Medicinal Recipe: The Wonders of Marsh Mallow

Marsh Mallow Tea

Marsh mallow alone, or blended with other herbal teas, is soothing to upper respiratory tract irritations and combats bacteria. It is very helpful in relieving sore throats and dry, raspy coughs. Make a typical infusion tea (see below) with the Marsh mallow leaves, OR you can use the stronger medicinal roots: infuse 2-5 grams of the dried Marsh mallow root in cold (not hot) water and let is steep for 8 hours. Drink up to 3 cups per day.




In addition, you can use marsh mallow in much the same way for pets with coughs. Add 1/4 teaspoon of
marshmallow tea to food or water for lubricating and expelling fur balls in cats or to help dogs with a cough. Marsh mallow powdered root added to pet food also provide relief for constipation.

A typical infusion tea:
*Pour boiling water over the herbs. Let it steep for anywhere from 10-25 minutes. The longer you let it steep, the stronger the medicinal properties of the tea. The typical ratio is 1-3 tbsp. of fresh herbs or 1-3 tsp. of dried herbs per cup of water.

For additional information, see: references and warnings

Marsh Mallow

Name:
*Marsh Mallow (Althaea officinalis)


Description:
*Perennial
*Height of 3 to 4 feet
*Pale pink flowers bloom up the stalk from mid to late summer
*highly attractive to butterflies

Parts Used:
*roots, leaves, flowers, either fresh or dried

Position:
*well-drained, moist soil, preferably loamy soil
*sun to partial sun

Propagation:
*Use the cold stratification technique for several weeks. Sow the seeds outdoors in the spring.

Maintenance:
*Stake the plants if needed
*Cut the plants down in late fall
*Deadhead the flowers throughout the season to promote new growth

Harvesting:
*Gather flowers and leaves as required to use fresh or dried
*Dig up the roots in either spring or fall (after the flowers and leaves die back) and dry them. Do not dig up the roots until the plant is 2 years old
*Soak the roots (for usage) in cold water for 8 hours to increase medicinal chemicals

Medicinal:
*The leaves and roots have a soothing effect and both are used to treat respiratory problems including coughs, bronchitis, and sore throats.
*The leaves and roots are also effective for stomach and intestinal problems
*They are also a healing benefit for dry skin and sunburn

Cooking:
*You can toss the flowers and also the leaves into salads
*You can steam the leaves and serve them as a vegetable
*You can boil and then fry the root and eat as a vegetable

For more information, see: references and warnings