The Marshmallow plant (Althea Officinalis) is also known as the white mallow herb. This psychoactive herb originated in Europe. Marshmallow has a deep therapeutic effect on the body and is nature’s healing medicine.
Ancient herbal medicines contain the marshmallow herb used as a tea or tonic. Producing several positive reactions in the body. Helps to prevent hypertension, stress, and depression. The marshmallow plant is a beneficial herbal medicine throughout Asia.
Marshmallow Root Health Benefits
Marshmallow root benefits the digestive system, intestinal stomach problems like heartburn, irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, indigestion, ulcerative colitis, stomach ulcers, bloating, flatulence and Crohn’s disease. Soothes a sore throat and cleanses the gastrointestinal tract.
Marshmallow root not only cleans the digestive tract but also soothes peptic ulcers, improving digestion and eating habits. Marshmallow roots are used by herbalists in the form of tea or cold infusion to treat ailments such as colds and coughs. Gargling the tea like a mouthwash reduces inflammation of the gums and mouth.
Marshmallow root excels as a herb for treating several skin problems. Boil the root, skim off the starchy by-product and use it as a gentle soap for problem skin and psoriasis. Make a poultice from the roots and apply them to burn wounds for fast relief and healing. Marshmallow root powder acts as a natural moisturizer and a hair conditioner for limp and lifeless hair or brittle dry hair.
How To Use Marshmallow Root
Add 1 teaspoonful of chopped root to 1 cup water and gently boil for 10 minutes. Take 3 times daily. Pour 1 cup boiling water over 1-2 teaspoonfuls of dried leaves, leave for 10minutes. Take 3 times daily. Rub on the gums of teething babies to reduce inflammation. Marshmallow Tea made from the leaf is used for coughs, colds, respiratory inflammations, stomach ulcers, and to boost the immune system.
Marshmallow Plant Uses
Marshmallow plants are hardy perennial shrubs growing to about 1.5 meters. Boasting bold beautiful heart-shaped leaves. Delicate soft white and pink flowers on multiple stalks in late summer. Prefers full sun, in very hot climates. May do better if shaded in from the afternoon sun.
Grows best in moist, even boggy, humus-rich soil. Divide established plants in spring or autumn. Cut back after flowering in summer to encourage new leaf growth. Sow seeds in spring, at a maximum temperature of 5C.
Germination begins in about 8 days, but is irregular, often over several months. It is a frost-hardy plant needing no protection during severe winters. Will tolerate a degree of saltiness in the soil. Often dies back in autumn, at which time the dead stems need to be cut off.
Marshmallow plants dislike the heat, and will soon become sick if left in full sun. The flowers are edible. Pick the leaves at any time, but best before flowering use them in salads. They do not store well. For medicinal purposes, roots of 2-year-old plants should be dug up in autumn, after the flowers and leaves have died back, then sliced and dried. Young shoots are used fresh.
Marshmallow Metaphysical Properties
Marshmallow is a protective and cleansing herb. Burning marshmallow leaves in a smudge stick or bowl purify an area, indoors or out. Steep the leaves and flowers in oil and use the oil to anoint yourself when you feel the need to be protected from negativity or ill wishes toward you. Offers astral protection when the dried leaves are placed under the pillow.
Marshmallow holds feminine vibration and use the element of water.
Connected to the moon and the goddesses Althea, Aphrodite, and Venus.
The marshmallow plant enriches its surroundings for love and fertility spells and is suitable for handfastings or to simply celebrate your love. Placing a vase of marshmallow flowers in your window will guide your children and family home safely every time. To improve fertility and life-giving energy, collect a few marshmallow seeds under the light of the full moon and use them in sachets or aphrodisiac powders.
Similar to the bat animal totem there are associations to the death and rebirth cycle. Marshmallow leaves and flowers offer sweet parting in departing rituals and honour the dead. Planted on or near gravesites for protection peace and light.
Smoking Marshmallow Leaf
Marshmallow root makes a smooth satisfying smoke. It is ideal as a base for any herbal blend like herbs like Mullein and Damiana. It relaxes the mind when smoked on its own, and produces a euphoric feeling. But it is not suggested you smoke marshmallow plants as there are side effects.
Marshmallow Plant Culinary Uses
Marshmallow flowers and fresh tender young leaves freshen and enliven a salad. The dried root and or the young leaves taste delicious fried in butter and a little salt. Marshmallow leaves added to soups boosts flavour and add a healing element.
Marshmallow root boiled in a little sugar and (the root was in the original marshmallow confectionery) sucked eases a sore throat. soak powdered dry root and some sugar in water until it becomes like jelly. The Egyptians ate the marshmallow root as a vegetable. Add marshmallow root powder to your food for extra flavour and a healing health boost. © from psychic medium Ian Scott