Althaea officinalis: marshmallows.

Newsgroups: alt.folklore.herbs
Subject: Re: marshmallow root
From: Bronwyn <bronwyn.globalserve.net>
Date: Mon, 03 Jan 2000 23:33:29 -0500

> Does anyone have a recipe for the original marshmallow made with the root of marshmallow plant? The newer recipes all use gelatin to thicken, but my grandfather made marshmallows with a glutinous paste from marshmallow root. I have searched the web for this, but have not found it.

This is taken from Dian Dincin Buchman's "Herbal Medicine" (I've been meaning to try these out, so tell me how it goes). The only problem in my eyes is that it contains an awful lot of refined sugar. Perhaps someone could suggest a replacement?

*be sure the roots are good quality - no mold and be sure they aren't old or "woody"*

4 tbsp. marshmallow roots
28 tbsp. refined sugar
20 tbsp. gum tragacanth (or gum arabic)
Water of orange flowers (for aroma, or instead of plain water)
2 cups water
1-2 egg whites, beaten

"Make a tea of marshmallow roots by simmering in a pint of water for twenty to thirty minutes. Add additional water if it simmers down. Strain out the roots. Heat the gum and marshmallow decoction (water) in a double boiler until they are dissolved together. Strain with pressure. Sirt in the sugar as quickly as possible. When dissolved, add the well-beaten egg white(s), stirring constantly, but take off the fire and continue to stir. Lay out on a flat surface. Let cool, and cut into smaller pieces."

Good luck!

Bronwyn