Marshmallow Root

MARSHMALLOW ROOT - Althaea officinalis -Mallow familyCommon names: Althea, marshmallow, sweetweedHISTORY OF USEThis herb has a long history of use among many herbal traditions including Chinese, Greek, Roman, and ancient Egyptian. It has continued usage into western herbalism. Historically, Marshmallow has been used by a variety of people for a variety of ailments. Hippocrates felt that it was of immense value in the treatment of wounds. Charlemagne demanded that it be cultivated in his domain. The ancient Arabs used the leaves to suppress inflammation, sores and swelling. The Egyptians ate mallow for food. In France, the tops and tender leaves of Marshmallow were used in spring salads to stimulate the kidneys. Gypsy babies chew Marshmallow roots to help them with their teething.It is wonderfully soothing to mucous membranes of the body that are irritated, dried out, and hot. The leaves have an affinity to the mucus membranes of the lungs and urinary tract. The root, though it can be