Episode 211: Marshmallow for Gut, Throat, and Tissue Support with Maria Noël Groves

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Episode Summary

In a world obsessed with stimulation and strength, what can this gentle, velvety herb teach us about healing?

In this episode, herbalist and prolific author Maria Noël Groves joins me to discuss one of the most soothing herbs around—the lovely marshmallow (Althaea officinalis). Together we explore what makes this mucilaginous (read: velvety, not slimy!) herb such a powerful ally for irritated and inflamed tissues—especially in the gut, where marshmallow helps to protect, moisten, and nourish while also supporting the microbiome.

Maria shares why she’s fallen so deeply in love with this soft, soothing herb, and how it works without being forceful or stimulating. She also includes a recipe for a cozy, delicious beverage to soothe not just the gut, but also the spirit—her Creamy Marshmallow-Nutmeg Overnight Infusion. You can download your beautifully-illustrated recipe card from the section below.

By the end of this episode, you’ll know:

► The importance of tasting and experiencing an herb in different ways

► How best to prepare marshmallow root (and why this is a point of contention among herbalists!)

► When marshmallow leaf and flower might be a better medicinal choice than the roots 

► Why Maria includes marshmallow leaf in most of her tea blends

► How marshmallow can help heal your digestion—from cooling inflamed tissues to feeding your gut microbiome (and more!)

► When to use caution with taking marshmallow

► and so much more…

For those of you who don’t know her, Maria Noël Groves is a clinical herbalist nestled in the pine forests of New Hampshire. She runs Wintergreen Botanicals, and is devoted to education and empowerment via classes, health consultations, and writing with the foundational belief that good health grows in nature. Maria is the author of the award-winning, best-selling book Body into Balance: An Herbal Guide to Holistic Self Care, as well as Grow Your Own Herbal Remedies, Herbal Remedies for Sleep, and the new Herbal Gut Health.

Marshmallow offers an important reminder that some of the most profound healing comes not from pushing harder, but from learning how to soften. I hope this conversation with Maria inspires you to give your body the care, protection, and nourishment it needs in the new year and beyond.

Would you prefer reading this episode? If so, click here to download a transcript.

Would you prefer watching this episode? If so, scroll down below.

Connect with Maria:

• Website | WintergreenBotanicals.com
• Instagram | @marianoelgroves 
• Facebook | Wintergreen Botanicals

What You'll Learn from This Episode

• [1:09] Introduction to Maria Noël Groves
• [2:28] Maria’s time studying with Michael Moore
• [5:54] Maria’s role with the American Herbalist Guild
• [11:16] Why Maria loves marshmallow
• [14:11] Marshmallow for dryness, irritation, and inflammation
• [17:11] Marshmallow for the gut microbiome
• [18:00] How to prepare marshmallow root
• [22:29] Benefits of marshmallow leaves and flowers
• [26:20] Marshmallow for gut dysbiosis
• [30:48] Considerations when taking marshmallow alongside pharmaceuticals
• [34:32] Creamy Marshmallow-Nutmeg Overnight Infusion recipe
• [42:30] Growing and harvesting marshmallow
• [44:45] Maria’s latest book, Herbal Gut Health
• [55:22] What Maria includes in her herbal first aid kit
• [59:52] Student spotlight
• [1:01:03] Herbal tidbit

Get Your Free Recipe Download!

-- TIMESTAMPS -- 

• 00:21 - Introduction to Maria Noël Groves
• 01:42 - Maria’s time studying with Michael Moore
• 05:14 - Maria’s role with the American Herbalist Guild
• 10:40 - Why Maria loves marshmallow
• 13:38 - Marshmallow for dryness, irritation, and inflammation
• 16:42 - Marshmallow for the gut microbiome
• 17:31 - How to prepare marshmallow root
• 22:03 - Benefits of marshmallow leaves and flowers
• 25:58 - Marshmallow for gut dysbiosis
• 30:30 - Considerations when taking marshmallow alongside pharmaceuticals
• 34:15 - Creamy Marshmallow-Nutmeg Overnight Infusion recipe
• 42:16 - Growing and harvesting marshmallow
• 44:31 - Maria’s latest book, Herbal Gut Health
• 55:19 - What Maria includes in her herbal first aid kit
• 59:49 - Student spotlight
• 1:01:00 - Herbal tidbit

Connect with Rosalee

• On Instagram | @rosaleedelaforet

• On Facebook | Herbs With Rosalee
• On YouTube | Herbs With Rosalee

• Website | herbswithrosalee.com


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