Did you know?
Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) is a perennial species that is indigenous to Europe, Western Asia, Southern Russia and Spain. Althaea is a Greek term that means “heal. Marshmallow does this by helping stimulate the body for its own healing abilities. Although marshmallows that you are familiar with and see at the store today do not contain the extract of the marshmallow plant, that wasn’t always the case. In fact, the plant was directly responsible for the invention of marshmallows by the marshmallow root’s mucilage. Today, however, candy marshmallows do not contain the herb. Instead, they consist of just sugar and gelatin.
Marshmallow Flower
The flowers grow along the upper stalk. They grow 5 heart shaped petals, usually white to a blue-ish pink and bloom in late summer. The leaves and flowers are edible and can be eaten with a salad. You could use the leaves and flowers to help soothe skin irritation.
Marshmallow Plant
Marshmallow plants typically grow 3 to 4 feet high, but can reach up to 6 feet tall. The leaves are short, round, oval shape that can get up to 2 to 3 inches long. The leaves are soft and velvety on both sides.
How can this benefit you?
Marshmallow leaves and roots are used for pain and inflammation of the mucous membranes that line the respiratory tract. Marshmallow is beneficial to use if you have dry cough, stomach ulcers, constipation and diarrhea.
