Uses

As well as the leaves, it is mainly the root of the marsh mallow that is used, which is harvested from the two-year old plant and has been valued from ancient times because of its high mucilage content. It is used internally against stomach pains, diarrhoea and intestinal complaints, chronic asthma, silicosis and emphysema, coughs and inflammation of the oral and pharyngeal cavity including the gums. It is used externally for wounds and burns to the skin, for boils and carbuncles. In all these cases the mucilage covers the wounded or burned part like a protective layer and enables it to heal more quickly.

The flowers and leaves of the marsh mallow have their place as an agent in the home. A paste boiled from the leaves is placed on wounds. Boiled with honey, the flowers provide a cough remedy. A simple solution against headache is to chew the unprepared marsh mallow root.

The marsh mallow is also used in cosmetics, soap, skincare products, shaving lotion, skin lotion, mouthwash and toothpaste.