Herb Profiles

Marshmallow

February 13, 2021

MARSHMALLOW

Althea officinalis

Family: Malvaceae

Part used: Roots, leaves, flowers

Energetics: Sweet, bland, cool, moist

Actions: Anti-inflammatory, demulcent, diuretic

Marshmallow is a beautiful tall perennial that we grow a lot of here on the farm. It tends to like moist areas and so I plant it in the parts of the garden that have a little heavier soil or drain a little slower than other areas. We harvest the leaves, flowers and roots for tinctures, and dry for tea. It’s a soothing and cooling plant to inflamed mucosal tissue in the body. So, I like to use it soothe inflamed digestive and upper respiratory tracts. I use it in digestive tract formulas and blends for the throat and lung, especially for dry coughs.

Contraindications: None known.

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