I was excited when I first learned about marshmallow root. Immediately after discovering this herb, I made another batch of my diaper rash ointment and added marshmallow root to it.
I was very pleased with the results and found that the addition of just one little herb made my healing balm much more effective.
The end product was more slippery and did a much better job at moisturizing the skin. It is now a mainstay in my healing ointments.
Properties
The mucilage, or gummy secretion, in the leaves and particularly the root, is helpful for soothing minor wounds. Marshmallow root soothes, lubricates, softens and heals. It is essential in my healing balm and tattoo ointment.
Marshmallow root also has pain-easing properties. These properties are present when it is taken internally or applied externally.
Taken internally, marshmallow root soothes sore throats and alleviates chest congestion. The mucilage coats sore throats and applies its pain-easing properties.
And yes, you can use marshmallow root to make marshmallows. Marshmallows were originally intended to help soothe sore throats with the mucilaginous properties. Try making these homemade marshmallows.
You can find the real food ingredients I recommend here.
How to use it
Brew a cup of marshmallow root tea for a sore throat, using 1 tbsp marshmallow root per 1 cup of water (you might want to add some honey). Make a decoction, strain and add to a bath. Use as a primary ingredient in a healing ointment. Create a marshmallow root infusion and add it to a foot bath to soak tired feet.
You can also use it to make this sore throat soothing tea, as well as this lavender mint healing lip balm.
Cautions
None known. If you are uncertain about using any herb, please check with a holistic practitioner who is knowledgable about herbs first. I am not a doctor, nor am I an herbalist.
So amazing! Had no idea!
I had never heard of marshmellow root until I saw it in a skin care product a few months ago. I read up on it in wikipedia but your explanation is much more understandable- thanks! And I love the idea of using it in a soak for feet. 🙂
I want to make some tattoo ointment/salve for my brother in law for Christmas…everyone is getting DIY gifts this year if I can help it. Do you have a recipe that you recommend I use?
Also, FIL has circulation problems that’s causing him severe pain in the leg that he had amputated below the knee several years ago. Something about veins being dried up or something is all I know. I know there are EOs that might help. Any idea about a specific balm I could make that might give him some relief?
Hi Amy,
I’m planning on posting my tattoo/healing balm recipe in the next few weeks, but until then, you can check out the recipe at the bottom of this post I wrote for diynatural: http://www.diynatural.com/diy-first-aid-kit/. It’s pretty close to the recipe I use and would work great.
Balance essential oil comes to mind immediately for circulation help. You can look up some more options here: http://everythingessential.me and email me if you have any questions. 🙂
I’ve already made up the salve that you posted on DIY Natural, so I’ll wait to see your tattoo balm recipe when you post it. 🙂
When you say balance is good for circulation, do you mean the Balance blend that’s also good for ADD/ADHD? Or is there something else that I’m missing? I’ll check out that website and see what I can figure out.
Yes. I remember a video that showed blood cells before and 30 seconds after applying Balance. They were much more active. I know Dr. Hill recommends it for diabetics with poor circulation.
Hi Nina! Are you still going to put up your recipe for the tattoo balm/salve? I haven’t searched very hard, but can’t seem to find it if you have already posted it. The kiddos are home from school today and playing outside in the ice/snow, so I thought today and this weekend would be PERFECT timing for me to make some more of my homemade gifts. 🙂
I love your posts. Great stuff!
I’m into making my own balms and lotions too. I just started out and have wanted to use marshmallow root. I have no idea how to use it though. I’m having trouble finding resources online. How would I added it to a balm. Or do you just always infuse your oils with the root?
im using Marshmallow tea every day and its helping its has very sedative and antydepressive effects!!!
Im drinkiing Mullein tea every day and its has a very good sedative and antidepressive effects!