Weirdest thing I have ever heard about Crohn’s Disease

“Miracle” cures, internet image

Weirdest thing I have ever heard about Crohn’s Disease is a sensationalized commentary discussing marshmallows vs marshmallow root as a viable alternative treatment.  The last paragraph addresses the true healing properties of marshmallow, the plant.

Dr. Crohn’s writes: “Another Weird and Wacky CD cure????”…

I’m not advocating this, a friend of my Mother cut this out of a magazine. I think I’ll try it, but I thought I’d let everyone know about it first, in case I drop dead from it or something!! Quoting from “English Book Chat” (date unknown), without permission:  My nephew has Crohn’s disease and a specialist advised him to eat two marshmallows a day.  I have diverticulitis, so I tried them too.  We both find they really help.  Mrs Skull, West Drayton I have the clipping in front of me, so from my point of view this is not bogus, but the clipping may be. Anyway, haw bad can eating two marshmallows a day be!  (Except for damaging your teeth).   Cheers,   Gary    B

Marshmallow Pyramid

Well, here’s the problem with much of this kind of anecdote: what did “Mrs Skull” mean by “marshmallow,” and what do you and I mean by marshmallow? A marshmallow is an European herb that I see in health food stores now and then. A marshmallow is also a confection that, in its US variations contains no “marshmallow” but only corn syrup and gelatin. I don’t know what the British and Australian versions of the confection contain. So, what are you going to eat when you take Mrs Skull’s advice? —

“I LIKE this cure! So what, it may not ultimately cure your Crohns, but you’ll be a lot happier for it. Hell, why not a handful of marshmallows, and maybe a gin & tonic to go with it…”

According to by herbal on the marsh mallow to is used for upset stomach, peptic ulcers, gastirits and colitits.  Also used for resipratory skin and bladder infections/inflamations. It does mention that the campfire candy contains non of the herb. The active ingredient is supposed to be the mucilage, which forms a gel when mixed with water.  It is soothing to inflammed mucous membranes and may support the immune system.

As the Biochemical Alchemy Author, I think it is interesting to note the antiseptic properties of gin, made from toxic juniper berries.  Original tonic water made from quinine, is also purported to offers similar antimicrobial benefits.