How do I use Marshmallow to soothe inflammation? Marshmallow is an excellent herb to promote the healing of wounds. Its leaves are often used to reduce inflammation and draw out poisons or debris embedded in a wound. The best way to do this is by making a strong "tea" using 1-2 Tbsp. of the herb (leaves) to 2 cups water. To use dip a clean white cloth in the warm "tea" and cover the affected area. You may then cover it with plastic wrap to keep it moist for awhile, and keep your clothes dry and clean. This is called a "fomentation". You may also use the fresh leaves as a "poultice" by chopping them or bruising them adding a bit of moisture and placing them directly on the wound. Leave the fomentation or poultice on for 15 minutes to an hour, then let the skin breathe awhile before repeating it. You may reheat the "tea" several times, but make fresh each day. Let your body tell you when it is time to stop...if it feels clammy and you want it OFF...then you are done. I have used this simple remedy many times with my children. It is a great first aid herb!
More facts about Marshmallow: It improves the ability of white blood cells to devour disease-causing microbes. I had a friend who used the marshmallow fomentation after knee
surgery. Her incision was becoming infected, so she tried the
marshmallow and it began to heal. Marshmallow is a wonderful alternative! Marshmallow is muscilaginous, soothing internally or externally. It is very useful for the lungs, digestive system, intestines, and urinary system. You will find marshmallow added to many formulas for these areas. Being calcium-rich, marshmallow also increases the flow of mother's milk.
Marshmallow as Food: The nutritious roots are referenced in the Bible as a food eaten in famine (Job 30:3-4). When eaten, marshmallow root has fiber which absorbs toxins and eliminates them from the body. In France, marshmallows were originally made by boiling the roots and adding sugar. Today's marshmallows have no trace of the original herb in them.
How do I grow Marshmallow? Marshmallow is a relative of the hollyhock and is quite beautiful in your flower garden. It likes sun and poor soil. It grows 4-5 feet tall with soft leaves and white flowers. It is a perennial, returning every year, but is easily propagated from seed. The leaves should be harvested in summer after flowering. Dry them by hanging the whole stalk or by spreading the leaves out on a table. How long they take to dry depends on the weather...if it is humid they will reabsorb moisture from the air. Store them in an airtight container, I use glass canning jars. Check for dryness a couple of days later...as they may still have a bit of moisture in them. The roots should be dug in autumn, usually at 2-3 years old...older roots will become woody.
Grow your own medicine this year!
Lisa Purdy is not a physician and all recommendations are not to be considered diagnosis or prescription. Any information given is for educational purposes only. Your are personally responsible for your own health choices.
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