Marshmallow

Marshmallow

Botanical name: Althea officinalis

Life cycle: Perennial

Height: 1.2 cm -  1.5 m

Position: Full sun

Soil preference: Moist /well drained

Description

Marshmallow is a tall perennial growing up to approximately 1.5 m in height. The soft, thick silvery green leaves have 3-5 lobes, serrated edges and velvety down covering the surface. The flowers travel up the stem to the top of thick stalks, where many may be open at once. The flowers have five heart shaped petals and range in colour from white to pale lilac. Flowering is in summer. Pollination is usually by bees. Marshmallow produces large, fibrous roots that are whitish yellow in colour and are full of a rich mucilage.

Uses

Culinary - The leaves can be used in salads in small quantities and finely chopped. Their slightly mucilaginous texture can be used to advantage to thicken soups etc, and the water from the boiled leaves or roots can be used as a substitute for egg whites. The root can also be used as a vegetable raw or cooked but is more of a famine food. 

Medicinal – The leaves, flowers and roots of marshmallow are medicinal and full of a gloopy mucilage. The mucilage component acts as a demulcent, coating and calming irritated mucous membranes throughout the body, soothing dry coughs, colds, gastric upsets, hot dry skin conditions and urinary infections.

The whole plant has anti-inflammatory properties and can be used alone or in combination with other herbs.

A hot or cold infusions made from the roots of marshmallow can be applied as a compress for hot inflamed rashes and sunburns. The infusion can also be drunk as a tea to soothe ulcers, gastric upsets, coughs, and sore throats. Do bear in mind that small doses are soothing to the digestive system and can lessen diarrhoea, however large quantities can have a laxative effect.

Growing conditions

Marshmallow prefers moist, fertile soils that are rich in nutrients.  Marshmallow thrives in full sun however it can also do well in partial shade and in areas that are not well drained. In cool conditions, the marshmallow plant will die down in autumn or winter and return in spring by sending up many unbranched stems. Marshmallow needs to grow for two to three years before a root harvest.

9cm pot.

Organically grown plant in a biodegradable coir pot.