What is marshmallow plant good for?

If you’re like me, your first association with “marshmallow” is probably the Easter candy that looks like pastel cotton balls. You might even remember roasting marshmallows over a fire during summer camps or this one time when I tried to toast it using an oven toaster but failed miserably. But did you know that there’s a plant called marshmallow and it has nothing to do with those sticky treats we know and love?

Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) is native to Europe, Western Asia, and Northern Africa but has been introduced in North America as well. It belongs to the Malvaceae family, which also includes hibiscus and okra. From ancient Egypt and Greece through medieval Europe up until today, marshmallow has been used for various purposes due to its mucilaginous properties meaning they are rich in “mucilage,”a type of thick gluey substance produced by plants.

So What Exactly Can Marshmallow Plant Do?

Glad you asked! Here are some of its most useful benefits:

Sore Throat Remedy

The most common use of marshmallow roots is as a remedy for sore throats caused by colds or allergies. Due to its slimy texture when wetted, marshmallow forms a protective layer around irritated areas making them less painful.

Digestive Aide

Feeling bloated? Constipated? Drink tea made from marshmallow root powder! It can help soothe inflammation along the digestive tract allowing things run smoothly down there.

Fun Fact: French confectioners once boiled down the plant’s fibrous stems into a gooey pulp before whipping it into egg whites creating what we now call ‘marshmallows’.

Boosts Skin Health

Turns out not only does honey mask preserves skin glow but extracts from dried leaves of Althaea also protects skin from UV radiation and oxidative stress thus reducing facial wrinkles.

Reduces Inflammation

Not only that marshmallow infused tea can help with sore muscles or joint pains it is now been researched to treat inflammation caused by diseases such as Crohn’s, ulcerative colitis, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Aids In Respiratory Health

Marshmallow root can be steeped in hot water to reduce dry coughs. It helps you feel less dry scratchiness while going down making it easier for patients suffering from asthma to breathe.

How Do You Use Marshmallow Plant?

Fortunately, Althea officinalis is an easy plant to grow at home meaning that one can benefit from its medicinal properties without breaking the bank. Here are some ways you could use Marshmallows:

  • Infuse in water: Boil dried leaves or roots into warm water and let soak overnight before drinking.
  • Creams or ointments made using powdered roots mixed with other beneficial ingredients – this method’s particularly helpful for people who have sensitive skin hence prefer natural skincare products.
  • For respiratory concerns make a throat soothing syrup using boiled down marshmallow paste combined with honey for flavoring.
  • The selected dried Althaea flowers may also add color and flavors when added in teas (wow talk about multi-functional…)

Are There Any Risks Involved?

While marshmallow plant has loads of great health benefits, just like anything else used out of moderation there could be potential side effects. Some people might not tolerate any substance well so if you notice frequent belching or dizziness after consuming anything containing E459 do consult your healthcare practitioner immediately! Caution everyone: When taking prescription medications concurrently speak with their physician since mucilage present in plants may slow absorption rate causing diminished effect upon medicine intake.

Eating large amounts (>100 grams) of herbal supplements containing Marshmallow due to early scientific research which discovered that leptospermone, a chemical compound present in the plant can reduce blood sugar. This could make it difficult for diabetic patients taking medications or insulin to regulate their glucose level when consumed.

The Takeaway

If you’re looking for an all-natural way to improve your digestive health, ease sore throats and other irritations or are simply intrigued by lesser-known medicinal herbs, marshmallowplant might be just what the doctor ordered. So let’s raise our cups with marshmallow-infused tea “For good health and smoother passage of things”

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