Marshmallow!  That gooey whit stuff kids put on peanut butter sandwiches!  That's a healing herb?

    No, sorry kids.  That stuff is imitation marshmallow.  It doesn't contain any of the real herb anymore.  I'm talking about the actual plant.  Real marshmallow is a plant found in swampy areas.  The roots, when boiled, produce a thick goo that was mixed with sugar and other ingredients to made the real marshmallow desert.  For health purposes though, it's usually taken in capsule form.  
    Marshmallow is used by herbologists to treat ulcers and other stomach and intestinal problems.  the gooey mucilage of marshmallow creates a soothing, protective coating.  It has a calming effect on the body and is also used as an expectorant.  It can also sooth a sore or scratchy throat.  It is also used to treat kidney stone and urinary tract problems.
    Romans and Greeks ate the flowers of the plant as a preventive tonic.  The gel created when the roots are boiled can be used to treat dry hands and dry hair.