When I think of marshmallow, I have two distinct thoughts. 1. I am transported to fantasies of my favorite Ben & Jerry’s “S’Mores” ice cream flavor, which is laden with ripples of that creamy, white goodness. 2. Flashback to my childhood, picking the wild marshmallow flowers from the swampland next to the river on my property. My mother taught me about all the free and edible plants that were local to us, and this was a standout. “Marshmallow” sweets were originally made from the roots of these flowers, blended with sugar and egg white.

Marshmallow is considered a superior medicinal plant that was used for centuries by the Romans, Egyptians, and Greeks. It is said that Hippocrates himself used marshmallow to heal wounds. Native to North Africa, western Asia, and Europe, marshmallow’s Latin name Althea comes from the Greek (althein), which means “to heal and cure.” While all parts of the plant, from the root to the flower, were used for medicinal purposes, the root is exceptionally high in healing properties and boasts of impressive nutrient content. This is the part we utilize in The Clean Dirt and The Problem Solver.

The long, thick, yellow root is not only rich in antioxidants but contains powerful antibacterial properties, which effectively prevent and treat infections, while the anti-inflammatory properties can speed up the healing process of the skin. Thanks to the containing flavonoids, it’s especially beneficial for those suffering from eczema and psoriasis. As a rich mucilage source, marshmallow root has the capability to soothe and heal wounds and inflammation. Additionally, those mucilaginous properties slow down the aging process by supporting the skin’s natural ability to hydrate and retain water. When you apply marshmallow root on your skin, you essentially moisturize, calm, and heal at the same time.

Featured in: The Clean Dirt and The Problem Solver