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As the leaves all around us are turning into their autumnal reds, browns and beiges there is still a little bit of pink out there to be seen in the front gardens round and about Galway. This is the Marshmallow plant which thrives in this climate because it loves marshy or wet ground.

I always think Marshmallow as a bit of a show-off, it’s a plant that wants to be noticed with its large pink petals and downy leaves which are like velvet to touch. It is both the leaf and the root that are used in herbal medicine.

The velvety leaves hint at what their use are – they are soothing and therefore used for many conditions that need a soothing, protective action. Starting at the top of the body Marshmallow is often a component of cough mixtures and also used for catarrhal problems as well as bronchitis. It calms and soothes the irritated membranes. In the same way it is used for digestive problems such as inflammation of the digestive tract as found in gastritis and ulcers. Moving down the body it is beneficial in treating urine tract infections in the same way.

Externally the plant can be used for varicose veins, abscesses and boils.

If you want to know more about herbs and their uses I teach evening classes in Herbal Medicine. Please email Health & Herbs or ring me on 087 060 6458 for more information.

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