Marsh Mallow

The history of marsh mallow stretches back to the biblical Book of Job, where its use is briefly but clearly mentioned. Though it originated in Africa, it was domesticated in Asia and Europe before records began. Marsh mallow was once widely used in the culinary world, having been the inspiration for the sweet marshmallows that are still popular today. However, since it is no longer used in confectionery, its alimentary uses have faded, aside from when it is taken as infusion or herbal supplement.

Health Benefits of Marsh Mallow

Marsh mallow has the following traditional uses:

• Fighting bronchitis and laryngitis. The antitussive and antimicrobial properties of marsh mallow can be useful for the treatment of upper respiratory problems.

• Relieving symptoms of GERD. Marsh mallow exhibits great anti-inflammatory, demulcent effects that provide relief from gastrointestinal diseases, such as peptic ulcers and GERD.

Additional benefits of marsh mallow include:

• Lowering skin inflammation. Marsh mallow's anti-inflammatory action stems mostly from mucilage, which acts as a protective layer over inflamed tissue, allowing it time to repair.

• Treating wounds and skin lacerations. When mixed with water, mucilage can act as a bandage to protect injuries and promote skin regeneration.

How It Works

The value of marsh mallow comes primarily from its mucilage content, a thick substance that coats membranes, alleviating inflammation and allowing tissue regeneration.^1,2 The plant contains other beneficial bioactive compounds, including rhamnogalacturonan, a polysaccharide that not only can help suppress coughing, but also exhibits antimicrobial activity against P. aeroginosa and S. aureus, two common culprits of upper respiratory tract infections.³

Marshmallow root extract has flavonoids, which accounts for its anti-inflammatory properties.

Other herbs with similar demulcent and anti-inflammatory properties are cleavers, aloe, flax, buchu, and jojoba.

Marsh Mallow Cautions

Marsh mallow is generally regarded as safe, though it may interact with some conditions and medications. Preliminary evidence shows that marsh mallow may lower blood sugar levels, so diabetic patients should consult their healthcare provider before taking the herb. It may amplify the effects of lithium and diabetes medications, so it should not be taken alongside these drugs.

Marsh mallow remedies are typically made from the root, though the leaves are sometimes used as well. The root contains about 11% mucilage, the soothing polysaccharide in this herb.

Natural Forms

• Infusion. Several cups of marsh mallow tea can be consumed daily for soothing sore throat or upset stomach.

Herbal Remedies & Supplements

• Tincture. Marshmallow tincture is the result of the root maceration, and should be consumed in recommended doses, previously diluted in a glass of water, to calm gastrointestinal discomfort.

• Syrup. Some commercial cough syrup preparations contain marsh mallow root extract.

• Cream. Marsh mallow creams and ointments are topical preparations that can be applied to the skin to soothe inflammation. It also has an antibiotic effect against Gram-positive bacteria, making in potentially helpful in wound healing.

• Capsules. The powdered root of marsh mallow can be daily consumed in standardized doses in order to treat gastrointestinal problems, such as GERD and ulcers.

Marsh mallow is a hardy, very adaptable herb that can grow in nearly every climate condition and soil. However, in order to cultivate it in a garden, it is necessary to meet certain conditions for optimal growth.

Growing Guidelines

• Marsh mallow grows best in fertile, moisturized soil, though dry soil conditions can also be tolerated.

• Full exposure to sunlight is recommendable for healthy growth.

• Marsh mallow can withstand temperatures up to 77°F (25°C).

• Seeds should be planted 18 - 24 inches (45 - 60 cm) apart and should not be over-watered.

Plant Biology

Marsh mallow, also known as common marshmallow, is a perennial shrub that can be grown as an annual or biennial in  temperate climates. The marsh mallow plant grows to an average 3 - 4 feet (0.9 - 1.2 m) high, but can reach up to 6.5 (2 m) tall. Its silky, five-petaled flowers are pale pink with darker pink stamens in the center.

• Classification

  Marsh mallow is a member of the Malvaceae family, also known as the mallow family, which contains 2,300 species spread over 200 genera. This family contains some economically important and well-known herbs, including hibiscus, hollyhock, mallow, cola nut, and cacao.

• Related Species

  No true varieties or subspecies of Althaea officinalis have been identified. The common mallow (Malva sylvestris) is often referred to as "marsh mallow," but the true marsh mallow is distinguishable from the common mallow. The main difference is that marsh mallow has numerous divisions in the outer calyx and a hoary down that thickly clothes the stems and leaves. It also has lighter-colored blossoms.

Historical Information

Since biblical times, marsh mallow has been valued by many different cultures for its nutritional value. The marsh mallow plant has been used for medicinal purposes since the times of Theophrastus (ca. 300 BCE) in Ancient Greece, where it was thought to be effective for fighting coughs. In the European Middle Ages, herbalists used marsh mallow to treat a range of ailments, and by the mid 19^th century, it was included in the U.S. pharmacopeia.

Economic Data

The marsh mallow, or marshmallow plant, previously held a great deal of economic importance when it was used to make marshmallow candy. However, its namesake no longer uses the herb as an ingredient, so its culinary importance is limited once again. Its most important economic use is as an ornamental herb, due to its intense coloring; however, it is still used in some herbal remedies.

Other Uses

• Gardening. Due to its tall, bushy appearance as well as its beautiful flowers, marsh mallow is often cultivated as an ornamental in gardens and public areas.