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What is marshmallow?
The marshmallow plant (Althaea officinalis) is a perennial species belonging to the mallow family, originally native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa. At first glance, the marshmallow stands out due to its impressive height and its velvety, gray-green leaves with slightly serrated edges. The flowers, which bloom from June to September, are delicate white to pink and have a distinctive, cup-shaped form. Historically, marshmallow was considered an important medicinal plant, and even the ancient Greeks and Romans recognized its soothing effects. Today, marshmallow is valued in natural medicine as well as an ornamental plant in gardens. The plant’s healing parts, especially the root, have traditionally been used to treat coughs, sore throats, and stomach complaints.
Mallow family marshmallow
Marshmallow is a prominent member of the mallow family (Malvaceae), a widespread plant family with over 200 different species. Well-known members of this family include hibiscus, hollyhock, and common mallow. These plants share their cup-shaped flowers, which shine in many colors and often attract pollinating insects such as bees, butterflies, and bumblebees. However, true marshmallow stands out due to its healing mucilaginous substances, which make it so valuable in herbal medicine. These mucilages are complex carbohydrates that form a protective layer on the mucous membranes and have anti-inflammatory effects. Marshmallow is therefore a true all-rounder in the plant family and is highly valued both for its beauty and its medicinal properties.
The effects of Marshmallow: Health Benefits
Marshmallow is a versatile medicinal plant whose healing effects are mainly due to its high content of mucilage. These mucilages form a protective film over irritated mucous membranes in the throat and pharynx, which is especially soothing for dry coughs and sore throats. In addition, the plant contains flavonoids and essential oils that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Marshmallow has also proven effective for gastrointestinal complaints, as the mucilage has a calming effect on the stomach lining. In natural medicine, marshmallow is used as a gentle remedy for irritating coughs, gastritis, and even for external use on skin irritations.
The medicinal plant in focus
Real Marshmallow
Marshmallow, also known as “healing marshmallow,” is one of the oldest medicinal plants in human history. As early as ancient Greece, the plant was known as a remedy for coughs and stomach complaints. Hippocrates himself recommended marshmallow for inflammatory diseases of the mucous membranes. The expectorant and anti-inflammatory properties of the marshmallow root are particularly noteworthy. Traditionally, the root is dried and processed into tea, syrup, or tinctures. These applications are especially helpful for colds, as the mucilage soothes irritated mucous membranes. Externally, the root can be used in compresses for skin irritations and minor burns. In modern naturopathy, marshmallow is primarily used as a herbal remedy for dry coughs and digestive complaints.
Marshmallow as a shrub in the garden
Marshmallow is not only a medicinal plant but also a beautiful shrub for your home garden. Reaching up to 1.5 meters in height with its striking flowers, it stands out in any flower bed. Marshmallow prefers sunny to partially shaded locations and thrives especially well in well-drained, moist soil. In garden design, marshmallow is often used as a hedge plant because it grows densely and has a long flowering period. Its delicate pink flowers appear from June to September and attract numerous pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Marshmallow is especially popular in natural gardens because it is easy to care for and winter-hardy. It requires only minimal protection in winter, making it ideal for beginners who want to expand their gardening experience.
Cutting Marshmallow: Tips for Proper Care
To ensure that the hibiscus shrub thrives and produces its magnificent display of Flowers, it is important to prune it regularly. Pruning is ideally done in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. Pruning the hibiscus is not only important for shaping the plant, but also for its health, as dead branches should be removed to make room for new growth. Here are some tips for pruning hibiscus:
• Rejuvenation pruning: Remove old, woody shoots to encourage the growth of new shoots.
• Maintenance pruning: Lightly trim young shoots to promote a bushy, compact shape.
• Health pruning: Cut off damaged or diseased branches to prevent infections.
With proper pruning, the hibiscus shrub remains vigorous and blooms abundantly, allowing it to regenerate optimally.
FAQs
Yes, true marshmallow can actually be used in the kitchen! The young leaves and flowers can be eaten fresh in salads, as they have a mild, slightly sweet flavor. The marshmallow root is especially interesting: it was traditionally used to make a forerunner of today’s marshmallows. The roots were cooked and the mucilage was used as a binding agent to create a sweet, foamy treat. This traditional preparation is rarely used today, but in some regions, it remains a popular recipe.
The harvest time for marshmallow depends on which parts of the plant you want to use. The Flowers can be picked throughout the entire flowering period from June to September, ideally on a sunny day when they are fully open. The leaves are best harvested before the flowering period, as this is when they contain the highest concentration of active compounds. The root of the marshmallow, which is most commonly used for medicinal purposes, should be harvested in autumn after the above-ground parts of the plant have died back. At this point, the plant has stored most of its nutrients in the root, which increases its healing properties.
Although marshmallow is quite a hardy plant, it can still be affected by certain pests and diseases. Common pests include aphids and spider mites, which are especially prevalent during dry weather. These pests feed on the plant's sap and weaken it. Powdery mildew, a fungus that leaves a white coating on the leaves, can also occur occasionally. To prevent these issues, regularly inspect the marshmallow plant and treat it with organic remedies if necessary. Adequate watering and good air circulation help prevent pest infestations and diseases.
Yes, true marshmallow is winter-hardy and easily survives cold winters. In autumn, the plant draws its nutrients back into the root, and the above-ground parts die off. In spring, the marshmallow sprouts anew. In particularly cold regions with severe frosts, it can be helpful to protect the root zone with a layer of mulch made from leaves or straw. This keeps the soil warm and protects the roots from frost damage.
Marshmallow and hibiscus both belong to the mallow family and look quite similar, which often leads to confusion. However, the main difference lies in their uses and site requirements: True marshmallow is primarily valued for its healing properties, while hibiscus is often cultivated as an ornamental plant in gardens or as a houseplant. In addition, hibiscus flowers usually have more vibrant colors (ranging from deep red to violet), whereas marshmallow flowers tend to be delicate white to pink. In herbal medicine, hibiscus plays a minor role compared to true marshmallow.