Marsh mallow Facts
Marsh mallow Facts
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| Interesting Marsh mallow Facts: |
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| Marsh mallow has simple, erect stem that develops few lateral branches. It usually grows to the height of 3 to 4 feet. |
| Marsh mallow has thick, ovate or heart-shaped leaves with toothed edges. Leaves are bluish-green colored and covered with hairs on both surfaces. They are spirally arranged on the stem. |
| Marsh mallow develops thick taproot that is tough on the surface and fibrous on the inside. |
| Marsh mallow produces white flowers with a tinge of violet color. They are arranged in much-branched inflorescence called panicle. Marsh mallow blooms during August and September. |
| Marsh mallow develops disk-shaped hairy fruit better known as "cheeses". |
| Seed of marsh mallow are dark-brown colored, kidney-shaped and smooth. |
| Latin name for marsh mallow is Althaea officinalis. It refers to the medical properties of this plant (althaea means "to cure" in Latin). |
| Marsh mallow is used in treatment of throat and gastric ulcers and to soothe inflammation of mucus membrane of intestinal, respiratory and urinary tract. Extract of the marsh mallow is used in traditional Chinese medicine to stimulate lactation in the breastfeeding women. |
| Study in rats showed that extract of the flower can facilitate healing of gastric ulcers and normalize platelet aggregation and elevated level of lipids in the blood. |
| Marsh mallow is an edible plant. Root is often mixed with onion and butter, while flowers and fresh leaves can be consumed in the form of salads. |
| Recipe for popular candy, commercially known as marshmallow, originates from ancient Egypt. Old Egyptians were preparing marshmallow by mixing the sap from the root with nuts and honey. Modern version of marshmallow is slightly different. Starting from 19th century, root of marsh mallow is no longer used for the manufacture of marshmallow (gelatin and syrup are main ingredients today). |
| Root of marsh mallow is used for flavoring of halva, dessert popular in the Middle East. |
| All parts of marsh mallow (especially root) are rich source of mucilaginous sap that moisturizes skin. This substance is used in the cosmetic industry for the production of skin care products. |
| Sap extracted from the root can be used in the manufacture of glue, while oil extracted from the seed has application in the industry of varnishes and paints. |
| Marsh mallow is perennial plant, which means that its life cycle lasts more than two years in the wild. |
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