Re: Marshmallow

[Guest guest]

Suzanne wrote:

> Interesting article on Marsh Mallow

> The great demulcent and emollient properties of Marsh Mallow make it

> useful in inflammation and irritation of the alimentary canal, and of

> the urinary and respiratory organs. The dry roots boiled in water give

> out half their weight of a gummy matter like starch. Decoctions of the

> plant, especially of the root, are very useful where the natural mucus

> has been abraded from the coats of the intestines, The decoction can

> be made by adding 5 pints of water to 1/4 lb. of dried root, boiling

> down to 3 pints and straining: it should not be made too thick and

> viscid. It is excellent in painful complaints of the urinary organs,

> exerting a relaxing effect upon the passages, as well as acting

> curatively. This decoction is also effective in curing bruises,

> sprains or any ache in the muscles or sinews. In haemorrhage from the

> urinary organs and in dysentery, it has been recommended to use the

> powdered root boiled in milk.

>

> Boiled in wine or milk, Marsh Mallow will relieve diseases of the

> chest, constituting a popular remedy for coughs, bronchitis,

> whooping-cough, etc., generally in combination with other remedies. It

> is frequently given in the form of a syrup, which is best adapted to

> infants and children.

>

>

> RECIPES

>

> */Marsh Mallow Water/*

> 'Soak one ounce of marsh mallow roots in a little cold water for half

> an hour; peel off the bark, or skin; cut up the roots into small

> shavings, and put them into a jug to stand for a couple of hours; the

> decoction must be drunk tepid, and may be sweetened with honey or

> sugar-candy, and flavoured with orange-flower water, or with orange

> juice. Marshmallow water may be used with good effect in all cases of

> inveterate coughs, catarrhs, etc.' (Francatelli's /Cook's Guide/.)

>

> */For Gravel, etc./*

> 'Put the flower and plant (all but the root)of Marsh Mallows in a jug,

> pour boiling water, cover with a cloth, let it stand three hours -

> make it strong. If used for gravel or irritation of the kidney, take

> 1/2 pint as a Tea daily for four days, then stop a few days, then go

> on again. A teaspoonful of gin may be added /when there is no tendency

> to inflammation/.' (From a family recipe-book.)

>

> The powdered or crushed fresh roots make a good poultice that will

> remove the most obstinate inflammation and prevent mortification. Its

> efficacy in this direction has earned for it the name of Mortification

> Root. Slippery Elm may be added with advantage, and the poultice

> should be applied to the part as hot as can be borne and renewed when

> dry. An infusion of 1 OZ. of leaves to a pint of boiling water is also

> taken frequently in wineglassful doses. This infusion is good for

> bathing inflamed eyes.

>

> An ointment made from Marsh Mallow has also a popular reputation, but

> it is stated that a poultice made of the fresh root, with the addition

> of a little white bread, proves more serviceable when applied

> externally than the ointment. The fresh leaves, steeped in hot water

> and applied to the affected parts as poultices, also reduce

> inflammation, and bruised and rubbed upon any place stung by wasps or

> bees take away the pain, inflammation and swelling. Pliny stated that

> the green leaves, beaten with nitre and applied, drew out thorns and

> prickles in the flesh.

>

> The flowers, boiled in oil and water, with a little honey and alum,

> have proved good as a gargle for sore throats.

>

>

>

==============================

And here's a naughty little recipe to go along with this: Took me about

an hour of web searching to come across this. If anyone is bold enough I

have enclosed a supposed original marshmallow recipe found below the first.

Marshmallows Treats

Make your children a natural treat without all the chemicals, coloring

and preservatives which make our children hyperactive.

2 egg whites

1 tsp vanilla

½ cup raw cane sugar

1 tbsp powdered Marshmallow (root)

Whip egg whites until almost stiff. Add vanilla and whip until stiff.

Then whip in the sugar, 1 tsp at the time. Finally, add Marshmallow and

whip again. Place by teaspoonfull on cookie sheet. Bake in 325 oven

for 1 hour.

" The original marshmallow recipe called for 5 pounds of powdered marshmallow

root, 50 pounds of ground sugar, 30 pounds of ground gum arabic, 60 pounds

of orange flower water and 70 egg whites. "

--

Peace be with you,

Don " Quai " Eitner

" Spirit sleeps in the mineral, breathes in the vegetable, dreams in the animal

and wakes in man. "

--

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[Guest guest]

I really like marsh mallow. It makes an ok substitute for the

endangered herb slippery elm.

In TCM terms its sweet, pungent, moist, cool, softening, and relaxing.

It tonifies yin and can clear heat/damp.

Western herbalism uses it as a demulcent, emollient, expectorent, and

anti-inflammatory. It even has some galactogogue qualities.

As with any demulcent, one needs to remember that its qualities of

coating mucus membranes can retard absorption.

This means,

if you have any medication you need to take, especially

pharmaceuticals for diabetes or heart conditions, don't take

it at the same time.

Penel