Marshmallow plant- What do I do with it?

I started some marshmallow from seed last year and it is growing very nicely this year but ... What do I do with this thing now?

I'm a very, very beginner when it comes to herbalism. Like I can make some basic herbal teas and I can chew up a plantain leaf to make a police, and that's all! 😆

Most of what I've found online is what to use marshmallow for but not how to get from the actual plant to that usage.

What parts do I harvest at what time? And then what?

Have any of you ever made marshmallow candy from actual marshmallow? I've made the candy before with gelatin and sugar and it's probably nothing like using the sap from the plant.

According to what I have seen here on the forum, the root is what is used.

https://permies.com/t/133783/kitchen/Marshmallow-althaea-officinalis-steep-temperature

There is even some PEP/PEA BB for marshmallow root. Here are a few:

https://permies.com/wiki/152249/pep-natural-medicine/PEP-BB-medicine-sand-drymarshmallow

https://permies.com/wiki/169408/marshmallow-root-infusion-tea-PEA

https://permies.com/wiki/169252/marshmallow-root-salve-PEA-BB

Thank you Anne! I will have to check out the PEPs for it. I hate to dig up the root. It's such a gigantic beautiful plant!

So I ask Mr. Google specifically about using the leaves and yes, you can.

This company is one I have seen recommended on the forum:

A member of the mucilage containing Malvaceae family, Althaea officinalis has been consumed for millennia as an edible food and used for its gentle, soothing properties. Our marshmallow leaf is organically cultivated in the United States. Marshmallow leaves can be used topically in skin care recipes, blended into herbal syrups, or infused as marshmallow tea.

https://mountainroseherbs.com/marshmallow-leaf

Enjoy and let us know how the tea tastes!

Jenny Wright wrote:Thank you Anne! I will have to check out the PEPs for it. I hate to dig up the root. It's such a gigantic beautiful plant!

According to Ken Fern: Althaea officinalis an established plant can be propagated by division in Autumn or Spring like many other herbaceous perennials. So this means you can "have your plant and eat it too" if you like! Ken's advice is generally based on his experience in Cornwall UK, which is mild and damp, so take into account your own climate area when attempting to divide your plant if you decide to do so.

Marshmallow is a perennial that can be divided in fall.  If your plant is very big you can harvest part of the root then.  Even if you only want to use the leaves it is still a great way to multiply the number of plants you have.  I do this regularly with my ornamental plants.

Anne Miller wrote:

https://mountainroseherbs.com/marshmallow-leaf

Enjoy and let us know how the tea tastes!

That website had a lot of helpful info! Sounds like we can try all the parts of the plant safely.

Nancy Reading wrote:... an established plant can be propagated by division in Autumn or Spring like many other herbaceous perennials. So this means you can "have your plant and eat it too" if you like! Ken's advice is generally based on his experience in Cornwall UK, which is mild and damp, so take into account your own climate area when attempting to divide your plant if you decide to do so.

We are mild and damp in the PNW so that's probably good advice for me. I'll have to put a reminder in my calendar to take a look at it around October/November. And take photos for a PEP too.