Marshmallow

the leaf of marshmallow (Althaea folium), the root of marshmallow (Althaea radix)

Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) is a perennial of the mallow family with velvety hairy, greyish leaves and pale pink flowers. It grows on salty and damp ground, beside ditches and in riverside fringes; here it is grown more often than it grows wild.

The root is dug in autumn in the second or third year; it is washed, peeled, cut up and dried quickly at a low temperature, because it is mucilaginous and spoils easily. The leaves are gathered as well, before flowering.

Marshmallow must not be confused with common mallow (Malva sylvestris), a different plant with a different root; the Slovenian names of the two are often mixed up. An infusion of the root is made with cold water, because boiling water destroys the mucilage.

Use and evidence

The EMA limits the traditional use of the root to irritation of the mouth and throat with a dry cough and to mild complaints of the stomach and bowel; the many claims in the original about the kidneys, stones, vaginal discharge and acne have not been retained. EMA.