Marshmallow root is a perennial herb with thick white roots, heart shaped leaves and pink flowers. The roots, leaves, and flowers are all used medicinally. Because marshmallow is a demulcent herb, it is very soothing.
Marshmallow root contains mucopolysaccharides which protects and soothes mucus membranes and provides natural mucilage so it is helpful for many ailments, for example respiratory discomfort as well as gut healing.
Key Actions:
- anti-inflammatory
- diuretic
- emollient
- toning
Medicinal Uses:
- Colitis
- Diverticulitis
- IBS
- Gastritis
- Coughs
- Bronchial congestion
- Sore throat
Marshmallow Root Cold Infusion Tea
The best way to receive all the demulcent benefits of marshmallow is to make a cold infusion. Most importantly, keep in mind that the beneficial mucopolysaccharides in marshmallow are destroyed by heat but a cold infusion will retain those properties. However, there are still many benefits to drinking a hot marshmallow infusion as well.
What is the difference between an infusion and a tea? A tea is steeped for only a few minutes which releases the volatile oils in the herb. However, herbs with lower amounts of volatile oils work better in an infusion. An infusion is the same process as making tea (with either hot or cold water) but it is steeped for a longer period of time, allowing the healing properties to be extracted.
Marshmallow Root Cold Infusion
Ingredients
- 3 Cups room temperature water make sure you use a good quality filter
- 2 tbsp. marshmallow root a good source is Starwest Botanicals
Instructions
- In a clean mason jar, measure out the marshmallow root and place it in the jar.
- Next, pour room temperature water into the glass jar, stir the water, and cover.
- Let the herbs steep at room temperature for about 6-8 hours.
- After that, strain out the herbs. If you want to get every last drop of herbal goodness into your infusion, use an herb press to get all the liquid out.
How to Make a Cold Infusion
Ingredients:
- 3 Cups room temperature water (make sure you use a good quality filter)
- 2 tbsp. marshmallow root (a good source is Starwest Botanicals)
In a clean mason jar, measure out the marshmallow root and place it in the jar. Next, pour room temperature water into the glass jar, stir the water, and cover. Let the herbs steep at room temperature for about 6-8 hours. After that, strain out the herbs. If you want to get every last drop of herbal goodness into your infusion, use an herb press to get all the liquid out.
Gut Healing
Marshmallow root tea is a healthy addition to your wellness routine for gut healing and soothing of the intestines. Prepare this infusion at night before bed, the morning, and enjoy the fresh infusion when you wake up in the morning.
Sore Throat & Dry Cough
Marshmallow is safe to use for adults and children. Prepare this cold infusion when your child has a sore throat or dry cough to offer a soothing effect. Additionally, use the infusion to make an herbal syrup by adding equal parts honey to the infusion.
Other Marshmallow Preparations
- Infused oil
- Decoction
- Herbal Syrup
- Poultice
- Tincture
Marshmallow infused oil or a marshmallow poultice are used topically for it's emollient properties. You will notice it as an ingredient in many recipes for a natural hair detangling spray. Marshmallow is an ingredient we use in some of our lip balms for it's soothing effect, like this one.
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