MARSHMALLOW ROOT

Benefits

• Naturally rich in soothing plant mucilage
• Traditionally used to support throat and digestive comfort
• Helps hydrate and soften dry hair
• Provides natural slip for detangling
• Can help soothe dry or sensitive-feeling skin
• Suitable for herbal, haircare, and skincare preparations

Uses

• Herbal tea and cold infusions
• Hair rinses and detangling treatments
• Hydrating hair mists
• Soothing skin rinses and compresses
• DIY shampoos, conditioners, creams, and lotions
• Herbal blends with other suitable Hambelela Organic herbs

How to Use

For Tea or Herbal Infusion

Add 1–2 teaspoons of Marshmallow Root to approximately 250 ml of cool or room-temperature water. Cover and allow it to cold-infuse for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Cold infusion is preferred because it helps extract the natural mucilage. Strain thoroughly before drinking. The infusion can be taken as it is or gently warmed before use.

It may also be combined with suitable herbs available from Hambelela Organic, such as Hibiscus or Ashwagandha.

For Hair

Add approximately 1–2 tablespoons of Marshmallow Root to 250–500 ml of cool water. Leave covered for 4 hours or overnight, then strain thoroughly.

Use the strained infusion as:

• A final hair rinse
• A detangling treatment
• A hydrating hair mist
• A liquid ingredient in DIY conditioners or hair treatments

Apply to damp hair and work through gently. The slightly slippery feel is natural and comes from the mucilage that makes Marshmallow Root especially useful for detangling and conditioning.

For Skin

Prepare a cold infusion using approximately 1–2 teaspoons per cup of water and strain thoroughly.

Use as:

• A soothing facial or body rinse
• A hydrating toner
• A compress for dry-feeling skin
• A water-phase ingredient in properly formulated skincare products

For DIY Cosmetic Formulations

The strained Marshmallow Root infusion can be incorporated into shampoos, conditioners, hair masks, creams, lotions, and hydrating sprays.

Because herbal infusions contain water and plant material, any formulation intended for storage should use an appropriate broad-spectrum cosmetic preservative. Suitable cosmetic raw materials, conditioning agents, oils, and preservatives are also available from Hambelela Organic.

Fresh Infusion Storage

Prepare small amounts at a time. Refrigerate freshly prepared infusion in a clean, closed container and use promptly. Discard if the smell, colour, texture, or appearance changes.

Safety

• Do not exceed the recommended amount.
• Consult a healthcare professional before internal use if pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication, or managing a medical condition.
• Marshmallow Root may affect the absorption of some oral medicines, so medicines should be taken separately where appropriate.
• Discontinue use if irritation or an adverse reaction occurs.
• Keep out of reach of children.

Specifications

• Botanical name: Althaea officinalis
• Common name: Marshmallow Root
• Appearance: Light beige to pale brown root pieces
• Flavour: Mild, earthy, and slightly woody
• Preparation: Best cold-infused
• Suitable for: Herbal tea, haircare, skincare, and cosmetic formulation
• Available from: Hambelela Organic, Windhoek, Namibia
• Delivery: Available across Namibia
• Storage: Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep tightly sealed.