Marsh mallow (or marshmallow). Note that the candy confection sold by large corporations is not actual marsh mallow.

• botanical information
• part used
• magick correspondences and uses
• health care
• external skin care
• cautions and contraindications

botanical information:

    Botanical name: Althaea spp., especially Althaea officinalis

    Common name: althea, mallow, marshmallow

    Use the botanical name when ordering seeds (bulbs, etc.) or when looking up information in the library. Common names vary by nation, culture, and region, and sometimes the same common name is applied to different plants.

    A sweet was made from marshmallow.

part used:

Part Used (leaf): The dried leaf. Reputable suppliers test the product for its ability to swell when mixed with water. Information courtesy of Mountain Rose Herbs

Part Used (root): The dried root. Reputable suppliers test the product for its ability to swell when mixed with water. Marshmallow root does not swell as much as marchmallow leaf when placed in water. Information courtesy of Mountain Rose Herbs

magickal correspondences and uses:

    Gender: feminine (traditional western European magickal gender)

    Magickal substitutions: Rosemary usually may be safely substituted for any herb in magick spells and rituals. Roses may safely be substituted for any flower.

           

health care uses:

    Health Notice: Attempting to be an amateur doctor is potentially dangerous to your health. This web page is not professional medical advice. Nothing on this website should be considered as a substitute or replacement for professional medical advice. Persons should seek the advice of qualified health providers. Self-medication should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care. Please confirm all self-medication with your doctor or health care professional. See the article on healing for recommended healers.

Marshmallow is a perennial herb native throughout damp areas of northern Europe and western Asia. It is now naturalized to the Atlantic coast of the United States and used as an ornamental for its pointed foliage and purple flowers.     References to marshmallow root as a healing herb are found in Homer’s Iliad, written over 2,800 years ago. Its genus (“first”) name Althaea comes from the Greek altho, to cure, and its order name, Malvaceae, is derived from the Greek malake, soft Marshmallow root was widely used in traditional Greek medicine.     The use of the herb spread from Greece to Arabia and India, where it became an important herb in the Ayurvedic and Unani healing traditions. All of these traditions used marshmallow as a soothing agent: demulcent, diuretic, emollient, and vulnerary. For educational purposes only This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Information courtesy of Mountain Rose Herbs

external care:

    External skin care: Marshmallow extract soothes the skin by preventing other skin care materials from stripping the skin of essential oils.

    External skin care: Marsh mallow in Great Skin Firming Night Cream: “Works by increasing your skin’s vitality and sealing in moisture. With collagen to restore elasticity and Vitamin E for healing. Deeply penetrates to prevent excess dryness. With sesame oil, olive oil, apricot kernel oil, jojoba oil, avocado oil, squalene, kakui nut oil, aloe vera, Vitamin E, lemon balm, comfrey, sage, marigold, marsh mallow, teaberry, jasmine, cucumber, Vitamin A, and Vitmin D. Firming night cream is a heavy moisturizer that deeply penetrates the skin and will prevent excess dryness. This therapeutic vitamin and moisturizing treatment increases the skin’s vitality and seals in the moisture, augmenting skin’s resilience. Contains collagen which restores elasticity, and vitamin E which helps in healing the skin. Nourishes the skin as it firms. Apply before bedtime after cleansing and toning.” Great Skin Firming Night Cream

cautions and contraindications:

    Cautions and contraindications: Althea or marshmallow is believed to be safe.

    Wild gathering: Avoid wild gathering. Some plants are endangered species. Please grow your own herbs in your own goddess garden (or window boxes).

See also: mallow and herbs.

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