All the mallow family contains mucilage, a gummy substance which is emollient. This means it is soothing and softening to irritated or inflamed surfaces so it is used internally to smooth inflamed passages in chest complaints and externally on irritated skins, even to soothe inflamed eyes. Marsh mallow has the highest percentage of mucilage in the family and its root can yield half its weight in mucilage. Collect in August and September from plants at least two years old. Marsh mallow roots do not yield all their desirable principles to boiling water so in many recipes they are soaked in cold water or boiled in wine or oil. To make a marsh mallow infusion for rough skin: soak crushed root pieces in cold water for 8 hours, then strain and use the liquid. This infusion of mallow can be applied as a compress for rough and chapped hands, dry skin, dry hair and sunburn.
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