The marshmallow plant can be found growing in damp, wet areas including meadows and marshes. While native to Europe, it grows well in other areas too. Marshmallow has been in use since ancient Egyptian times as food and medicine. In fact, it was one of the herbs to be found in the grave of a Neanderthal man in a cave in Iraq. The Europeans used marshmallow as a cure for bronchitis, colds and coughs. This was because it has soothing and healing properties.
Both the root and leaves of the plant contains a substance known as mucilate, which is a mucous-like substance that is insoluble in water. This mucilate makes the plant swell up and become slippery when wet. This property of marshmallow gives it the ability to soothe the lining of the mouth, the throat and stomach (the mucous membranes)
The marshmallow herb helps expel phlegm and relaxes the bronchial tubes while soothing and healing, which relieves asthma symptoms as well as inflammation. Symptoms of hay fever, which manifest themselves as irritation of the mucous membranes, leading to excessive sneezing, running nose, itchiness and redness of the eyes along with excessive tears and cough, are greatly relieved by the mucilaginous property of marshmallow. Marshmallow root soothes irritated tissues and helps to speed up the healing process. It reduces the buildup of mucus and aids in its breakdown so the body can eliminate it easily. It is these properties that help to alleviate symptoms caused by allergies.
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