Althea officinalis has been used from ancient Egyptian times through the Greek and Roman dynasties, and into the present, the word althea being derived from the Greek term altho which means “to heal or cure”. Historically it was used as a poultice to treat wounds and bring down inflammation, and the nutritious root was eaten, along with the young leaves and crunchy seeds.
Most people associate the name Marshmallow with the soft, chewy confection toasted around campfires, and not necessarily with the prized medicinal herb whose root was the original source for the sweet treat! The modern commercial candy no longer contains any part of the plant, however Marshmallow is still regularly used by herbalists.
This hardy herbaceous perennial native to most European countries from Denmark south, loves to grow in moist environments from salt marshes, tidal riverbanks, and by the sea, to moist meadows, and the sides of ditches. Flowering to 7 feet tall with heart shaped leaves and beautiful soft pink/white flowers, often used in flower arrangements, the plant is covered with a velvety down which helps to prevent its pores clogging from the moist nature of its preferred wet habitats.
Marshmallow has valuable mucilaginous properties due to the polysaccharide content in its roots and leaves. Plant mucilage is especially therapeutic for soothing irritations and inflammations and Marshmallow is no exception. The roots, dug in the fall, are used for digestive issues such as inflammation and ulcers, and the leaves, best harvested just before the plant comes into flower, are used for the urinary tract and lungs. A strong antioxidant and immune stimulant, the plant can be used as a tea, tincture, poultice, or powder.
Sow seeds in the greenhouse in the early spring; although some sources recommend scarifying the seed, it is not essential. Barely cover with soil, tamp down, and keep evenly moist until germination, which takes between 1 to 2 weeks. Once the seedlings reach a couple of inches they can be worked up in pots or transplanted out to a moist sunny location. Alternatively, the seeds can be directly sown into a fertile garden bed and thinned to 2 feet apart. Spring is the time for propagation from cuttings and either spring or autumn through root division.