Marshmallow
Althaea officinalis
1:2 Ethanol/Distilled H2O Spagyric tincture of dried organic Marshmallow Root, with purified salt principle added.
Planetary Ruler: Moon
Physical properties*:
Marshmallow root is a highly nutritive tonic herb, that is 18 to 35% mucilaginous polysaccharides. This high mucilage content which manifests itself as a thick, goopy liquid when decocted at room temperature, makes marshmallow root applicable wherever a demulcent, vulnerary, soothing action is required (where an area of the body is dry, inflamed, and/or an open sore/wound), internally: dry coughs, mouth ulcers and inflammation, gastritis, peptic ulcers, colitis, urethritis and cystitis. Externally, it can be added in drawing ointments for boils and abscesses; used to so sooth, calm and heal burns, wounds, scalds, skin ulcers and hemorrhoids. It cleanses and rebuilds the kidneys by soothing bile ducts and stimulating the production of epithelial cells, this kidney restoring function is enhanced when paired with Rhemmania, Ashwagandha, Astragalus, Milk Thistle and Parsley. Marshmallow can also bind to heavy metals and help to eliminate them from the body before they cause damage. For lung ailments that are dry and inflammed/irritated in their nature such as asthma, emphysema, and coughs from excessive smoke/smoking exposure it can be paired with mullein, licorice, elecampane and comfrey to gently cleanse and rebuild the lungs – it should not be used for damp lung conditions where there is lots of mucous such as the common cold. Marshmallow has been rumored to be a galactagogue – increases milk supply.
*Before purchase please see full disclaimer at bottom of page - statements and products not approved by TGA.
Emotional/Spiritual*:
Whenever I read of or feel into Marshmallows spiritual and emotional effects, I cry… she is said to be a deeply sensuous woman, who is deeply in touch with the earthly realm, using this deep sensing to embrace and care wholesomely for herself and others. Said to be an embodiment of the Earth Mother herself, she teaches us to be discerning in how we extend ourselves to others, enabling us to see our own capacity to give care, and also attuning us to people’s receptivity to our love or whether our routes and methods of care are applicable for them. Thus enabling us to walk a middle path between over-extensive interference and immature under-extension… we are aware of our responsibilities, and know clearly when it is time to let go of a situation beyond our control. Marshmallow’s nurturing role is apt for those who may find their emotional realm ‘too intense’, she soothes volatilities of grief, sadness, despair, fear and anger to bring us back to a progressive and sustainable point from where we can pragmatically care for the issue at hand. Sometimes the greatest resourcing of our being can be brought about by simply enjoying the body, Marshmallow pulls us in to our physicality and like the queen she is, opens our senses to enjoy the lusciousness that life has to offer. She imparts the teaching that when we truly respect our bodies, we stand to simultaneously love and respect the Earth and everyone on it.
Contraindications/Cautions:
-Diabetes: Marshmallow can affect blood sugar control, potentially lowering it too much.
-Surgery/bleeding disorders: Marshmallow’s effect on blood sugar levels can potentially prevent blood from clotting effectively when being taken internally.
-Absorption of other drugs: Marshmallow can slow the absorption of other drugs, so it is best to take Marshmallow one hour after taking orally administered drugs.
-Lithium: If taking lithium supplements, or drugs containing lithium, consult with your health care professional to change your dose as Marshmallow can reduce the rate at which your body passes lithium, thus causing a lithium build up.
