Marshmallow

Althaea officinalis

Marshmallow photo
Photo by Martin Wall

Marshmallow grows 1-3 feet tall in moist locations. The alternate, serrated leaves feel soft when rubbed. Small pale flowers bloom in the leaf axils. The young leaves can be eaten raw or slightly cooked; it makes an excellent soup thickener. The roots can be used as a meringue substitute when covered with water and boiled until reduced by half, cooled, and beaten to a froth. Mallow softens skin and soothes skin irritations, boils, stings, and runny sores. The tea is soothing to mucus membranes, swollen glands, and irritations of the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and urinary tract.