10 Amazing Benefits & Uses Of Marshmallows

The very word, marsh mallow makes my mouth water and my heart happy. Ever since I was a little kid, I have loved marshmallows and I am sure any kid who has ever tasted those soft marshmallows will swear by how wonderful they are. I was surprised to know that marshmallows are no longer made from the herb marshmallow. It was until the 1880s that these soft cookies were made from the sap of marshmallows. But today they are mostly made from gelatin.

The plant marshmallow is a gift of nature, a beautiful herb that is blessed by nature with bountiful benefits. As I grew up, my health concerns made me look at the nutritional and health aspects of different herbs. I thoroughly researched about the marshmallows as well. As I checked, I found some interesting facts that I am sharing here for the benefit of all.

Marshmallows Health Benefits:

• Marshmallow is a great plant as all its parts can be used to treat different kinds of ailments of the human body. However, the leaves and the roots find the most application in the field of herbal treatment and medicine.
• The root and the leaves are used to treat swelling in the respiratory system as they work efficiently on the membrane that lines the trachea and also for stomach ailments. It is used even in treating bladder stones in some cases.
• These can also be used to cure and treat simpler problems like dry cough. Those who suffer from hacking or whopping coughs or even laryngitis can benefit from a concoction of the herb.
• Direct application of leaves is also seen in parts of the globe to treat skin problems, ulcers, inflammation or even burn wounds and marks.
• In many parts of the world where herbal medicine is at its peak, different parts of the plant are also used to treat urinary infections, bladder infections and even diarrhea.
• If all these did not pique your interest and you are a constant sufferer of headaches, you will be pleasantly surprised that marshmallows can chase away the worst of headaches. The plant that is a rich source of salicylic acid helps in treating chronic headaches and muscle pain.

Marshmallows Benefits for Skin:

• Marshmallow is a wonder herb when it comes to its application and use for human skin. As already mentioned, it can be used to treat burn wounds. However, it is also used to treat dry and chapped skin.
• Marshmallows are also used on skin to help subside pain and treat chilblains caused in colder regions due to exposure to high degree of cold, leading to swelling in fingers and toes.
• If you suffer from boils on the skin, irritated and dry skin or even mouth sores, you may find relief by using marshmallows. All you need to do is to boil the roots of the plant, mash it up and apply it on the affected areas. The boils and sores will vanish as miraculously as they appeared.
• The best reason to use marshmallow is that it does not adversely affect sensitive skin, and hence, can also be used as a way to treat dry eczema, psoriasis, and also remove any abrasions and redness. If you get a small cut or have small open blisters, marshmallow powder can be applied to cure them too!

Marshmallows Nutrition Value:

Marshmallow is a tree that has many applications in medicine and as a sweetener since ancient times. Marshmallow has about 0.2gram fat if one consumes about 100 grams of them, and almost no cholesterol!

It offers decent qualities of sodium and potassium, both important for proper blood pressure.

Marshmallows are also a good source of carbohydrates, which are about 81 grams per 200 grams. They are also sources of limited amount of protein and iron.

A Natural De-tangler:

If you have limp and lifeless hair that is brittle and dry or really curly hair that is hard to tame, then try marshmallows for your hair. There are several brands that market 100% organic marshmallow soaps and shampoos that will vitalize every strand of your hair.

And if you want to make a concoction at home, this is what you should do:

Gather the following ingredients:

8 oz. of coconut oil

8 oz. of organic oil such as palm oil

8 oz. of olive oil

4 oz. of good quality shea butter

2 oz. of castor oil

3 oz. of cocoa butter

4.5 oz of Iye (excess fat)

2 oz. jojoba oil

2 oz of essential oils of your choice, I suggest a blend of sweet orange, lavender and rosemary

Also fetch 10 fluid ounces of marshmallow root water infusion and 1.5 tablespoons of marshmallow root powder that is easily available at most stores that sell herbal products.

How to go about making the shampoo?

This can sound no less than an ordeal at the first attempt. But you will soon master it.

1. Measure all the oils and put them in a pot on low heat to melt and blend together. Do not add jojoba and the essential oils.

2. In another pot, under low heat slowly combine the iye and liquid and stirring until they gently blend into one another. Allow this to cool under a vent. Once cool, add this mixture into the oil.

3. Briefly stir the concoction and using a blender, make sure the oil and liquid blend well.

4. Now add the herbal powder and using a wire whisk preferably, whisk the mixture till it is consistent. Whisk a few more minutes till the mixture thickens and voila, you have the best herbal shampoo ready in your very kitchen! Add the essential oils and jojoba oils and store for use.

If you find this too cumbersome, simply walk into Body Shop- they are sure to have marshmallow shampoos and soaps that you can simply pay for and bring back home. No sweat, yet beautiful and soft hair in just a few washes!

Marshmallow has a great range of applications and is used all over the globe. It has found application in the world of ours since the times of the Egyptians. They used it as a sweetener and as a medicinal plant. Marshmallow is perhaps a great plant that we can find and use at home to treat simple and day to day health problems and also consume otherwise for a health system and body.