Long before marshmallows were made with gelatin, French confectioners whipped the sweet sap of this root with sugar and egg whites into pâte de guimauve.
Origin & Traditional Use
Althaea officinalis is a tall, velvety-leaved mallow of salt marshes and damp ground across Europe and western Asia. Its roots turn slippery with mucilage when soaked.
They were traditionally used in syrups and lozenges for the throat.
Uses by Tradition
Witchcraft & Folk Magick
- Spirit offering: set a dish of the root on the altar or ancestor shrine to draw good spirits.
- Psychic incense: burn a little on charcoal before divination to open the inner senses.
- Protection: carry a piece in a pocket or sachet for general protection.
A Simple Working
- Set out marshmallow root, a small dish, a glass of water and a white chime candle on your ancestor altar.
- Place the root in the dish beside the glass of water.
- Light the candle and name your ancestors aloud.
- Burn a small pinch of the root on charcoal if you wish.
- Sit quietly and note any impressions, dreams or signs over the following days.
- After a week, return the root to the earth and refresh the water.
Pairs Well With
- Mugwort: for divination and spirit sight.
- Frankincense: a classic offering smoke for spirits.
- Myrrh: deepens ancestor and spirit work.
- Lavender: for peace at the altar.
- White chime candle: the usual light for the dead.
Lore & History
The genus name Althaea comes from the Greek for healing, and mallows were grown and eaten as greens across the ancient Mediterranean.
Herbals of magick assign it to the Moon and to Water, as befits a plant of the marshes.
What You Receive
Cut dried marshmallow root, available in 1 oz, 2 oz and 1 lb.
Did You Know?
Marshmallow belongs to the mallow family, which also includes hibiscus, hollyhock, okra and cotton.
| Weight | N/A |
|---|---|
| Size | 1 oz, 2 oz, 1 lb |
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