Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Profile: Marshmallow Root
Marshmallow root was widely used in traditional Greek medicine (there are references to marshmallow root in Homer's Iliad) and it is still exceedingly popular today in a multitude of homeopathic remedies. So what's responsible for this enduring love? It can likely be attributed to marshmallow roots many healing properties. When taken internally, marshmallow root acts as a diuretic and also soothes coughs and sore throats. Externally, marshmallow root acts as an anti-inflammatory and helps treat irritations, burns, and sores. The very same inflammation minimizing properties also reduce skin degeneration and cell oxidation, both of which lead to premature aging. But the youth inducing benefits don't stop there - marshmallow root also supports hyaluronic acid levels, which boosts moisture levels in the skin resulting in softer, smoother skin. Pretty impressive.
Even more impressive - the wonders marshmallow root works on hair. Marshmallow root contains a mucousy substance that does not dissolve in water, which causes the root to swell and become slippery. This makes hair shiny and more manageable. In addition, marshmallow root soothes dry scalp conditions.
Here are some of my marshmallow root containing favorites:
Yarok Feed Your Volume Shampoo & Conditioner*: This is my holy grail shampoo and conditioner combination. The last shampoo and/or conditioner I used left my scalp ravaged (we are talking dry, flaky, and bumpy) and Yarok has slowly been returning my scalp to its former, healthy state (thank you marshmallow root!) I can't recommend this highly enough.
de Mamiel Spring Facial Oil 2013*: This is an absolutely lovely, refreshing facial oil. (It smells gorgeous - citrus, spearmint, and sunshine!) The Spring blend features marshmallow root infused in sunflower oil, which helps to heal those pesky skin irritations that always seem to pop up at the start of a new season. Head over heels for this one!
La Bella Figura Healing Facial Steam Tea: I love this mixture for steaming. It's healing as the name suggests and the scent is very relaxing and calming. Just what I need at the end of the day. (I also include marshmallow root in my DIY steaming blend featured here.)
Vered Anti-Aging Face Treatment Oil: This is a truly elegant oil. Crafted by hand, this beautiful mixture of carrier oils, essential oils, and herbs is incredibly nourishing for drier, more mature skin types. I expected to fall in love with Vered's Balancing Oil, but in the end my heart belongs to this oil.
May Lindstrom The Problem Solver: I am literally wearing this mask as I type this. I love everything about it. It is the absolute best clay mask I have ever used. It cleans, degunks, and heals at the same time leaving virtually no irritation behind. May's description of this mask sums it up best - "hero. over-achiever. superstar." (Marshmallow root is also found in The Clean Dirt. I have bored you enough detailing my love for this product. Just know that it's perfect and your life would be better with The Clean Dirt in it.)
*full reviews to come
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