Marshmallow: The Other Bulking Herb

Marshmallow is the plant the candy was originally named after, back when the confection was actually made from the root. The candy moved on. The plant stayed useful.

What it is

Althaea officinalis is a tall perennial that grows in marshes and damp ground, hence the name. Soft grey-green leaves, pale pink flowers. It has been cultivated for a very long time across Europe and western Asia.

Taste and smoke

Slightly sweet and earthy, and mild enough that it rarely leads. The smoke is soft. Like mullein, its value is less about flavor than about what it does for the roll.

Why blenders use it

Marshmallow is a bulking herb. Mild flavor and gentle smoke make it a good base, letting sharper herbs come through without being smothered. If you're mixing your own, it's one of the two herbs worth keeping around in quantity, the other being mullein.

If you're building on a marshmallow base, lavender adds a floral top note, mint brightens it, and damiana brings sweetness and body. Start with small amounts of the loud herb and work up. It's easier to add than to fix.

In our blends

Marshmallow is in Lunar, with blue cornflower, blue lotus, hops, raspberry leaf and red clover. Also as a loose blend.

Tea Tokes blends are tobacco-free and nicotine-free. 21+.