Marshmallow’s particular excellence involves soothing irritated tissue and relieving various forms of inflammation, especially of the mucous membranes, since it is high in mucilage, which is very soothing to the membranes.

It also helps the body in expelling excess fluid and mucus and is used in many respiratory preparations to soothe a dry, hacking cough.  It also contains salicylic acid (the natural forerunner of synthetic aspirin) so is useful in helping to relieve muscle pain associated with exertion due to a hacking cough.

An old-time remedy, marshmallow root and leaf have similar properties, but traditionally the root was used primarily for digestive problems and topically on the skin, whilst the leaf was used particularly to treat the lungs and the urinary system.

Marshmallow leaf is an effective treatment for bronchitis, respiratory catarrh and irritating coughs. Its demulcent action helps to relieve dry coughs, bronchial asthma and pleurisy, and soothes sore throats. Marshmallow root is primarily used for gastrointestinal disorders and strengthening the digestive system, as it contains polysaccharides that form a protective layer on the stomach lining and helps to lower stomach acids, which makes it very useful for gastric ulcers.

Marshmallow also acts a diuretic, ridding the body of excess fluid, improving kidney function and soothing the urinary tract.  It also improves the functioning of the immune system, since it is known to stimulate phagocytosis, the immune process in which cells (called macrophages) engulf and digest infectious micro-organisms that attack healthy cells and cause serious disease.

Feed: 10-15g/day