Marshmallow

Description

Marshmallow

Althea officinalis

Marshmallow’s gift is one of soothing. Both the root and leaves of this lovely flowering perennial are full of mucilaginous polysaccharides, which are extremely useful in hot, inflamed situations. Marshmallow infusions, either hot or cold, effectively soothe inflamed mucous membranes of the digestive, respiratory, or urinary tract. If you suffer from kidney stones or bladder inflammation, IBS, chrones, colitis, or constipation, this is a herb you’ll want to have on hand. It will also soothe a dry cough, increases good cholesterol, and boosts the immune system. Marshmallow is incredibly safe for all people. You can steep it in cold water overnight to extract the mucilage, or try a regular hot water infusion.

Herbal actions:

• Alterative
• Anti-inflammatory
• Antimicrobial
• Demulcent
• Emollient
• Diuretic
• Expectorant
• Decongestant
• Laxative
• Immunomodulator
• Nutritive
• Vulnerary