D.I.Y: Marshmallow Root Marshmallows

This is one of my favorite go-to recipes during the winter months for sore, irritated throats. They are simple to make and oh so delicious!  This recipe is the first of several in my upcoming Winter Medicine Chest series.

Caution: Marshmallow root has been shown to inhibit the absorption of medications. Please talk to your doctor if you are taking diabetic medication, or any medication, before using marshmallow root.

Marshmallow Root Marshmallows
This recipe was originally found on An Organic Wife, but it is no longer available.
Makes 50-60 1″ marshmallows

1 c water
1 Tbsp ground/shredded Marshmallow root*
4 Tbsp gelatin (4 packets of Knolls)
1 c honey

Optional add ins:
1/4-1/2 tsp cinnamon
2 tsp vanilla

Special Tools:
Candy Thermometer
Fine Metal Sieve (Strainer)

Line a 9×9 or 9×13 pan with parchment paper. Grease the parchment with non-flavored oil (no olive oil). This is just to aid in removing it later.

In a small pot, bring water to a boil and add marshmallow root. Turn the heat down and simmer for 5 minutes.  If the marshmallow root stays in one spot, just give it a little stir. Strain through a fine metal sieve. Pour 1/2 of the liquid into a stand mixer and set it aside.

Wipe out the pot and return it to the stove.  On medium heat, pour the remaining half into the pot and add the honey to it. Gently stir it until the marshmallow liquid and honey combine, then leave it be. You want the mixture to reach 240-250 degrees. No matter what, do not turn up the heat. Just let it sit. The mixture can take up to 20-30 minutes to reach the correct temperature.

While the marshmallow and honey are doing their thing, add the gelatin to the bowl of marshmallow “tea”.  When the honey mixture reaches temps, turn the mixer on low and slowly pour the reserved marshmallow mixture into the gelatin. Mix until combined and then turn on high. Beat until soft white peaks begin to form. This should take 5-10 minutes. (At this stage, you can add vanilla or cinnamon to the marshmallows if you wish. Vanilla has been shown to aid in digestion and have a calming effect on the body. Cinnamon is a warming herb that can help soothe sore throats and stimulate the appetite. Stir for just a few more moments to incorporate your add-ins.)

Spread the mixture onto the parchment-lined pan. Cover with a clean towel and let it sit for 8 hours.  If your family is in need now and can’t wait, you can scoop out a teaspoon and let them suck on it. You can also stir it into a warm beverage.

After 8 hours uncover and lift the parchment paper out of the pan, setting it on the counter. Using a greased knife, cut them into 1″ squares. Dust the marshmallows with ground cinnamon or cocoa powder to keep them from sticking to each other. Store in an airtight container on the counter for a week or in the freezer for months. To use frozen, just take them out and plop them into your mouth and suck or drop it into your favorite warm drink. Try to resist the temptation to chew on them as the marshmallow needs to come into contact with the skin in the back of your throat for it to help soothe it.

Below is the recommended dosing for children 2 and up. If a child receives one or two more than the recommendation that is okay. Please note that these marshmallows contain honey. Please use your discretion with children under the age of 2.

Dosing:
2yr-5yr: 1/4-1/2 a marshmallow up to 6 time a day
5+: 1 marshmallow up to 6 times a day.

*Marshmallow root can be purchased from your local apothecary or online at Mountain Rose Herbs.