Marshmallow Marshmallow A marshmallow is a sugar-based confectionery that in its modern form typically consists of sugar, water and gelatin whipped to a squishy consistency, molded into small cylindrical pieces, and coated with corn starch. Some marshmallow recipes call for eggs. This is the modern version of a medicinal confection made from "Althaea officinalis", the marshmallow plant. The word "marshmallow" comes from the mallow plant species ("Althaea officinalis"), an herb native to parts of Europe, North Africa, and Asia which grows in marshes and other damp areas. The plant's stem and leaves are fleshy and its white flower has five petals.
Stachys officinalis Stachys officinalis Stachys officinalis is commonly known as common hedgenettle, betony, purple betony, wood betony, bishopwort, or bishop's wort. The French common name is "betoine", and "Betonie" in German. It is a perennial grassland herb growing to 1 to 2 feet tall. Pliny (25, 8, 46, § 84) calls the plant both "betonica" and "vettonica", claiming that the Vettones used it as a herbal medicine. The word "stachys" comes from the Greek, meaning "an ear of grain," and refers to the fact that the inflorescence is often a spike. "Stachys officinalis" is a perennial grassland herb growing to 30 to