herbal treasure chest: marshmallow

marshmallow - althaea officinalis

how to grow:

Marshmallow can easily be grown from seeds. It's a perennial that grows in US hardiness zones 3-9. It takes a few years to grow big. It needs full sun and it can't be too dry (the marsh in the name comes from its love of growing in marsh areas).

medicinal properties:

The root, leaves and flowers of marshmallow are used medicinally.
Victory Zak has a nice little poem for the many uses of this beautiful versatile plant:
"dry places are moistened
hard conditions are softened
inflammation goes away
tissues resist decay"
You can drink marshmallow tea for any internal inflammation or prepare it as a poultice and put it on an externally inflammed area. Marshmallow is good for sore throats and coughs as well as a good help when you feel any muscle pain.
It can also help heal a weak kidney.
It is also said to have antiaging properties.
Externally applied it can also help with old wounds and benign growth.

cautions and possible side effects:

I couldn't find any side effects.

marshmallow - althaea officinalis

how to grow:

medicinal properties:

cautions and possible side effects:

further reading: