Marshmallow Tea Anyone?

Marshmallow has been used for more than two thousand years for its medicinal qualities. The root is really what is used the most and is harvested in the spring or autumn.

It is made up into a tea using a cold-water infusion and becomes rather slimy. This texture is useful for soothing and lubricating dry coughs, bronchitis and whooping cough. It also has an affinity for inflamed or irritated conditions of the digestive system such as gastritis, peptic ulcers and colitis. Many find it useful for urinary infections too.

Externally it is slightly antibacterial, and you can use the tea to sooth itchy skin, including eczema and nappy rash. It can also be used to bathe sore and inflamed eyes. The pale pink flowers of this plant are sweet tasting, but it is the root that was used to make the original marshmallow treats.

This root has no contraindications or side effects. The only caution is that it may delay the absorption of other pharmaceuticals, so it is best to take at least two hours apart.