Marshmallow

The similarity in name between the herb marshmallow and the sweet treat is more than a coincidence, although the modern sugar puff ball no longer bears much relationship to the old-fashioned candy flavored with marshmallow herb. Besides inspiring makers of campfire food, the marshmallow has also been used medicinally since ancient Greece. Hippocrates spoke of it as a treatment for bruises and blood loss, and subsequent Roman physicians recommended marshmallow for toothaches, insect bites, chilblains, and irritated skin. In medieval Europe, herbalists used marshmallow to soothe toothaches, coughs, sore throats, chapped skin, indigestion, and diarrhea.

Modern herbalists recommend marshmallow primarily for relieving digestive and respiratory problems, such as coughs, colds, and asthma. The herb contains very high levels of large sugar molecules called mucilage, which appear to exert a soothing effect on mucous membranes. While marshmallow is more a symptomatic treatment than a cure, its ability to soothe a raw throat can be very welcome. It is also sometimes recommended for Crohns disease or ulcers to reduce discomfort. No double-blind studies have been reported at this time.

Marshmallow can be made into a soothing tea by steeping roots overnight in water and diluting to taste. This tea can be drunk as desired for symptomatic relief. Alternatively, you can take marshmallow in capsules (5 to 6 g daily) or in tincture according to label directions. Marshmallow ointments can be applied directly to soothe inflamed or irritated skin.

Marshmallow is believed to be entirely safe. It is approved for use in foods, and its chemical makeup does not suggest any but benign effects. However, detailed safety studies have not been performed. One study suggests that marshmallow can slightly lower blood sugar levels. For this reason, people with diabetes should use caution when taking marshmallow. Safety in young children, pregnant or nursing women, or those with severe liver or kidney disease has not been established.