FAQs
FAQs
What is Marshmallow Leaf?
Dried leaves of the marshmallow plant, Althaea officinalis. A gentle, mucilage‑rich botanical used in traditional European herbalism.
How does it taste?
Mellow, soft and slightly green with a subtle sweetness — easy to blend with lemon balm, peppermint or licorice.
Cold vs warm infusion?
Cold keeps mucilage at its best (30–60 min). Warm infusion is faster (70–80 °C, 10–15 min). Avoid boiling.
How much do I use?
Common kitchen measure is 1–2 tsp per 250 ml water. Adjust to taste.
Can I sweeten it?
Yes — honey, lemon or ginger are traditional companions.
Is it caffeine‑free?
Yes, naturally caffeine‑free.
Suitable for vegans?
Yes. 100% plant ingredient, no additives.
Additives or irradiation?
No — non‑irradiated, simply cut & sifted leaf.
How should I store it?
Cool, dry, dark. Reseal the pouch after opening.
Shelf life?
Best within 18–24 months. See best‑before date and batch code on pack.
What sizes do you sell?
1 kg, 6 kg and 12 kg.
Blending ideas?
Popular partners: licorice, mullein, thyme, calendula, plantain.
Leaf vs Root?
Different plant parts; root is denser/sweeter, leaf is lighter for daily infusions.
Any allergens?
Packed in an environment that handles herbal botanicals only.
Organic status?
High‑spec sourcing; certified organic lots labelled when available.
Do you lab test?
Representative lots screened for microbiology and heavy metals; COA on request when tested.
What is a COA?
Certificate of Analysis confirming test results for a batch/lot.
Packed where?
In the UK, with batch coding and traceability.
Non‑irradiated meaning?
No ionising radiation used for preservation.
International shipping?
Yes — tracked options. Local duties/VAT may apply.
Change‑of‑mind returns?
Unopened items within 30 days. See Shipping & Returns.
Quality issue?
Contact support — we’ll replace or refund quickly.
During pregnancy?
Educational info only; please consult a qualified professional.
Is this a medicine?
No — a food/botanical ingredient. Traditional‑use information only.
Safe for children?
Consult a qualified professional before giving botanicals to children.
Batch brewing?
Make a larger batch, refrigerate and consume within 24–48 hours.
Best vessel?
Glass or stainless steel; avoid reactive metals.
Cut grade?
Consistent loose cut/sift for easy infusion and straining.
Tea bags?
We specialise in loose leaf; tea‑bag options under review.
Wholesale MOQ?
Typically 6 kg (one sack). Email trade@mallowsource.com.
Lead time?
Ex‑stock dispatch 1–2 working days; larger volumes by arrangement.
Private label?
Neutral labels or custom packs available on request.
PO Boxes?
Depends on carrier — contact us before ordering.
Payment methods?
Cards and PayPal supported.
Subscriptions?
We can set up repeat ordering if requested.
Support?
support@mallowsource.com — include your order number.
Is marshmallow leaf legal to buy?
Yes — it’s a permitted botanical ingredient in the UK. We sell it as a food/herbal ingredient with no medicinal claims.
How do I make a cold macerate?
Place 1–2 tsp in cool water, cover, steep 30–60 minutes, strain. For stronger mucilage leave 2–4 hours in the fridge.
Warm infusion temperature?
70–80 °C is ideal; boiling can reduce mucilage quality.
Can I blend with black tea?
Yes — it softens the cup and reduces astringency.
Skin compress?
Soak a clean cloth in a cooled infusion and apply to clean skin; patch‑test first.
Can I drink daily?
Many people enjoy daily cups as a gentle botanical; listen to your body and consult a professional if unsure.
Is it bitter?
No — the leaf is mild and mellow.
Is it sweet?
Naturally subtle; add honey if you want more sweetness.
Can I reuse the herbs?
A second shorter infusion is possible but weaker.
Water quality?
Filtered water improves taste clarity.
Why avoid boiling?
Boiling can degrade delicate polysaccharides (mucilage) that give marshmallow its soothing character.
Do you irradiate or fumigate?
No — non‑irradiated and not fumigated; quality preserved by good handling.
Is it smoked/dried with smoke?
No — warm‑air drying only.
Country of origin?
Varies by lot; indicated on the product page or invoice.
How fine is the powder?
We sell loose cut leaf, not powder. Powder available on request for trade.
Do you sell the root?
Leaf specialist for now; root may be added later.
Is packaging recyclable?
Outer materials are recyclable; follow local guidelines.
Compostable packs?
We’re testing compostable options; updates on the product page if in use.
Are there stems in the cut?
Minor stem fragments are natural; we aim for a clean leaf‑forward cut.
Colour variations?
Natural harvest variation occurs; quality checks ensure consistent standard.
What if it tastes weak?
Use a little more herb or extend infusion time.
What if it’s too thick?
Shorten contact time or dilute with water.
Any caffeine withdrawal utility?
It’s naturally caffeine‑free and soothing — many enjoy it as an evening cup.
Suitable for kombucha or syrups?
Yes — for culinary experimentation; keep cold‑chain where appropriate.
Do you sell empty tea bags or strainers?
Accessories will be added based on demand.
