Common name: marshmallow
Botanical name: Althea officinalis
Botanical family: Malvaceae
‘My name is Althaea officinalis. I was given this name in the ancient years by the Greeks, whom referred to me as their “official healer”. Althaea comes from the Greek word ‘Althos’ meaning ‘to cure’. Though today you might be more familiar with my common name marshmallow and, yes, I use to be the main ingredient in that sweet treat you all know so well, however, no longer is there even a trace of me in the famous lolly…‘
Cultivation
As per its name it likes to grow in marshes. It can be grown in most soil types but prefers moist and fertile soil.
How does it do here in Central Otago? Despite the dry climate, we can grow marshmallow provided that you water it regularly, or grow it near a pond.
Traditional medicinal uses
Marshmallow was valued as a food and medicine since the earliest time. As the story goes, it was the ancient Egyptians that first made a sweet treat from the roots of the plant, mixed in with honey and exotic spices. This medicinal candy was used to soothe a sore throat, giving a moisturising and cooling effect. Yet, such indulgences were reserved for the Gods and royalty only. Many years later, in the 19th century, French doctors would further tweak this recipe by whipping mallow root juice with egg whites and sugar… and so, the marshmallows’ story continued to evolve.
The French begun to incorporate the fresh young leaves into a spring salad, believed to stimulate and tonify the kidneys. A dish of mallow leaves was also considered to be a customary delicacy by the Romans. As the historical Roman physician Pliny wrote ‘whosoever shall take a spoonful of the mallows shall that day be free of diseases that may come unto him’.
The medicinal uses of Althea are varied. The plant has a strong affinity with the the respiratory tract, the gastro-intestinal tract and the urinary tract.
Thanks to its mucilage, it is such a soothing plant.
Externally, the root can be used to help healing skin conditions like abscesses, ulcers, cuts.
How to use it?
Parts used: leaves, flowers, roots.
You can make a poultice of the leaves to reduce inflammation, make a decoction with the dried root to treat wounds, such as bruises, sprains, aching muscles or swelling-pain.
The leaves can also be used in tea to soothe inflammation, or fresh in salad (chopped finely as the leaves are a bit hairy).
Add the flowers to your salads or cakes for decoration.
Try it boiled in wine, in a refreshing cold water infusion or hot cup of tea.
Precaution
Due to its high mucilage content, it can delay the absorption of other medicine used at the same time.
Mythology/Folklore
Marshmallow is carried to attract love or to simply celebrate love!
It was believed that one could improve fertility and life-giving energy by collecting mallow seeds under the light of the full moon to consume.
References
Prescription for Herbal Healing, by Phyllis A. Balch.
Culpeper’s Complete Herbal, by Nicholas Culpeper.
Materia Medica of Western Herbs by Carole Fisher.
A Modern Herbal by Mrs. M. Grieve.
The Herball’s Guide to Botanical Drinks by Michael Isted.
Plant story by Ashley South
