Marshmallow Root (Althaea officinalis) — Bulk Dried Herb
Marshmallow Root (Althaea officinalis)
Marshmallow root is one of the most gentle, soothing, and universally beloved botanicals in the Western herbal tradition — a tall, velvety perennial of the mallow family whose roots contain exceptionally high concentrations of mucilage, a complex of polysaccharides that form a thick, slippery gel when mixed with water. This mucilaginous quality has made Marshmallow root one of the most important demulcent botanicals in the world, used to soothe and coat irritated tissues across virtually every botanical tradition that has encountered it. And yes — the original marshmallow confection was made from the whipped root of this very plant.
Our Marshmallow root is certified organic, cut and sifted to preserve its full mucilaginous character.
Botanical Profile
- Botanical Name: Althaea officinalis
- Family: Malvaceae (Mallow family)
- Common Names: Marshmallow, Common Marshmallow, White Mallow, Mortification Root, Schloss Tea
- Plant Part Used: Root
- Preparation: Cut & Sifted
- Cultivation: Certified Organic
- Origin: Europe / Western Asia
- Appearance: Pale white to cream fibrous root pieces, slightly powdery
- Aroma: Mild, slightly sweet, faintly earthy
- Flavor Profile: Mild, slightly sweet, distinctly mucilaginous — produces a slippery, coating sensation
About the Plant
Native to western and central Asia and southeastern Europe, Althaea officinalis has been cultivated across Europe and western Asia for centuries and has naturalized in parts of North America. It is a robust perennial that grows to 2 meters in height, producing large, velvety, grey-green leaves covered in soft hairs, and pale pink five-petaled flowers in summer. The plant’s roots — which can reach 1 meter in depth — contain up to 35% mucilage, making them one of the richest plant sources of this soothing compound. The genus name Althaea derives from the Greek altho, meaning “to cure,” reflecting the plant’s long history of therapeutic use. The original marshmallow confection was made by whipping the mucilaginous root extract with sugar and egg whites — a practice that dates to ancient Egypt, where the plant was considered a food of the gods.
Traditional Context
Marshmallow root has been used in botanical traditions since ancient Egypt, where it was used as both a food and a botanical preparation. It appears in the writings of Hippocrates, Dioscorides, and Pliny, and in virtually every major European herbal from the medieval period onward. It was used extensively in medieval European monastic medicine and remains one of the most widely used demulcent botanicals in contemporary Western herbalism. Cold infusions are traditionally preferred over hot infusions, as heat can degrade the mucilage.
Suggested Preparations
- Cold Infusions: Steep 1–2 tablespoons of root in cold water for 4–8 hours or overnight — this preserves the mucilage better than hot water
- Decoctions: Simmer gently in water for 15–20 minutes for a thicker preparation
- Tinctures: Suitable for glycerin extraction (glycerites preserve mucilage better than alcohol)
- Herbal Blends: Pairs with Slippery Elm, Licorice Root, and Chamomile in soothing formulas
Quality & Sourcing
- ✓ Certified Organic
- ✓ Identity Verified
- ✓ Ethically Sourced
- ✓ Small Batch
- ✓ No Additives or Fillers
Storage
Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark, dry place. Properly stored, dried Marshmallow root maintains its quality for 2–3 years.
A Note on Use
This product is sold as a botanical ingredient for culinary, educational, and traditional use. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Marshmallow root may slow the absorption of medications — take medications separately from Marshmallow preparations. Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner before use if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have a health condition.
Every purchase supports Twin Dragons Botanical Institute’s mission of botanical conservation, responsible sourcing, and the preservation of plant knowledge for future generations.