What is Marshmallow?
Marshmallow (Althaea Officinalis) contains 40 grams of dried ‘Common Marshmallow’ – a herb that has been known for centuries for its soothing properties. Traditionally, Marshmallow is used to provide relief for cough, sore throat and irritations of the respiratory tract. Additionally, it can help with skin irritations and minor burns (in fresh form) and provide support for stomach complaints and intestinal problems. Interestingly, the word marshmallow immediately brings to mind the familiar soft confectionery. This is no coincidence: the sweet treat is named after this special herb. Once, the root of the Marshmallow was even an essential ingredient in the original marshmallow recipe, although the plant is no longer found in the modern version of the sweet. However, Marshmallow remains beloved as a natural remedy, thanks to its versatile applications and soothing effects.
How do you use Marshmallow?
Our Marshmallow comes in the form of a dried, coarsely cut herbal mixture of 40 grams. Our advice is to brew it as tea. Use 1 or 2 teaspoons per cup of hot water, let the tea steep for 5 to 20 minutes and then strain. The longer you allow the tea to steep, the stronger the flavour will be. Marshmallow has a pleasant, non-overwhelming taste that makes it ideal for calming herbal tea. You can influence the taste with a little honey or lemon. For optimal extraction of the active ingredients, it’s important not to let the water boil when you pour it over the herbs. Water of about 90°C is ideal: let boiled water cool for a minute or two before using it. A well-sealed teapot or mug with a lid helps to retain the volatile compounds during steeping.
What are the ingredients of Marshmallow?
Althaea Officinalis (40 grams)
What is the recommended dosage of Marshmallow?
The daily recommended amount is 1 gram per day.
Where does Marshmallow come from?
Marshmallow (Althaea Officinalis or Common Marshmallow) is a plant that belongs to the Malvaceae family. The official name is derived from the Greek word Althaía, meaning ‘she who heals’. This herbaceous plant is native to Europe, Western Asia and North Africa but is now also grown in other parts of the world. Althaea Officinalis primarily grows in moist, marshy areas and has been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years. The plant owes its name, Marshmallow, to its natural habitat (marshes) and its soft, mucilaginous character. The root, leaves and flowers are used for medicinal purposes. The root contains a high content of mucilage, which is known for its calming effect on mucous membranes.