Weeds & Seeds Swap

Althea officinalis has been used by the ancient Greeks, including ancient Greek physicians, Pliny and Dioscorides, who praised it’s virtues and recommended it to cure almost any ailment. The book of Job in the Bible suggest eating it in times of famine. In ancient Rome it was considered a delicacy, and during the Renaissance period, herbalists used it to treat sore throats, stomach problems, gonorrhea, toothaches and as a gargle for mouth infections.

But what about today?

What does Science have to say?

Marshmallow is mainly made up of starches, pectin, sugars and mucilage. It is the mucilage that is that has the protective qualities of coating the throat and the stomach, as well as the intestinal and benefits the urinary tract. It is for this reason that it is commonly used for upper respiratory conditions such as colds, coughs and intestinal discomfort.