Before marshmallows were sweets, they were medicine. The true althaea officinalis was a healer of sore throats, inflamed lungs, and irritated skin. Its roots are rich in mucilage – a gel-like compound that coats and soothes mucous membranes, reducing inflammation and protecting delicate tissues. In folklore, marshmallow was a plant of compassion and motherly care, often grown near cottages and used in poultices for wounds and burns. The name althaea comes from the Greek altho – “to heal.” Even b

Marshmallow Root & Leaf: Where Fluffy Food Meets Soothing Remedy

Marshmallow root (Althaea officinalis) is a fun one to teach about, and it’s a funny way that herbs have remained in the public vernacular without us even knowing it. Apothecaries in 18th and 19th century France whipped preparations of the root into pâte de guimauve, a soft, sweet lozenge for sore throats and irritated lungs (heyyy a lot like how we use it in herbalism today) Parisian confectioners sold it both as a treat and a medicine, and recipes for “sirop de guimauve” show up in French cand

Health Embassy Marshmallow Root | Althaea officinalis L | Herbal Tea (100g)