The genus name of the plant comes from the Greek word
althainein, which means, "to heal." Due to the high mucilage content
found throughout the entire plant, marshmallow is traditionally used to
make syrups and lozenges to soothe mucous membranes and counter sore
throat, stomach ulcers and cough associated with bronchitis.
The roots are particularly high in starch and mucilage content, which
soothes mucous membranes. Although the ancient Greeks could not have
known this, they commonly used the herb as a demulcent to treat peptic
ulcers and other inflammatory conditions of the gastrointestinal tract.
Pliny the Elder, convinced that marshmallow was a bit of a panacea, once
wrote, "Whosoever shall take a spoonful of the Mallows shall that day be
free from all diseases that may come to him." The Greek physicians
Hippocrates and Dioscorides recommended marshmallow poultices to take
the sting out of insect bites and skin abrasions, the latter prescribing
an infusion of vinegar and marshmallow seeds for toothache.
