Marshmallow Root is high in lime and calcium. The root especially is high in oxygen and pectin. When the powdered root is applied to moist surfaces, it will draw and absorb all moisture. Marshmallow is very soothing and healing to the inflamed respiratory, alimentary, intestinal, and genito-urinary areas. Marshmallow is one of the best mucilage agents, giving off about 35% each of the vegetable mucus and starch. It is soothing and healing to the mucous membrane and agreeable to the taste. The powdered root is very absorbent. It is used in pharmacies to harden pills, troches, electuaries, etc.
Origin(s): Africa, Albania, Bulgaria, China, Croatia, Germany, Italy, Poland, United States.
Latin Name(s): Althaea officinalis.
Also known as: Althea root, sweet weed, mallards, guimauve, mortification plant, schloss tea, wymote.
Plant Part(s) Used: Root.
Appearance: Cream.
Aroma: Slightly leafy.
Taste: Sweet, mucilaginous.
GMO Status: Non-GMO.
Allergen: None.
Additives: Free of any additives or preservatives.
Applications / Preparations: Can be put into capsules, teas beverages or infused as an herbal extract. For cosmetic use can be infused in oil, water or alcohol to to product oils, salves, ointments, lotions, creams, soaps, shampoos, conditioners or made into a poultice. For aromatic use can be added to herbal & resin incense blends. For household use can be used in herbal pillows or sachets.
Storage: Store in a sealed container in a cool, dry place.
Shelf Life: It is very difficult to pin down an exact expiration date for most single herbs as they do not really expire, they lose potency or strength over time but will still have value. Unlike synthetic material or drugs, herbs can contain many constituents that contribute to their medicinal effects. Even if when we know what the active constituents are, there are often many of them in a single herb, each with different rates of degradation. Some herbs lose their effect more easily. Other herbs that possess more stable compounds such as alkaloids or steroids will last much longer.
A huge part of the degradation rate of herbs depends also on the storage conditions of the herb, & even on the quality of the herb before storage – how it was grown, harvested, dried & processed. If the product is left in hot places or open to sunlight then it will degrade much quicker than if it was stored in cool, dry place & sealed tightly.
A good rule of thumb is that herbs should be stored no longer than 2-3 years but many herbs will have great strength much longer than that. To determine if a an herb is still good you can check the appearance & aroma. Herbs that are no longer acceptable will have lost much of its vibrant color & will instead appear dull & faded. The bigger key though is to smell the raw materials to see if the potent aroma is still present.
Warning: Should be taken with at least 250 mL (8 oz) of liquid. Orally administered drugs should be taken 1 hour before use or several hours after, as marshmallow may slow the absorption.