Marshmallow root, or Althaea officinalis, is a flowering plant that has played a role in herbal medicine for centuries. Marshmallow root comes from the marshmallow plant and looks like a brown, fibrous husk. The flowers, root, and leaves of the marshmallow plant are edible. Marshmallow Root Powder is mildly sweet with an earthy flavour! Marshmallow candy got its name from marshmallow root because manufacturers originally used the root’s mucilage to make this confection. Marshmallow root powder may be added directly to foods as a thickening agent. It may also be applied to the skin as a moist poultice, or infused in oil to produce soaps, lotions and other skin care products.