How to Use Marshmallow as a Natural Remedy

Marshmallow is a traditional European herb that is used as a natural remedy. It has soothing and calming properties that are used for many treatments. Here are some methods for using marshmallow as a natural remedy.

The scientific name of this plant is Althea officinalis. Some other common names for this herb are mortification root, sweet weed, and wymote. The flowers, leaves and roots can all be used from the marshmallow plant. It is used as a demulcent, emollient, and expectorant. Its most common uses as a natural remedy are as treatments for digestive and respiratory problems.

Marshmallow is most commonly used to soothe and protect irritated mucous membranes. The membranes can be irritated due to acid indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome, chronic bronchitis, ulcers, colitis, or acid reflux. It works well with the body's mucus to sooth these conditions because it has a sticky quality.

The leaves of the marshmallow plant can also be used to help urinary tract problems. These could include mild cystitis. The flower can also be used to sooth the skin. If you make marshmallow into a poultice, it can be used externally on irritations, burns, carbuncles, and wounds. And, it has a high level of antioxidants. An infusion of the leaves of flowers can be used as a soothing gargle.

Make the roots of the marshmallow plant into a decoction for a wonderful eye wash. If you use the entire plant as a tea it is good for coughs, whooping cough, and bronchitis. It will help sooth asthma if you add a bit of honey and take it a spoonful at a time. Do not take this herbal remedy with other drugs orally. It can delay the absorption of the other medications if taken at the same time.

The marshmallow plant is a perennial. It will grow to about 2 to 4 feet tall. It can be grown in your garden or found in damp meadows or other wet places. The root is white and has a sweet taste.

Growing your own natural remedies is a wonderful feeling. You have control over what chemicals are used, if any. Marshmallow is an easy plant to grow and has so many uses as a natural remedy. It is also good to use because there are so few contraindications and drug interactions. Hopefully, this information will help you start to use marshmallow as a natural remedy for you and your family.

SOURCES

Brinker, Francis, N.D. "Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions". 1997. Eclectic Institute, Inc. Oregon.

Chevallier, Andrew. "Herbal Remedies". 2007. DK Publishing. New York, NY.

Lust, John. "The Herb Book". 1974. Bantam Books. New York.