Althaea officinalis aka Marshmallow, a protective and cleansing herb. In ancient times, the Egyptians used the sap of the plant to treat sore throat, mixed the sap with egg whites and honey to create a sweet treat that was only for the Gods, this was the begining of the marsmallow gooey candy we add to our hot coco milk.
The plant was also burned to cleanse a space for protection, the root was associated with love spells. Folks planted marshmallow on a grave to act as an honor to the deceased.
But for health purposes, it is a great demulcent soothing tissues like the throat.
In the bible ….Job 30;4 “to them that are in want of bread, who cut up mallows by the bushes for their meat, and broom roots for their drink” referring to a bitter leafy plant considered an undesirable food source. Little did the know it was medicine.
In summary, Job 30:4 paints a picture of poverty and the people are reduced to eating the most meager unpalatable food illustrating the depths of human suffering.
Nutritionally, the root is rich in flavonoids, phenolic acids, and antioxidants, rich in fiber, pectin, amino acids, vitamins, minerals! I bet those folks back then were healthy.
