Marshmallow is a perennial plant that is native to Africa and now cultivated as an ornamental around the world due its attractive foliage and flowers. While the latter are consumed in salads or are cooked as vegetables, the root of the plant is harvested to produce flavoring extracts and a confection developed by the ancient Egyptians that closely resembles the fluffy treat we call marshmallows today.

Marshmallow root has long been valued for its high mucilage content. While the root makes a pleasant and soothing tea and ingredient in throat lozenges, the emollient qualities of the herb are captured in ointments, salves and creams for troubled skin.