Marshmallow Althaea officinalis

Originally found in coastal areas of Europe, marshmallow is now widely naturalized. The plant’s
botanical name comes from the Greek verb, altho (to heal), and it has been valued for its soothing
and healing action, both internally and externally, for at least 3,500 years. As well as being used
medicinally, both the root and leaves can be eaten as vegetables.

FLOWERS
The pale pink flowers bloom in summer: a traditional French recipe combines them with the
flowers of corn poppy (Papaver rhoeas), sweet violet (Viola odorata), and mullein in a
tisane des quatre fleurs.

LEAVES
The leaves can be cooked and eaten like cabbage,or the leaf tipseaten in salads.


PARTS USED Root, leaves, flowers
MAIN CONSTITUENTS Root: asparagine,mucilage, polysaccharides, pectin, tannins
Leaves: mucilage, flavonoids, coumarin,salicylic, and other phenolic acids
ACTIONS Root: demulcent, expectorant,diuretic, wound herb
Leaves: expectorant, diuretic, demulcent
Flowers: expectorant


HOW TO USE


MACERATION Soak 1oz (30g) of root in 1 pint (600ml) of cold water overnight and
strain: the result can often be very thick and mucilaginous and may need further
dilution. Take 1⁄2–1 cup 3 times daily for acid reflux, gastric ulceration, cystitis,
and dry coughs.


POULTICE Make a paste from 1 tsp of powdered root mixed with a little water
and use on boils, abscesses, ulcers, or poorly healing infected wounds.

OINTMENT Use to draw pus, splinters,or thorns.

INFUSION Drink 1 cup (1–2 tsp dried leaves per cup of boiling water) 3 times daily for
bronchitis, bronchial asthma, or pleurisy.

SYRUP Make a syrup by combining 1 pint (600ml) of a standard infusion of fresh
flowers with 1lb (450g) of honey or syrup;bring to a boil and simmer gently for
10–15 minutes. Take 1 tsp (5ml) doses as required.

HOW TO SOURCE

GROW Prefers fertile, moist, well-drained soil in full sun; tolerates other conditions.
Sow seed in trays of compost in midsummer and transplant to 3in (7.5cm) pots when
large enough to handle. Plant the following spring. Alternatively, divide plants in
autumn. Can self-seed enthusiastically in ideal conditions.

FORAGE Likely to be found in ditches,riversides, tidal zones, and pond margins,
especially in coastal areas. Gather the flowers in summer to make a cough syrup,
or the leaves during the growing period.The root can be boiled as a vegetable.
HARVEST Dig the root in autumn. Cut the aerial parts as the plant starts to flower.