Though I’m not talking about the delicious food that you can roast over the fire while camping, Marshmallow flowers do have a striking resemblance to the food. This beautiful flower grows in even the harshest environments and can be used as a natural remedy for a variety of ailments. Keep reading to learn how to grow this plant from the Malvaceae family and what to do with it upon its harvest. If you aren’t growing these plants, you definitely should be. This post is part of a series. Read more about the mallows (and the Hollyhock flower specifically) here.
How To Grow Marshmallows
Marshmallow plants will grow in any environment, so long as it’s not terribly frigid. It’s even considered a hardy perennial in growing zones 3-7. It grows well in moist environments like riverbeds or saltwater marshes, which is where it got its name. Make sure to keep soil moist throughout the growing season. These plants love areas of partial sun but can tolerate areas of shade if necessary. Divide plants in Fall, and germinate new seeds indoors 6 weeks before the last frost in your area. Learn more here.
Marshmallow Plants And Herbal Medicine
Did you know that this plant is one of the most well-known medicinal plants? It’s true, and that’s because it has a variety of uses that all work pretty well. Here’s what a Marshmallow plant can do when it comes to herbal medicine:
-Marshmallow plants are a cooling demulcent, which helps to protect and heal damaged mucous membrane.
-Excellent anti-inflammatory agent.
-Helps to soothe sore throats and dry, hacking coughs. Doctors have even recognized marshmallow as an effective cold and seasonal allergy relief.
-Marshmallow plant is even said to help reduce the painful symptoms of a urinary tract infection, though you should always visit a doctor to make sure the infection is properly treated.
-Marshmallow flowers can help soothe dry and itchy skin when warmed and applied directly to the skin. Plus, it smells really fantastic!
DIY Marshmallow Plant Cold Infusion
If you are suffering from one of the ailments listed above, use this infusion to help you find relief. This is one of my very favorite herbal medicine remedies because it really does work!
To make, fill a glass jar a quarter full of the chopped marshmallow plant root. You could even add some leaves if you have those available, but leave the flowers aside! Next, fill the jar with warm water and let the root steep for four hours or overnight. Strain away the roots, and keep in the refrigerator for two days at a time.
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