Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Marshmallow Leaves!

References to marshmallow leaf as a healing herb can be found in Homer's Iliad, written over 2,800 years ago; in fact, Marshmallow leaf was widely used in traditional Greek medicine.
This herb is also an ingredient in Dr. Miller's Wholy Tea!


Traditionally used to soothe and support the intestines. Herbs high in mucilage, such as Marshmallow, are often helpful for symptomatic relief of coughs and irritated throats. Mallow has expectorant and demulcent properties, which accounts for this herb's historical use as a remedy for the respiratory tract, particularly in cases of irritating coughs with bronchial congestion.

Marshmallow root and to a lesser extent marshmallow leaf both contain significant percentages of mucilage, a natural gummy substance that does not dissolve in water. Like other mucilage-containing substances, marshmallow swells up and becomes slick when it is exposed to fluids. The resulting slippery material coats the linings of the mouth, throat, and stomach to relieve irritation and control coughing associated with respiratory or stomach conditions. For example, marshmallow has been used to treat sore throats and to alleviate heartburn. Marshmallow may also have mild anti-infective and immune-boosting properties.




Topically, marshmallow is used to soothe and soften irritated skin. It also sooths irritation and inflammation caused by bronchitis, urinary tract infections, colitis and other problems. Marshmallow root is also used to ease constipation.

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