Marshmallow

Marshmallow is a traditional medicinal herb that has a soothing effect on the throat and airways. Its natural mucilage gently and pleasantly cares for you. Perfect in tea blends or as an herbal supplement. Pick your marshmallow product and support your well-being naturally.

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Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) Extract 10:1, 5 gCannabis Seeds Gorilla XL auto. 3 pieces - Smagro GmbH

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What is Marshmallow?

The true marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) is a perennial plant from the mallow family, originally native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa. At first glance, marshmallow stands out thanks to its impressive height and its velvety, gray-green leaves with slightly toothed edges. The Flowers, which appear from June to September, are delicately white to pink and have a striking, cup-like shape. Historically, marshmallow was considered an important medicinal plant, and even the ancient Greeks and Romans knew about its soothing effects. Today, marshmallow is valued in natural medicine as well as a decorative garden plant. The healing parts of the plant, especially the root, have traditionally been used to treat coughs, sore throats, and stomach issues.

Mallow Family: Marshmallow

Marshmallow is a prominent member of the mallow family (Malvaceae), a widespread plant family with over 200 different species. Well-known members of this family include hibiscus, hollyhock, and common mallow. What these plants have in common are their cup-shaped Flowers, which come in many colors and often attract pollinators like bees, butterflies, and bumblebees. However, true marshmallow stands out for its healing mucilage, which makes it so valuable in herbal medicine. This mucilage consists of complex carbohydrates that form a protective layer on mucous membranes and have anti-inflammatory effects. Marshmallow is truly a multi-talent in the plant family and is highly valued for both its beauty and its medicinal properties.

Ashwagandha effect

The effects of Marshmallow: Health Benefits

Marshmallow is a versatile medicinal plant, and its healing effects are mainly due to its high mucilage content. This mucilage coats irritated mucous membranes in the throat and mouth like a protective film, which is especially soothing for dry coughs and sore throats. The plant also contains flavonoids and essential oils, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Marshmallow has also proven helpful for digestive issues, as the mucilage soothes the stomach lining. In natural medicine, marshmallow is used as a gentle remedy for tickly coughs, gastritis, and even for external use on irritated skin.

Ashwagandha side effects

The medicinal plant in focus

True Marshmallow

The true marshmallow, also called "healing marshmallow," is one of the oldest medicinal plants in human history. Even in ancient Greece, the plant was known as a remedy for coughs and stomach problems. Hippocrates himself recommended marshmallow for inflammatory diseases of the mucous membranes. The expectorant and anti-inflammatory properties of the marshmallow root are especially remarkable. Traditionally, the root is dried and processed into tea, syrup, or tinctures. These uses are especially helpful for colds, as the mucilage soothes irritated mucous membranes. Externally, the root can be used as a poultice for skin irritations and minor burns. Modern natural medicine mainly uses true marshmallow as a herbal remedy for tickly coughs and digestive issues.

Marshmallow as a Shrub in the Garden

Marshmallow is not just a medicinal plant, but also a beautiful shrub for your garden. With its height of up to 1.5 meters and its striking Flowers, it's a real eye-catcher in any flower bed. Marshmallow prefers sunny to partially shaded spots and especially likes well-drained, moist soil. In garden design, marshmallow is often used as a hedge plant because it grows densely and has a long flowering period. Its delicate pink Flowers appear from June to September and attract lots of pollinators like bees and butterflies. Especially in natural gardens, marshmallow is a popular choice because it's easy to care for and hardy. It only needs minimal protection in winter, making it ideal for beginners who want to expand their gardening experience.

Pruning Marshmallow: Tips for Proper Care

To help your marshmallow shrub thrive and show off its beautiful blooms, it's important to prune it regularly. The best time to cut it back is in late winter or early spring, before new growth starts. Pruning marshmallow isn't just important for shaping the plant, but also for its health, since dead branches should be removed to make room for new growth. Here are a few tips for pruning marshmallow:

Rejuvenation pruning: Remove old, woody stems to encourage new shoots.

Maintenance pruning: Lightly trim young shoots to promote a bushy, compact shape.

Health pruning: Cut off damaged or diseased branches to prevent infections.

With proper pruning, your marshmallow shrub will stay healthy, bloom abundantly, and regenerate optimally.

 

FAQs

Yes, true marshmallow can actually be used in the kitchen! The young leaves and Flowers can be used fresh in salads, as they have a mild, slightly sweet taste. But the marshmallow root is especially interesting: it was traditionally used to make a forerunner of today’s marshmallows. The roots were cooked and the mucilage was used as a binding agent to make a sweet, foamy treat. Today, this traditional preparation is rarely used, but in some regions it’s still a popular recipe.

The harvest of marshmallow depends on which parts of the plant you want to use. The Flowers can be picked throughout the entire flowering period from June to September, preferably on a sunny day when they are fully open. The leaves are best harvested before the flowering period, as they have the highest content of active compounds then. The root of the marshmallow, which is most commonly used for medicinal purposes, should be harvested in the fall after the above-ground parts of the plant have died back. At this point, the plant has stored most of its nutrients in the root, which increases its potency.

Although marshmallow is quite a hardy plant, it can still be affected by some pests and diseases. Common pests include aphids and spider mites, which are especially common in dry weather. These pests suck the plant sap and weaken the plant. Powdery mildew, a fungus that leaves a white coating on the leaves, can also occur occasionally. To prevent these problems, you should check your marshmallow plants regularly and treat them with organic products if necessary. Adequate watering and good air circulation help prevent pest infestations and diseases.

Yes, true marshmallow is winter-hardy and easily survives cold winters. In autumn, the plant draws its nutrients back into the root and the above-ground parts die off. In spring, the marshmallow sprouts again. In especially cold regions with severe frosts, it can be a good idea to protect the root zone with a layer of mulch made from leaves or straw. This keeps the soil warm and protects the roots from frost damage.

Marshmallow and hibiscus both belong to the mallow family and look quite similar, which often leads to confusion. However, the main difference lies in their use and location requirements: true marshmallow is mainly used for its healing properties, while hibiscus is often grown as an ornamental plant in gardens or as a houseplant. Hibiscus flowers also tend to have more vibrant colors (ranging from deep red to violet), while the Flowers of marshmallow are usually delicate white to pink. In herbal medicine, hibiscus plays a minor role compared to true marshmallow.