Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) is a perennial aromatic plant that grows in humid regions of Europe, Africa and western Asia. Marshmallow has been known for its medicinal properties since ancient times. Marshmallow tea, which is made from the leaves and roots of this plant, is especially popular.
Below you can find out more about the medicinal properties of marshmallow and recipes for its preparation.
Medicinal properties
Marshmallow tea contains many medicinal properties and can help in the treatment of various diseases. Marshmallow leaves contain essential oils, tannins, phenols and mucilage, while marshmallow roots also contain quercetin, flavonoids and sugars.
Marshmallow tea is best known for treating urinary problems and dissolving kidney stones. Thanks to its antioxidant properties, marshmallow tea is good for boosting immunity and fighting viruses and bacteria. This tea relieves sore throat, irritation and inflammation of the mucous membrane of the mouth and pharynx. Since it contains large amounts of herbal mucilage, marshmallow tea is a good remedy for dry coughs and other respiratory problems. Mallow has the ability to soothe irritated mucous membranes and break down secretions that cause coughing.
Also, this tea is good for digestion and for treating inflammation in the digestive tract. Marshmallow tea regulates digestion and accelerates metabolism. In this way, it helps in losing weight and at the same time provides a feeling of satiety. It has been proven that marshmallow tea can also treat inflammation of the gastric mucosa, especially in combination with chamomile. It can also treat inflammation of the colon, diarrhea and vomiting. Marshmallow tea can also be used externally. Marshmallow poultices are good for treating ulcers on the skin and mucous membranes, burns, as well as treating eye inflammation. You can also use this tea to wash out stuffy noses in babies, and it can also treat diarrhea in infants and small children.
The recipe for preparing this tea
Recipe 1. Marshmallow tea is most often made from marshmallow leaves. You only need to add 1-2 teaspoons of dried marshmallow leaves or 2-3 tablespoons of fresh leaves of this plant to boiling water and let it stand for 10-15 minutes. After that, strain the tea and you can consume it.
Recipe 2. You can also make marshmallow tea from the roots of this plant. You need to boil the dried and crushed marshmallow root for about 15 minutes, and then strain the tea. It is recommended that you drink no more than 3 cups of marshmallow tea during the day.
Recipe 3. Another way to make marshmallow root tea is to keep it in cold boiled water for 2 hours, then strain it and drink it several times a day, and you can warm it up if you like. Many believe that the marshmallow root should not be boiled because then the starch is released and the drink becomes cloudy and thick.
Recipe 4. You can also make a marshmallow tea mix. Mix 30 g of marshmallow root, 20 g of chopped fennel fruit and 20 g of chopped anise fruit. Take 2 teaspoons of this mixture and pour a cup of boiling water over them. It is recommended to drink this tea warm, half an hour before meals.
Recipe 5. Another tea blend with marshmallow is very effective for treating sore throats. Mix 50 g of chopped marshmallow root, 30 g of licorice root, 10 g of violet root and 40 g of subalpine leaf. Cook for 10-15 minutes, strain, then add 3 spoons of honey and boil a little more. Drink 2-3 cups of this tea daily.
You can also use marshmallow tea to rinse your mouth, that is, to treat various inflammations in the oral cavity. Take one handful of chopped marshmallow root and put it in 1 liter of water. Let it brew for about 10 minutes and rinse your mouth with this tea 3-6 times a day.
Side effects and possible contraindications:
Marshmallow tea is generally safe to use, but it can still have some side effects. First of all, it is important to be careful with the consumption of this tea if you suffer from liver disease and diabetes, because marshmallow contains sugar and alcohol. Then, marshmallow tea can affect the effect of some medicines, and it would be good to drink this tea at least 2 hours before taking the medicine. It is recommended that pregnant and lactating women do not consume this tea.
Where to buy this tea and what is the price?
We are opening a health food store soon, so you will be able to get this tea from us. You can sign up for free on our email list and we’ll let you know as soon as we go on sale to get big discounts.
