Eggarton Cottages, Eggarton Lane, Godmersham, Kent, CT4 7DY
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Perennial, tall with pink or white flowers in late summer. A native wild flower of marshes, so would feel at home by a pond (although not that common now in the wild, although it is found on the Romney Marsh). Rare in Scotland. Root derivative is used to make marshmallow confectionary. Althaea comes from the Greek "to cure", and Mallow from the Greek "to soften". Since antiquity, the Mallow family of plants has been used to reduce sexual desire! Also known as Velvet Leaf and Mallards.
The ancient Greeks planted Mallows around graves. The root contains about 37% starch, 11% pectin and 11% mucilage. Water left over from cooking any part of the plant can be used as an egg white substitute. The root can be boiled in a broth for vomiting if poisoned. Pliny claimed that if you drank Mallow juice you would be free from disease and live healthy. He also claimed that powdered seeds were an aphrodisiac if sprinkled on a woman's genitals!! If leaves were pulped and spread over a man then no one would strike him. Arab physicians made poultices from the leaves for inflammation. The plant was also used to speed up labour, or mixed with goose fat to induce abortion. Leaves can be used for bee/wasp stings, and in salads.
Mild laxative and diuretic. The ancient Greeks used the plant for intestinal problems. The Romans ate the root as a vegetable. In the Middle Ages it was used as a cough expectorant. The grated root and fresh leaves can be used in a healing poultice, particularly for external abscesses and boils. Raw plant tips can help prevent indigestion. The plant has also been used to treat cystitis, made into a tea from the flowers and leaves. In France, dried roots are sold as teething aids for babies. Mallows in general were believed to provide protection from disease if the roots were boiled with raisins and bottled. Good for colitis. Leaves can also be used for bronchitis, catarrh and coughs. Marshmallow face pack is good for dry skin. Goats like the foliage.
Marshmallow will grow 3 - 4 ft (92 - 122 cm) high. Plant in light, damp soil. Plant dies down in winter. The root is best harvested in autumn from two year old plants.
Food plant of Painted Lady butterfly caterpillars and supports the rare Marshmallow moth.
*This sheet is provided for information only and is in no way a prescription for use. Please seek the advice of a qualified herbalist before using*