What is Althaeae radix or Marshmallow Root?

Botanical Name: Althaea officinalis L.

Common names: Althaeae Radix, Marshmallow Root, Marshmallow, Marshmallow Leaves

The Althaeae genus of plants provide the source for marshmallow root, which is extracted from the species Officinalis Altaeae – more commonly known as true marshmallow.

History: For over 2000 years, Althaeae radix has been utilized in traditional European medicine. Its therapeutic benefits were first documented in the 9th century BCE and widely utilized in Greek medicine. The usage of Marshmallow in Greek medicine spread to Arabian and traditional Indian Ayurvedic and Unani medicines: .