Human connection is crucial to developing a deeper understanding of, and appreciation for, all things artistic and/or spiritual. This post was conceptualized and written by a human.
THE ORIGINAL MARSHMALLOW
Why does the herb share its name with the gummy, sweet confection we roast over campfires? Because it was part of the original recipe! Marshmallow (the herb) has been used for thousands of years for food and medicine, as have many other mallows. Consumed by the Ancient Romans and Egyptians, just about every part of a marshmallow plant is edible - the leaves and roots can be cooked up, the flowers can be pickled, and even the water the root is boiled in can be used as a binder for cooking (like an egg substitute). The roots and leaves both have a high mucilage content, which is what gives it a congeling and coating property that finds use in both medicine and food.
BOTANICAL BREAKDOWN
BOTANICAL NAME - Althaea officinalis
AKA - Marsh mallow
PARTS USED - Root, leaf
BOTANICAL PROPERTIES OF MARSHMALLOW
Marshmallows are, unsurprisingly, a type of mallow that grows in marshy, wet soil. Indigenous to Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa, this herbaceous perennial is a leggy stem with few side growths that can reach the height of an adult. It is fuzzy, producing soft pink-white flowers in late summer - early fall.
MEDICINAL PROPERTIES OF MARSHMALLOW
| This article is not medical advice, it is just a description of how this herb has been used and is for informational purposes only. Many herbs may have adverse or even dangerous effects when misused. |
The botanical name althaea comes from the Greek althainein, meaning “to heal,” which is no surprise given its consistent and targeted medicinal use over the years - particularly relating to the throat, lungs, and gastro-intestinal system. Marshmallow has been consumed in food and medicine for thousands of years. In folk medicine, the high mucilage content caused it to be used as a demulcent, and it is used to sooth all parts of the gastro-intestinal system as well as to manage and sooth the throat and lungs during respiratory infections. Externally, the root has been used in ointments and creams to be applied to ulcers, abscesses, boils, and varicose veins.
MAGICK & MYTHOS
ELEMENT - WATER
PLANET - NEPTUNE
MOON PHASE - Waning
TAROT - THE LOVERS
CHAKRA - THROAT
DEITIES & ENTITIES - Anahit, Anansa, Aoede, Bastet, Calliope, Chuangmu, Cliodhna, Dian Masalanta, Dogoda, Erzulie Freda Dahomey, Hua Tuo, Loco, Inanna, Ishtar, Isis, Kuni, Lakambini, Mami Wata, Ningikuga, Oshun, Prende, Sadashiva, Turan, Xochipilli
MAGICKAL USES OF MARSHMALLOW
Marshmallow works as a permeable barrier - keeping the negative and harmful energies at bay and allowing the positive ones, particularly love (not just romantic love - love in all forms!) through.
A few ways to use marshmallow in spellwork:
- Add leaves or root to a sachet to attract love
- Infuse marshmallow into an oil, ointment, or perfume and apply to protect from negative energies and attract love.
- Incorporate in spells for hex breaking and hearth protection to enhance effectiveness
- Infuse into a bath or basin of water to cleanse negative energies and spirits clinging to you, and to prevent new ones from being able to attach for a time.
Organic, sustainably harvested marshmallow root is available in our store right here. Pre-mixed spell ingredients that include poppy are available in our store:
SOOTHE - To promote peace and clarity of the mind and soul