It is believed that the marshmallow plant has been used to create herbal remedies since Ancient Egyptian times. The plant itself takes its name from the Greek world altho, which roughly translates as "to heal." The root of the marshmallow plant is very rich in sugar, and herbalists consider the plant to be very mucilaginous. The mucilaginous nature of the plant is thought to make the tissues soften. The leaves of the marshmallow plant are often used as an expectorant. It is also known as a soothing tonic for the urinary system. The leaves and the root of the marshmallow plant are both know as a vegetable. The marshmallow plant is actually just one plant in a large family of mallow plants. All the plant members of the mallow family are thought to contain more or less the same healing properties.

Herbalists believe that the flowers of the marshmallow plant are a natural expectorant. The leaves of the marshmallow plant are believed to act as an expectorant, a demulcent or a diuretic. Meanwhile, the roots of the marshmallow plant are also thought of as an expectorant, a demulcent, a diuretic, and are thought to heal wounds. Herbalists as moist often describe the character of the marshmallow plant, slightly sweet, and cool. The marshmallow plant is believed to contain many constituents. The flowers contain flavonoids and mucilage, and the leaves contain coumarin, salicylic acid, phenolic acid, as well as mucilage and flavonoids. The root of the marshmallow plant also contains mucilage, as well as asparagines, tannins, and polysaccharides.