Soothing Marshmallow Root Tea [Recipe]
I recently made this marshmallow root and peppermint tea for a gut health workshop I taught and it was a BIG hit!
If you’ve never heard of marshmallow root, it’s a fantastic herb in the mucilage family I like to incorporate to support a healthy digestive system. This plant grows in salt marshes, by the sea, along riverbanks, and other damp areas, hence its name, “marshmallow” root. [1]
This root conjures up ideas of the fluffy, white sugar puffs we know as marshmallows, doesn’t it? As the folklore goes, marshmallows are one of the oldest desserts known to man, with accounts of ancient Egyptians making special candies made of marshmallow root and honey. The first marshmallow which resembled our modern day ones was made in France around 1850. Marshmallow root was added to corn syrup, egg whites, and water and was heated, and poured into molds to create little desserts! [1]
Here is a description to further understand the properties and potential benefits:
“Marshmallow works as a mucilage, producing a thick sticky substance that coats membranes. Marshmallow extract contains flavonoids, which contain anti-inflammatory properties. The flavonoids are able to reduce inflammation while the mucilage holds them in place and prevents further damage. The extracts also induce phagocytosis, which is the process in which certain cells engulf bacteria, dead cell tissues or other solid particles. This helps speed up the healing process. The mucilage remains unaltered until it reaches the colon, which is why marshmallow works well on most inflammatory digestive disorders.” [2]
It definitely doesn’t taste like the sugary marshmallows that we know, but it has a mildly sweet and earthy flavor when made into an infusion. As you can see in the recipe below, I like to add some peppermint leaves for a really refreshing taste! I like to have a cup of it in the evening, or in between meals.
You may be used to making your teas with hot water. With marshmallow root, we want to make an infusion using cold water because we are better able to extract the mucilage this way.
You can buy herbs like peppermint or marshmallow root from a local herbal store or source them online from somewhere like Mountain Rose Herbs.
It’s important to note that orally administered drugs should be taken 1 hour before use or several hours after, as marshmallow may slow the absorption because of the way it coats the absorptive gut lining. We always recommend that you consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbs or supplements, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications to make sure they are right for you.
Soothing Marshmallow Root Tea [Recipe]
Ingredients
1 Tbsp marshmallow root
1 Tbsp dried peppermint leaf
2 cups filtered water
Directions
Place all ingredients into a pint size mason jar (if you have a bigger container feel free to double the recipe)
Pour cold (or room temperature) filtered water over the herbs and fill to the top.
Place in the fridge for a minimum of 3 hours. I usually make this before bed and allow it to steep over night.
Strain the herbs, and drink the tea cold. Enjoy!
I hope you love this recipe! You can also download my free Love Your Gut Recipe book, and you’ll receive 7 more simple recipes to incorporate gut-loving foods into your life. Learn more and grab your copy here: https://livewellwithchristina.lpages.co/loveyourgutrecipes/