Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) is a perennial plant that thrives in damp meadows, marshes and along the banks of rivers and seas. Marshmallow originated in Middle East and the Mediterranean regions; however, in the present, it can be found in Europe, Asia and the Northeastern region of the United States. The chemical substances contained within the plant, especially mucilage make of marshmallow an effective anti-inflammatory remedy.
The use of marshmallow as a medicinal remedy dates back to approximately 2,000 years. Hippocrates used marshmallow to treat bruises and blood loss. Arabian doctors made poultices from leaves as a remedy for inflammation. Marshmallow was eaten as food by the Egyptians, Romans and Chinese, as well. Marshmallow was used in Europe to relieve toothache, insect bites, diarrhea and indigestion during the middles ages.
The plant stems grow to approximately 3-4 ft (1-1.2 cm) and the leaves are from 2-3 inches (5-8 cm) long. The properties of Marshmallow include mucilage, pectin, starch, glutinous matter, lime, phosphate, asparagin and cellulose. Marshmallow is rich in iron, sodium, calcium, iodine, zinc, pantothenic acid, and vitamin B complex.
The most important constituent of marshmallow is mucilage which is a polysaccharide. Mucilage has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties which confer the plant a soothing effect on inflamed membranes of the throat, mouth, stomach, and intestinal tract. It also helps expel phlegm from the lungs. Marshmallow has been used in the treatment of disorders, including indigestion, heartburn, stomach ulcers and Crohn´s disease. It can also be added to creams to treat skin conditions, such as contact dermatitis and eczema.
Marshmallow can be made into a slimy solution by adding water to a finely chopped piece of marshmallow root for external treatment of abscesses, cuts, wounds, and varicose veins. A poultice containing marshmallow and cayenne can be applied to sooth gangrene, blood poisoning, bruises, burns and wounds.
Marshmallow can be found in a tincture or capsule form. It can be taken internally as a tea, or applied externally as an ointment or poultice. A decoction, which can be made by adding bits of the root to one cup of water and boiled for 15 minutes, can alleviate a sore throat or congestion. The extracts help white blood cells fight invading microorganisms and promote phagocytosis, thus, speeding up the healing process. Marshmallow leaves can be rubbed against insect bites to relieve pain, inflammation and swelling.
It is recommended that diabetics restrain from high quantities of marshmallow as it can lower blood sugar levels. Children and babies should consume low doses of marshmallow. Marshmallow is not recommended for pregnant or lactating women. There are no known side effects from the consumption of marshmallow; however, you should follow the recommendations of your doctor for appropriate doses.
