Botanical Name: Althaea officinalis
Certified Organic
Origin: China / Croatia
Production: Marshmallow is a flowering perennial with fuzzy, soft leaves and white, sometimes purple flowers. All parts of the plant are edible. The mucilage-rich roots are harvested in late fall, before the ground freezes.
Qualities: Throughout history, the marshmallow plant has been used in various forms, medicinally and as a food. Presently, it is most commonly taken as a tea or topically to treat an array of ailments. Marshmallow root provides natural mucilage that soothes and moistens sore throats, dry coughs, heartburn, stomach ulcer symptoms, diarrhea, and constipation. It can also be used externally as a calming poultice for wounds and burns.
Common Use: Marshmallow root can be made into a pleasant tea by itself or blended with herbs such as ginger root, licorice root, echinacea purpurea, orange peel, or chamomile, for a soothing tea that supports respiratory functions. It can also be used to make oils, lotions, and salves, as well as desserts and candies.