Episode 243: Marshmallow for Heartburn, Sore Throats, and Gut Healing with Amy Boldt

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Episode Summary

Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) is one of those plants that can be easy to overlook. It’s gentle, pleasant, and uncomplicated—but that simplicity is exactly what makes it so useful.

In this episode, Amy Boldt and I explore what makes marshmallow such a versatile plant ally, along with some of the ways she has come to work with it over the years, from cold infusions to adding the powdered root to food, and even old-fashioned marshmallow candy! We discuss marshmallow’s moistening, demulcent qualities, and why it has such a strong affinity for soothing hot, irritated tissues throughout the body.

Amy also shares her recipe for Marshmallow Root Electuary Balls, a winter staple in her apothecary perfect for soothing a dry, irritated throat. Download your beautifully illustrated recipe card from the  section below!

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

► How marshmallow’s gifts can benefit your GI tract from top to bottom

► Why many herbalists prefer working with marshmallow as a cold infusion rather than a hot tea

► What the taste and consistency of your marshmallow infusion might tell you about the quality and freshness of the root

► Why marshmallow’s moistening qualities make it less appropriate for certain kinds of coughs

► How growing some of your own herbs can help you to become a better herbalist

► and so much more…

For those of you who don’t know her, Amy started her journey on the path to herbalism having been inspired by self-sufficiency. Her interest in medicinal plants and foraging led her to the Maryland University of Integrative Health (now Notre Dame of MD University) where she earned a Masters of Science in Therapeutic Herbalism. Since graduating from MUIH Amy has become a Registered Herbalist with the AHG and is one of Margi Flint’s Legacy Teachers. Amy also has a private practice as a clinical herbalist specializing in sleep, anxiety, and digestive-related issues, and grows many of the herbs she uses on her herb farm in Westminster, MD. When not seeing clients, she can be found teaching classes in local community spaces, as well as at a number of herb schools and community colleges.

I’m delighted to share our conversation with you today!

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 Amy:

• Website | TheWildWomanMedicine.com
• Instagram | @the_wild_woman_medicine
• Facebook | Wild Woman Medicine

What You'll Learn from This Episode

• [1:09] Intro to Amy Boldt + her plant path
• [7:48] Advice for people wanting to make a living with herbalism
• [12:09] The versatility of marshmallow
• [13:27] Marshmallow for the nervous system and digestion
• [14:54] Growing marshmallow
• [16:28] Gooey, silky, velvety: the tactile aspect of marshmallow
• [19:27] Medicinal benefits of and herbal preparations for marshmallow root
• [29:59] Marshmallow Root Electuary Balls recipe
• [33:58] Making marshmallows from real marshmallow root
• [36:40] Special considerations for working with marshmallow root alongside medication
• [39:02] Amy’s herbal offerings
• [47:24] How working with herbs has changed the way Amy sees the world 
• [52:06] Herbal tidbit

Get Your Free Recipe Download!

-- TIMESTAMPS -- 

• 00:29 - Intro to Amy Boldt + her plant path
• 07:18 - Advice for people wanting to make a living with herbalism
• 11:43 - The versatility of marshmallow
• 13:04 - Marshmallow for the nervous system and digestion
• 14:34 - Growing marshmallow
• 16:10 - Gooey, silky, velvety: the tactile aspect of marshmallow
• 19:09 - Medicinal benefits of and herbal preparations for marshmallow root
• 30:02 - Marshmallow Root Electuary Balls recipe
• 34:08 - Making marshmallows from real marshmallow root
• 36:53 - Special considerations for working with marshmallow root alongside medication
• 39:20 - Amy’s herbal offerings
• 47:48 - How working with herbs has changed the way Amy sees the world
• 52:32 - 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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