A demulcent — its mucilage forms a soothing coat over irritated tissues, traditionally used for a dry, irritated throat and digestive mucosa.
Medicinal plant
Marshmallow
Althaea officinalis
A soothing mucilage for a dry, irritated throat. Also called Marsh Mallow.
Uses
Digestion — Herbs traditionally used around digestion, appetite, stomach comfort, or after-meal preparations. Respiratory — Herbs traditionally used in preparations for the throat, chest, sinuses, or seasonal respiratory comfort.
Properties
Demulcent — Coats, moistens, and soothes irritated internal tissues
Emollient — Softens, moisturizes, and soothes the skin
Pectoral — Soothes and supports the lungs, chest, and throat
Energetics
Cooling — Calms heat, irritation, or excess activity. Moistening — Adds or preserves moisture and soothes dryness. Relaxing — Eases tension, constriction, or spasm.
Similar herbs: Mullein, Borage, Anise Hyssop
Growing and using it
Life cycle
Herbaceous perennial.
Hardiness
Current North American hardiness data supports roughly USDA Zones 3–7.
How to start
Seed or nursery plant. Choose Althaea officinalis.
Starting from seed
Cold stratify or fall sow.
Harvesting
Harvest leaves and flowers after establishment; dig roots from mature plants.
Grow in zone
Start indoors — Sow under cover in trays or pots, before it is warm enough to sow outsideStart indoors: FebruaryStart indoors: MarchDirect sow — Sow straight into the ground where the plant will growDirect sow: AprilDirect sow: OctoberDirect sow: NovemberPlant out — Move a started plant into its final spot outdoorsPlant out: MayPlant out: JuneHarvest leaves — Gather leaves in these monthsHarvest leaves: JuneHarvest leaves: JulyHarvest leaves: AugustHarvest flowers — Gather flowers in these monthsHarvest flowers: JulyHarvest flowers: AugustHarvest roots — Gather roots in these monthsHarvest roots: OctoberHarvest roots: November
Root harvest removes the plant, so leave some plants undisturbed.
Gardening tools
(Paid links)
Steep marshmallow in hot water to draw out its flavour and water-soluble properties. The standout preparation — mucilage extracts well into cool water, and a hot decoction isn't necessary when the goal is maximum soothing mucilage.
Parts used
Root DriedGather
- 1 tbspchopped dried marshmallow root per cup of cool water
Dig the root in fall, wash, and slice. Dry until completely hard.
Prepare
- Put the chopped dried root and cool water in a jar
- Cover and steep 4–8 hours, or overnight
- Strain
- Refrigerate and use promptly
Apothecary supplies
(Paid links)
