Marshmallow root, scientifically known as Althaea officinalis, is a perennial species native to Europe, Western Asia, and Northern Africa. This plant has a history that stretches back for thousands of years, with records of its use in ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman civilizations. They prized it not only for its sweet taste, which inspired today's confectionery marshmallow, but also for its holistic and medicinal properties. Holistically, marshmallow root is believed to balance and soothe the body, often being integrated into Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine practices. Health-wise, marshmallow root is rich in mucilage, a gelatinous substance that can coat and soothe the mucous membranes. This makes it particularly beneficial for alleviating digestive issues, soothing sore throats, and reducing coughs. For the skin, marshmallow root offers impressive moisturizing properties. Its high mucilage content forms a protective barrier on the skin, retaining moisture and reducing inflammation. As a result, marshmallow root extract is often found in skincare products formulated for sensitive or inflamed skin, promoting hydration, reducing redness, and supporting the skin's natural healing processes.