Althaea officinalis

There was a time when the confectionary known as a marshmallow truly did contain its namesake herb. These days, however, commercially produced marshmallows don’t contain a trace of the gentle healer Althaea officinalis.

Animals, though, can still treat themselves to marshmallow if it is growing in their pastures. They will readily feed on it if it is available, but it does require quite moist growing conditions – hence the “marsh” in marshmallow!

Both the leaves and roots of marshmallow have been consumed as vegetables by humans, and the leaves can be brewed as a tea (infusion).