This week our plant is Marsh Mallow or Marshmallow which is related to the Hollyhock and in the same family as the hibiscus. The most well-known variety of Marsh Mallow – both as a garden shrub and as a medicinal plant – is Althaea Officinalis. A few of the common names for this plant are White Mallow and Joseph’s Staff. And, yes, this plant used to be used in the making of edible, confectionary marshmallows!Where This Plant Is FoundMarshmallow is thought to be indigenous to Western Asia, Europe, and North Africa. However, it is now also found growing in many parts of the United States, Canada, and Australia. This hardy plant particularly thrives in moist locations or near the coast. It will even grow in salt marshes.How To Identify MarshMallowThe Marshmallow is a perennial that, when fully grown and in flower, stands at an impressive 3 – 4 feet / 1 – 1 ¼ meters high. They can reach a width of 2 ½ feet or ¾ meter.They are strong, wiry plants with branched stems. Leaf: The soft leaves of this herb are grey-green in color. They are also covered in fine hair or fuzz and are similar in shape to Maple leaves.  The plant forms small clusters of flowers from mid-summer to early autumn. The blooms appear at intervals along the length of the stem.Flower: The flowers have five, heart-shaped petals and blooms range in color from white to a very pale pink or mauve. The flowers mature into brown seed heads or pods each of which contains dozens of black seeds. Root: This herb has a root system that consists of many roots each of which is about the thickness of a pencil. There are multiple smaller roots branching out a short distance from the main root.How To Grow MarshmallowMarshmallow is a hardy plant that can be grown with ease. They do not mind whether they are planted in full sun or partial shade and can thrive in both exposed and sheltered spots. This plant is also not fussy about soil type and will grow in loamy, clay, chalky, or sandy ground and regardless of pH too. However, this herb does not do well in containers.There are several ways you can plant Marshmallow:Seeds: You can buy seeds or harvest them for existing plants. In either case, you will need to store the seeds in the refrigerator so that they think winter is over and germination is triggered.  Loose seeds should be placed on a damp paper towel inside a plastic bag (unsealed). Bought, packeted seeds can be refrigerated in the packet. In either case, store them this way for 3 to 4 weeks. Seeds can be seeded or planted in potting soil in containers until the seedlings are established or directly into your garden.Root division: These plants die back and become dormant in autumn. You do not need to dig up the plant. Use a sharp spade to cut down through the center of the root mass. Remove one half from the soil and replant it immediately. Fill in the gap next to the original plant so the roots are secure. When you are ready to plant them, place them 1 foot apart. Once planted, always keep the soil your Marshmallow plants are moist, especially in the first year. However, the ground should be well-drained, though, so the soil doesn’t become too wet or waterlogged.Once established, Althaea Officinalis will grow very well and really look after themselves. They can even cope with very heavy frosts and, as they are perennials, they will shoot again in spring. They are pollinated by bees and self-sow so you will have more plants each year and – given free reign – the area they grow in will get bigger each season.What Marshmallow is Good For -Ease inflammation in the digestive system; -Soothe inflammation and irritation in the mouth; -Soothe inflammation and irritation in the throat and ease coughing; -Prevent or treat constipation; -Ease inflammation associated with minor wounds and burns, dry skin, skin eruptions such as acne and boils, splinters, abrasions, and insect bites and stings; -Aid with the symptoms of urinary tract infections and kidney stones; -Ease arthritis and gout; -Stimulate the kidneys/act as a diuretic. Much of the Marshmallow plant can be used for medicinal or health-giving applications. The leaves and flowers are used, and the leaves contain good amounts of mucilage. The roots are particularly valuable for the reasons discussed above.A DIY Marshmallow RecipeIngredients – 50 grams of dried Marshmallow Root- Lukewarm (98 and 1030 Fahrenheit or 36.5 to 39.50 Celsius) filtered water. Method 1. Fill a clean jar ¼ full of dried Marshmallow root. 2. Cover the herb with lukewarm water.3.Gently stir the mixture so that all the root material becomes wet. 4. Cover the jar with an airtight lid. 5. Leave the mixture to infuse for 4 to 8 hours. 6. Strain the mixture to remove the plant material. The liquid you obtain should be pale yellow and slightly viscous. If you only want a small quantity, place 1 heaped teaspoon of the dried root into a cup of lukewarm water. Allow it to steep overnight in the refrigerator and sip the mixture the following morning.  UsesAs a mouthwash to ease mouth ulcers, inflamed gums, or cuts on the cheeks or tongue;You can gargle with – and then swallow – this mixture to soothe a sore throat;Sipping this infusion eases gastric problems such as indigestion, inflammation, and – with regular use – constipation;It can be used as a topical wash for minor wounds and burns.And yes, this infusion can also be used to make traditional marshmallows… but that’s a separate recipe!DosageThe dose or amount used will vary depending on (a) what the remedy is being used for and (b) the type of preparation involved.For example, standard doses include: *Powdered root: 6 grams daily; *Leaf: 10 grams daily; *Syrup: 10 grams ounces daily; *Cream or ointment: applied 3 times a day; *Mouthwash or gargle: 2 grams in 240 milliliters of cold water (never use warm or hot water). Preparations that are bought rather than home-made will carry dosage and use instructions on the packaging. These should be read carefully and adhered to.  Warning and CautionsIt appears that there are no known contraindications in terms of harmful interactions with medications and drugs. Some warnings include:Avoid using this plant if you are pregnant or breastfeeding as safety levels are unknown;Diabetic patients should avoid using Marshmallow regardless of whether they are on insulin or oral medication;The effects of topical corticosteroids may be magnified by this herb;As with any plant substance, there is the possibility of an allergic reaction.What Happens When You Take Expired Medications |