Latin Name
Althaea officinalis

General Description
For centuries, people in Europe and the Middle East have eaten wild-growing marsh mallow when their crops failed. Today it is still recognized as a wilderness forage food. Herbalists use the roots, and sometimes the leaves, of this downy, erect, 5-foot-high perennial that grows in damp soils; they prescribe it for cuts and wounds, mouth sores, stomach distress and other ailments. And teething, irritable babies and toddlers have traditionally found comfort in sucking on a root of marsh mallow.

The healing substance in marsh mallow is mucilage, a spongy root material that forms a gel when mixed with water and is especially soothing to inflamed mucous membranes. One study suggests that mucilage supports the immune system's white blood cells in their fight against invading microbes. Another trial, using animals, indicated that marsh mallow may help to lower blood sugar.

Target Ailments
Marsh mallow taken internally for:

• Sore throat, coughs, colds, flu, bronchitis and sinusitis.
  
• Upset stomach, peptic ulcers, gastritis (stomach irritation) and colitis (inflamed colon).
  
• Cystitis, bladder infections, urethritis (inflammation of the urethra) and kidney stones.

Marsh mallow applied externally for:

• Abscesses, boils, skin ulcers, cuts, burns, scrapes and other wounds.
  
• Varicose veins.
  
• Dental abscesses and gingivitis.

Preparations
Over the counter:
Available in dried bulk, capsules, tincture.
At home:
Decoction: Simmer 1 to 2 tsp finely chopped or crushed root in 1 cup water for 10 to 15 minutes; drink three times daily. Use the decoction as a gargle for mouth problems.
Gel: Add just enough water to the finely chopped root to give it a gel-like consistency and use for skin problems.

Special Information

• The campfire candy named marshmallow contains none of the herb, although the marsh mallow plant was considered a delicacy by the Romans, who used it to make candy.
  
• Marsh mallow can be given in low doses to infants and children.