Botanical Oracle: Marshmallow, Althaea officinalis
Marshmallow is an extremely common herb you will find in almost every herbalist pharmacy. The roots, leaves, and flowers of this plant are all used in herbal medicine, and its use goes back for centuries.
At times, it has been used for medicinal purposes, like a stomachache, but has also used for enjoyment in sweet wine and even those fluffy marshmallows we enjoy today – though it is no longer used in your everyday grocery marshmallow. Usually, though, you will find this herb in a tincture or tea for gastritis, digestive disorders, or used as a mild laxative.
This herb is also used as a soothing herb for conditions such as dry coughs, inflamed skin, bronchitis, and asthma and the flowers assist in wound healing. This herb can also be used as an antioxidant. There is quite a bit of research on this medicinal herb and most of the research has proven that is a very strong anti-inflammatory. This plant can also be taken long term, which is another great trait!
In their Hedgewitch Botanical Oracle Cards, Siolo Thompson attributes the word adversity to the marshmallow plant. She states that this plant thrives in difficult situations, never seeming to let weather or other conditions get in its way.
When I chose this card this morning, I breathed a sigh of relief. Not because I was looking forward to adversity today, but because I knew I was feeling a sense of adversity in my gut already, and it's nice when the universe agrees with your gut.
The year 2020 was the Year of Global Adversity. We've had to stand up for ourselves, and we've had to be resourceful in ways we never thought we would have to be. COVID-19 has become a synonym for adversity.
I find the irony of adversity and COVID-19 being chosen with the plant marshmallow hilarious. In 2020, I've had more clients come in for stomach issues than anything else. Most of these stomach issues have been caused by stress and anxiety.
So, for me, marshmallow is the herb to get us out of 2021. For me it's been COVID, a divorce, business issues, and personal relationship issues. My middle name right now is Adversity.
If you’re looking for a little direction or just want to enjoy these beautifully illustrated cards by Siolo Thompson, you can grab your own Botanical Oracle deck by clicking here. This is a great set of oracle cards if you are a lover of plants, plus I love her spirituality and inspirations about self-realization.
What does adversity mean for you? How are you handling the adversity 2020 left us with? Share below!
