Since launching our Soothe & Repair shampoo, the question we are asked most frequently is why one of the main ingredients that we use is marshmallow.
“Surely a sticky white, sugary blob cannot help our pets?”
Well, one of those types of marshmallows certainly won’t benefit them, although they will probably enjoy it.
The marshmallow we are talking about is the marshmallow plant – and in our case, more specifically the root of this plant - and we use it because there are so many beneficial reasons to champion this humble natural ingredient when it comes to caring for your pet.
So, what actually is Marshmallow?
It is an herbaceous perennial indigenous to Europe, Western Asia and Northern Africa. It is a pretty plant with lilac/pink flowers with purple stamens and soft delicate leaves. Its official botanical name is Althaea officinalis, and the leaves, flowers and root have played a part in herbal medicine for centuries. Its use is reflected in the name of the genus which come from the Greek - althainein - “to heal”.
Yes, parts of the plant were originally used to create a sweet treat that over time became known as a marshmallow, however, nowadays, marshmallows have evolved to have forgotten about the plant entirely.
Benefits and Uses
The good news is, the plant’s benefits have not been marred by the changing of time. It is a demulcent plant, meaning it contains a sap-like substance called mucilage. This mucilage is where all the goodness lies – it is anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, an antioxidant, an analgesic, a diuretic and an expectorant.
When this mucilage comes into contact with water it creates a kind of gel-like substance and this gel can coat the digestive tract to reduce inflammation helping with conditions such as diarrhoea, constipation, IBD, leaky gut, nausea and acid reflux. Similarly, this magical gel can coat the respiratory tract helping to relieve coughs and other respiratory ailments. It can also create a protective coating over skin to reduce inflammation and relieve irritation. Its diuretic properties mean it can help with urinary issues too. All while providing pain relief, soothing inflamed tissue and protecting the body against the growth of pathogenic bacteria.
This is why it is our go-to ingredient for its myriad of health benefits whether applied topically or ingested. And why we have decided to add it as an extra active ingredient in our existing flea treatments as well as include it in our new range of mobility supplements and dental and digestive powders – all currently in development.
It really is a little plant with big benefits!