Marshmallow Herb - 4oz

Safe for:

Topical │ Internal │ Oral │ Children

Marshmallow, Althaea officinalis

DESCRIPTION:

Marshmallow is available in root and leaf form.  Most famed topically for its near-immediate effect on skin issues, marshmallow is an excellent first choice for burns, rashes, hives, allergic reactions, bug bites, and wounds.  Internally marshmallow might help relieve diarrhea, stomach and intestinal ulcers and inflammation, cough, cold and internal inflammation.  This is a wonderful herb to always have on hand as there are many conditions where marshmallow is indicated.

This product is available as a medicinal tincture, and dry herb. 

The medicinal tincture is bottled in a 2 oz glass Boston round dropper bottle and contains alcohol 40% by volume.  The dry herb measures 4 oz and is sealed in a mylar pouch.  If you need more than 4 ounces of dried herb, please contact us for a custom quote.  

This product originates from Croatia and the is certified organic by USDA and QAI and is certified Kosher.

COMMON USES:

Commonly used to address gut-related issues, skin and hand rashes such as swelling, redness, and itching.  Orally, marshmallow may reduce swelling and systemic inflammation. Marshmallow has been used for generations to stimulate the urethra, supporting the entire urinary system.  It is incredibly mucilaginous, working to moisten the body's mucous membranes.  In the kitchen, marshmallow can be used to flavor simple syrups or your favorite dishes.  All parts of the plant can be taken internally. 

In Ayurvedic medicine, marshmallow is used to reduce vata (dry constitution) and increase kapha (wet constitution).  It is considered energetically cold, sweet to taste, and moistening.

Root is best when taken as a decoction or as a cold infusion and can be used as a poultice.  The leaf is best used as a poultice.

PROPERTIES:

Analgesic, antioxidant, digestive stimulant, diuretic.

HOW TO USE:

Topical – Marshmallow can be made into a plaster or poultice and applied topically to draw out abscesses and infections, soothe bug bites, burns, and skin rashes, and to decrease inflammation. To create a plaster, powder the marshmallow using a high-quality blender, and mix with a small amount of water until a plaster-like consistency is formed. Then, apply directly to the skin.  To create a poultice, mix the c/s (cut and sifted) herb with water and place in a cloth and form a ball, much like an ice pack.  Place the cloth ball over the area of concern.  Marshmallow can be decocted, which means to place in a boiling pot of hot water and reduce the volume in half.  Strain and cool.  Use topically as a wash or internally as a decocted tea.

Internal – Place 1 tsp of dry her to a hot glass of water and steeping, covered, for 3-4 minutes.  See decoction directions above for this option.

Oral – Place a small amount of marshmallow directly onto the area of concern.  Marshmallow is also used as a flavoring agent and is often times cooked with foods.  Consider making a decoction (directions above) and using the liquid as a base to cook rice.

Children – Safe for children to use in standard dietary doses.

CAUTION:

 Marshmallow should be taken with at least 250 cc/mL (8 oz) of water.

Take 1 hour apart from pharmaceutical medications.  Marshmallow has been shown to slow absorption thus marshmallow may interfere with normal elimination of pharmaceuticals.

Diabetes:  Marshmallow might interfere with blood sugar control.  Use caution and consult with your physician if you plan to take marshmallow as it could cause your blood sugar to fall dangerously low.  Because blood sugar levels could be affected when using marshmallow, it is recommended that you stop using marshmallow at least two weeks prior to a scheduled surgery.

Marshmallow interacts with Lithium

• Marshmallow might have diuretic, or "water pill-like" effects.  This may decrease the amount of lithium that you have in your body.  If you choose to use marshmallow, please consult with your physician as your lithium doses may need to be adjusted.

• Marshmallow affects blood sugar.  Drugs that interact with marshmallow are as follows:  glimepiride (Amaryl), glyburide (DiaBeta, Glynase PresTab (Micronase), insulin, pioglitazone (Actos), rosiglitazone (Avandia), chlorpropamide (Diabinese), glipizide (Glucotrol), and tolbutamide (Orinase), among others.