Marsh Mallow Medicinal Uses

Marsh Mallow

Also known as Mortification Root, Sweet Weed, Wymote, Marsh Malice, Mesh-mellice, Wimote, and Althea. From the family Malvaceae.

Marsh-mallow is widely distributed from Western Europe to Siberia, from Australia' to North America. It is common to find it in salt marshes and on banks near the sea.

The generic name, Althaea, comes from the Latin 'altheo' meaning '1 cure It may be the althea that Hippocrates recommended so highly for healing wounds. The Romans considered it a delicious vegetable, used it in barley soup and in stuffing for suckling pigs. In the Renaissance era the herbalists used marsh-mallow to cure sore throats, stomach trouble and toothache.

The soft, sweet marshmallow was originally flavored with the root of marsh-mallow.

Species

Althaea officinalis

Marsh-Mallow

Hardy perennial. Ht 60- 120cm (2-41't), spread 60cm (2ft). Flowers pink or white in late summer/early autumn. Leaves, grey-green in color. Tear shaped and covered all over with soft hair.

Cultivation

Propagation

Seed

Sow in prepared seed or plug trays in the autumn. Cover lightly with compost and winter outside under glass. Erratic germination takes place in spring. Plant out, 45cm (18in) apart, when large enough to handle.

Division

Divide established plants in the spring or autumn, replanting into a prepared site in the garden.

Pests and Diseases

This plant is usually free from pests and diseases.

Maintenance

Spring: Divide established plants.

Summer: Cut back after flowering for new growth.

Autumn: Sow seeds and winter the trays outside.

Winter: No need for protection fully hardy.

Garden Cultivation

Marsh-mallow is highly attractive to butterflies. A good seaside plant, it likes a site in full sun with a moist or wet, moderately fertile soil. Cut back after flowering to encourage new leaves.

Harvest

Pick leaves for fresh use as required; they do not preserve well. For use either fresh or dried, dig up the roots of 2-year-old plants in autumn, after the flowers and leaves have died back.

Medicinal

Due to its high mucilage content (35 percent in the root and 10 percent in the leaf), marsh-mallow soothes or cures inflammation, ulceration of the stomach and small intestine, soreness of throat, and pain from cystitis. An infusion of leaves or flowers serves as a soothing gargle; an infusion of the root can be used for coughs, diarrhea and insomnia. The pulverized roots may be used as a healing and drawing poultice, which should be applied warm.

Culinary

Boil the roots to soften, then peel and quickly fry in butter. Use the flowers in salads, and leaves, too, which may also be added to oil and vinegar, or steamed and served as a vegetable.

Decoction for dry hands

Soak 25g (1oz) of scraped and finely chopped root in 150ml (¼ pint) of cold water for 24 hours. Strain well. Add 1 tablespoon of the decoction to 2 tablespoons of ground almonds, 1 teaspoon of milk and 1 teaspoon of cider vinegar. Beat it until well blended. Add a few drops of lavender oil. Put into a small screw top pot.