Used whenever a soothing effect is needed, marsh mallow protects and soothes the mucous membranes. The root counters excess stomach acid, peptic ulceration, and gastritis. It reduces the inflammation of gall stones. Marsh mallow is also mildly laxative and beneficial for many intestinal problems, including regional ileitis, colitis, diverticulitis, and irritable bowel syndrome.

Marshmallow's ability to bind and eliminate toxins allows the body to cleanse itself. For this reason, it is added to arthritis, laxative, infection, female tonic, vermifuge and other cleansing formulas. Taken as a warm infusion, the leaves treat cystitis and frequent urination.

Marshmallow's demulcent qualities bring relief to dry coughs, bronchial asthma, bronchial congestion, and pleurisy. The flowers, crushed fresh or in a warm infusion, are applied to help soothe inflamed skin. The root is used in an ointment for boils and abscesses, and in a mouthwash for inflammation.

The peeled root may be given as a chewstick to teething babies. The dried root contains up to 35% of mucilage, 38% of starch and 10% of pectin and sugar. Extracts have to be made with cold water if they are to contain the mucilage and not the starch, the latter dissolving only in hot water. If marsh mallow is to be used for gargling rather than taken internally as a tea, the starch will be of additional benefit. Marsh mallow root is very high in pectin. Taking pectin is an effective way to keep blood sugar levels down.

Properties:

Root: demulcent, diuretic, vulnerary, emollient

Applications:

Roots: decoction: for inflammations such as esophagitis and cystitis, use 25 g root to 1 liter water, and boil down to about 750 ml. ;

tincture: use for inflammations of the mucous membranes of the digestive and urinary systems;

poultice: Use the root or a paste of the powdered root mixed with water or honey for skin inflammations and ulcers; ointment: for wounds, skin ulceration, or to help draw splinters, melt 50 g lanolin, 50 g beeswax, and 300 g soft paraffin together, then heat 100 g powdered marshmallow root in these liquid fats for an hour over a waterbath. When cool, stir in 100 g powdered slippery elm bark.

The root boiled in milk, will prove beneficial in treating diarrhea and dysentery. It will also enrich the milk of nursing mothers, and at the same time increase milk flow. Combining both Blessed Thistle and Marshmallow for enriched milk is especially effective. Marshmallow's ability to bind and eliminate toxins allows the body to cleanse itself. For this reason, it is added to arthritis, laxative, infection, female tonic, vermifuge and other cleansing formulas.

Toxicity:

Medical literature contains no reports of any harm from marsh mallow. If it causes minor discomforts such as stomach upset or diarrhea, use less or stop using it. The absorption of other drugs taken simultaneously may be delayed.