Marshmallow is a perennial plant that is native to Africa and now
cultivated as an ornamental around the world due its attractive foliage
and flowers. While the latter are consumed in salads or are cooked as
vegetables, the root of the plant is harvested to produce flavoring
extracts and a confection developed by the ancient Egyptians that
closely resembles the fluffy treat we call marshmallows today.
Marshmallow root has long been valued for its high mucilage content.
While the root makes a pleasant and soothing tea and ingredient in
throat lozenges, the emollient qualities of the herb are captured in
ointments, salves and creams for troubled skin.
