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9+ Benefits of Marshmallow: Healing and Soothing for the Gut, Lungs, Skin, and More
by Scott Sexton

Marshmallow is a gentle, soothing plant with a tendency to calm irritated, inflamed tissues and to facilitate the healing process. These properties were recognized by the taxonomists who named it. “Althea” is from the Greek and means “to heal” or “healing power.” “Officinalis” is a commonly applied name for plants with a history of medicinal use. It refers specifically to a room in a monastery where medicinal plants were kept. It can be thought of as denoting an “official” healing plant. Thus, both parts of marshmallow’s scientific name refer to its ability to heal. Marshmallow is “the official healing plant of healing.”

The family name, Malvaceae, also comes from a Greek word, “malake,” meaning “soft.” This is in reference to the mucilage common to marshmallow and other members of this family.

Marshmallow has a long history of medicinal and edible uses. While an exact timeline cannot be formed, its healing properties have been recognized at least as long ago as Homer wrote the Iliad. But it was probably in use long before that. As a historical food, marshmallow has a possible reference as far back as the Old Testament book of Job, though this may depend on which translation you’re reading. Regardless of which translation is correct, the plant is quite edible.

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https://thegrownetwork.com/marshmallow

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