Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis)

Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) is a member of the Malvaceae family, native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa. Traditionally, its roots, gum, and leaves have been used for infusions, decoctions, and poultices.

This herb is particularly valued for its expectorant, anti-inflammatory, and astringent actions, and has a long history of use in european herbal medicine, mediterranean herbal traditions, and japanese kampo medicine.

Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Marshmallow
Scientific Name	Althaea officinalis
Plant Family	Malvaceae
Genus	Althaea
Species	officinalis
Native Range	Europe, Asia, North Africa
Plant Parts Used	Roots, Gum, Leaves
Primary Medicinal Actions	Expectorant, Anti-Inflammatory, Astringent
Primary Traditional Systems	European Herbal Medicine, Mediterranean Herbal Traditions, Japanese Kampo Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Infusion, Decoction, Poultice

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Althaea officinalis
Common Name: Marshmallow
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Althea, Sweetroot, White Mallow
Plant Family: Malvaceae
Genus: Althaea

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically grows to a height of 30 to 100 centimeters.
Leaves: Broad leaves with upper surface pale green and lower surface darker green, exhibiting prominent stomatal bands.
Flowers: Flowers are actinomorphic, with five white to pinkish petals, arranged in solitary umbels, and have five stamens and a superior ovary with two carpels.
Stems: Cylindrical, herbaceous, glabrous, ascending, simple, with nodes and internodes, and bearing opposite, sessile, ovate leaves.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

European Herbal Medicine
Mediterranean Herbal Traditions
Japanese Kampo Medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine

Historical Preparation Methods

Infusion
Decoction
Poultice
Syrup

Medicinal Actions

Expectorant: As described in traditional systems, a mild expectorant, in respiratory system contexts.
Anti-inflammatory: Historically regarded as a cooling anti-inflammatory, for general calming applications.
Astringent: In herbal literature, noted as a moderate astringent, in drying-focused uses.
Tonic: In herbal texts, considered a gentle tonic, for foundational support.

Active Compounds

Tannin: Plant-derived compounds known for their ability to bind proteins.
Glycoside: A chemical class frequently found in roots, leaves, and seeds.
Flavonoid: A chemical class commonly identified in plant tissues, especially flowers and leaves.
Saponin: A group of glycosidic compounds commonly found in roots, leaves, and seeds.

Modern Research Overview

This section is reserved for future summaries of scientific research related to this plant. As additional verified sources are reviewed, relevant study information will be added here.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: Precautionary considerations have been reported in relation to this herb.
Contraindications: Available information does not clearly establish contraindications for the use of this herb.
Allergies: Allergic reactions associated with this herb have not been well documented.
Drug Interactions: Interactions with prescription medications have not been well documented.
Toxicity: Available information regarding the toxicity of this herb is limited.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: There is insufficient evidence to determine the safety of this herb during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: Plant material is steeped in hot water to extract water-soluble compounds.
Decoction: This method uses sustained heat to extract compounds from firm plant structures.
Poultice: Fresh or dried plant material is applied externally to the skin.
Powder: This method converts dried plant material into a uniform powder.
Tincture: Tinctures are liquid extracts produced through alcoholic maceration.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with moderately well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in organically rich soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in partial sun. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers consistently moist soils. Tolerates periodic dry conditions.