or two teaspoons per cup of water, one or two teaspoons of Marshmallow Tincture that is a twenty percent concentration, or as an extract added to anything, only one-fourth or one-half teaspoon is needed. It should be noted that Marshmallow can also be used as a Weight Loss aid, as it absorbs fluids, and will make you feel fuller faster, and longer. Althaea officinalis also makes an effective solution to gargle with, as it will help remove the infection from your throat and mouth.
 
Precautions
 
Marshmallow is generally extremely safe, and there are no known side effects from taking it. It’s even been shown to be safe for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers to take. However, some substances in Marshmallow may interact with other herbs, so care must be taken, and should be taken under the supervision of someone with experience and expertise in botanical medicine.
 
Interactions
 
Althaea officinalis, like most herbs can affect the absorption of prescription medications. As such, it should not be taken near the same time as other herbs or medications to avoid potential interactions. Always consult a doctor before starting any herbal supplement to minimize any risk of interactions. Also, make sure to inform your doctor of any changes that occur while taking supplements.