Marshmallow Plant
"Yes, I too need a sweet treat now and again. So I store a fair amount of glucose. To keep it out of sight and away from hungry creatures, I stash it in my roots. Unfortunately, this is no longer a secret.”
Sweet love
“Soft as a marshmallow”, as the saying goes. The flavour of the marshmallow root is mildly sweet. That’s why the pharaohs were so fond of this slightly slimy treat. From ancient Egypt, the plant's reputation as a remedy and as a sweetener spread throughout the ancient world.
The marshmallow plant (Althaea officinalis) has achieved something few herbs have: it’s popular all over the world. French confectioners are to thank for this. They mixed the sap of the marshmallow plant with egg white and created a worldwide hit. What a sweet success for the unglamorous marshmallow plant. Today, roasting marshmallows over a fire is a cherished tradition around the world. Our Ricola herbal blend also uses the tempting sweet taste of the marshmallow plant.
Facts and Figures
- 2000
- Ancient Egyptians discovered the wild herb in the marshland 2000 B.C.
- Thanks to its mucilage, the marshmallow plant has health-promoting properties.
- 2
- The marshmallow plant grows for a maximum of two successive years.
FAQ
The content on this webpage is provided for informational purposes only, it does not substitute professional medical advice or seeing a doctor, and it should not be used for any promotional purpose of our products.
