Marsh Mallow (Althaea officinalis)

The Marsh Mallow (Althaea officinalis L.), an herbaceous perennial from the mallow family (Malvaceae), also goes by the name of medicinal mallow. The stem, reaching up to a meter in height, contains pith and features ovate, chestnut-white leaves arranged spirally. These leaves form clusters of three from above and split into five unevenly toothed segments from below.

The stem gradually hardens at the base. Clusters of white or light pink flowers bloom from the axils of leaves at the top of the stem and branches. These blossoms consist of five fused petals, numerous stamens, and a pistil made of 10 segments. The plant is scentless, but its taste is mucilaginous.

This plant thrives in gardens, damp meadows, bordering paths and fields, on river banks, and practically anywhere with light, damp soil, such as silty river deposits. It exhibits tremendous adaptability to its habitat.

What does a marshmallow contain?

Marsh Mallow, an exceptionally nutrient-rich plant, comprises approximately 75% carbohydrates, around 2% asparagine, 1.5% fatty oil, 10% sucrose, 30-35% mucilage, nearly 30% starch, roughly 10% pectin, traces of inverted sugar, betaine, and phosphate. Moreover, the plant’s mucilage dissolves in cold water into glucose, galactose, and xylose.

When is marshmallow harvested?

You harvest the leaves and flowers in their blooming period, from June to September. Then in October, you harvest the root – the plant’s most medicinal part – when it’s rich in mucilage. After washing the root, we remove the outer layer, cut it longitudinally, and rapidly dry it. Once almost entirely dry, we finely chop it. It must remain entirely white.

Marsh mallow health benefits

Marsh Mallow is renowned in traditional medicine as a plant with numerous medicinal properties. Its root, leaves, and flowers are rich in mucilage that soothes mucous membranes, hence its frequent use in alleviating symptoms of coughs, respiratory and digestive tract inflammations. Moreover, marsh mallow can aid in treating urinary tract inflammation, diarrhea, and kidney disease.

In addition, marshmallow has proven effective in treating skin problems, such as irritations, burns, and wounds, thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. It is also employed in soothing hemorrhoids and ulcerative conditions. In short, the medicinal virtues of marsh mallow render it a versatile plant in natural medicine.

Marsh Mallow as a remedy – Preparation, application, and effects

Marsh Mallow is a highly respected plant in phytotherapy, recognized for its numerous medicinal properties. From its roots to leaves and flowers, every part of the plant holds potential for various medicinal preparations.

Marsh Mallow tea is among the most commonly used preparations, famed for its soothing and beneficial effects on respiratory and digestive organs. Its preparation is straightforward.

Preparation of marsh mallow tea

The preparation of Marsh Mallow tea differs from other teas to preserve its medicinal potency. To prepare it correctly, follow these steps: Pour 2.5 dl of lukewarm or cold water over 2 tablespoons of Marsh Mallow root. Allow the mixture to stand for a minimum of an hour, ideally, two, to produce an ample amount of mucilage. Then, gently heat the tea, add a little honey, and enjoy it three times daily.

Tea for the throat, esophagus, and trachea inflammation

To combat throat, esophagus, and trachea inflammation, we prepare a special tea. First, we take three large tablespoons of a mix. It consists of 50g chopped Marsh Mallow root, 30g licorice root, 10g sweet violet root, and 40g Coltsfoot leaves. We boil this mix for 10-15 minutes. Next, we strain the mixture and reboil it, this time with an addition of three large tablespoons of honey. We consume two to three cups of this tea daily.

Tea for respiratory diseases, hoarseness, and digestive tract catarrh

To treat respiratory diseases, hoarseness, and digestive tract catarrh, we prepare a mix. It includes 50g Marsh Mallow root, birch, pear, bearberry leaves, sage, and horsetail. We steep this mix in ½ l of boiling water. After letting it stand for 2-3 hours, we strain it. Drinking one cup 4-5 times daily is the recommended dosage.

Preparation of Marsh Mallow syrup

To prepare Marsh Mallow syrup, start by soaking 50g of its root in 3 dl of room-temperature water for 12 hours. Then, strain the mixture and add 1 kg of honey or raspberry, cherry, or currant syrup. Store the mixture in a cool place because it spoils quickly. Always make it fresh and only in daily needed amounts. For best results, consume one large spoonful every two hours.

Macerate and teas for urinary tract inflammation

Preparation of Marsh Mallow macerate

Take 1-2 large spoons of finely cut Marsh Mallow root and soak in 2-4 dl of cold water for 2-3 hours, occasionally shaking. This way, we extract only the mucilage from the root. It’s crucial not to boil or scald the root, as this would release starch, making the liquid thicker, cloudy, and spoilable, thereby reducing its medicinal properties. Marsh Mallow mucilage is a mild remedy against inflammation of the urinary, sexual, respiratory, and digestive organs’ mucous membranes. It is also used for enemas and often incorporated into some chest teas.

Tea for urinary tract inflammation

To alleviate urinary tract inflammation, prepare a tea with 4 large spoons of a mix composed of 50g each of Marsh Mallow root, birch leaves (Betula alba), pear leaves (Pirus communis), bearberry leaves (Uvaursi), sage (Salvia officinalis), and horsetail (Equisetum arvense). After pouring ½ l of boiling water over the mixture, let it stand for 2-3 hours before straining. Drink one cup 4-5 times daily.

Tea for diarrhea

To combat diarrhea, prepare a tea from 5 large spoons of a mixture containing 50g each of Marsh Mallow root, leaves, and flowers, Coltsfoot leaves (Tussilago farfara), common mallow leaves (Malva silvestris), blackberry leaves (Rubus fruticosus), and peppermint (Mentha x piperita). Pour 1 l of boiling water over the mix and let it stand covered for 3 hours. After straining, drink it unsweetened as a water substitute. By adding 50g of chamomile to this mix, you can also safely give it to children.