 Please join me again in circle, as we, in gratitude, open ourselves to receive the wisdom of dear M a r s h m a l l o w . As we dance in the blessings of recently passed L u g h n a s a d h, we have officially entered the joyous and abundant energy of the harvest season. The first of three fire festivals, Lughnasadh is a celebration of the ever so subtle shifts toward the autumn. Ever so slowly, energy is starting to slow down, and move inward. Many plants are starting to now put their energy into the next generation by producing seeds or fruits. Even more still, some plants are now starting to focus on bolstering their root, anticipating the cold dark stillness of the winter to come. During the time of Lughnasadh, we step into and acknowledge our relationship with abundance energy. In nature, abundance is celebrated; even more still, it is critical to vitality. For when we acknowledge only scarcity, as we often do in our culture, we lose sight of the importance of interconnections, of community, and of support. At this time may we remember, there is always enough to go around, it is our own construction of systems that have us believing otherwise, or that even create scarcity, and may we remember and awaken to the celebration of our own abundance in our lives. We deserve abundance, each and every one of us.  Calling upon M a r s h m a l l o w Sweet Marshmallow, with it's pillow-y leaves and rising stalks, and delicate purple flowers that snuggle bumblebees close, I invite your presence and spirit to join us in this circle, so that we may receive your teachings, your wisdom, and your medicine with deep gratitude. Marshmallow, of which the leaves, flowers, and root are used for medicine and healing, actually used to be the plant that was utilized to make the marshmallows we have come to enjoy around a campfire. Incredibly enough, this practice goes as far back as ancient Egypt, 2000 years ago, when Marshmallow grew as a wild herb in the marshes. Through a process of extracting the sap from the plant and combining it with a honey-based recipe, a decadent and sacred treat was created so special it was reserved for royalty and the divine. Moving forward, in the 1800s is when we see the first remnants of what we are most familiar with today. At this time, French candymakers modified the recipe to combine Marshmallow sap with whipped egg whites and sugar, resulting in the fluffy and delightful white puffs we enjoy to this day. In modern times, marshmallows are no longer made from the sap of this herb, and have since been replaced with gelatin, however, there is much to thank this plant for, and much medicine she offers.
The word that often is associated with dear Marshmallow is s o o t h e. We call upon her as an ally when we have tissues and membranes that are inflamed, dry, and sore. She brings gentle moisture and ease to the tender and irritated linings and organs of our internal body. This includes lungs that have been fighting dry, persistent coughs, our throat when it is sore and our voice is hoarse, and even our gastrointestinal tract when it is inflamed as a result of such conditions or dis-eases as gastritis, ulcers, or colitis. Marshmallow is an ally of the gut, helping to promote digestion, and even dousing the flames associated with heartburn. Her energetics are cooling and moistening, and can even serve as a support for chronic conditions such as Crohn's. She also brings support and vitality to the microbiome of our gut, as she is a nourishing source of prebiotics for the beneficial bacteria that aid in the processing of our meals. She also has nutritive properties, and can be considered a wild edible (even in the less noticed, smaller species of mallow we often disregard as a simple weed in our yard), and one it is likely some our ancestors once depended on for nourishment. On our external bodies, Marshmallow can be called upon as an ally in the form of a poultice, salve, or simple infused oil to help ease irritations and abrasions of the skin, particularly those caused by excess dryness. While the aerial parts may be utilized and enjoyed, the revered part of the Marshmallow plant for medicinal use is the root. There is something incredibly special about plants that provide medicine from their root. This is the ultimate lesson in the dance with Sacred Death and sacrifice in the name of community care. When we harvest the root, we harvest the ultimate vitality of the plant; such a harvest means the plant often exists no more. We must take extra tender care and express utmost gratitude and humility for the root beings, and this oh so sacred medicine - for the plant sacrifices itself so that we may be nourished. Use of roots also brings us into intimate communion and awareness of our state of groundedness, and awakens the part of our internal self that needs attention and awareness. Roots also help us to come into relationship with our shadow self, or the part of us that may lie "underneath," and yet has such a profound impact on our surface selves. Marshmallow root can be enjoyed in a unique way that is different from the way we enjoy infusions of most herbs. Marshmallow root's demulcent properties - what gives the herb it's watery, cooling, and soothing gelatinous quality - are best extracted in a cold infusion versus a hot one. Allow the roots to soak in a gentle slumber of cool water overnight, and sit with her the next morning. Thank her for her sacrifice, and for the opportunity to know her on such a deep level, and for the soothing and calming she will bring to your body. Listen to the wisdom she brings, and the guidance of her teachings. What beautiful message does Marshmallow have for you, dear ones? Feel free to share in the community comments below, and may we continue to learn from one another. Happy dancing, S h a y l e References: Bennett, Robin Rose. The Gift of Healing Herbs: Plant Medicines and Home Remedies for a Vibrantly Healthy Life. 2014. North Atlantic Books. Campfire. History of the Marshmallow. Campfire Marshmallows. 2022. Retrieved from: https://www.campfiremarshmallows.com/history-of-marshmallows/
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