How to Grind Marshmallow Root

Marshmallow root has been used for well over 2,000 years by many different cultures. The Egyptians, Romans, Syrians and Chinese all used it for food. Arabs, on the other hand, used it as a medicine. While marshmallow root was the original basis of the sweet treat known in the United States as a marshmallow, the current use of this herb is as a ground, powdered herbal supplement.

Things You'll Need

• Marshmallow root
• Sharp knife
• Microwave or dehydrator
• Spice grinder or mortar and pestle

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Instructions

• 1

  Cut the root into pieces no more than 2 or 3 inches long. This will help them to dry quickly and to grind easily.

• 2

  Dry the root well. Marshmallow root tends to have a slimy texture, and is virtually impossible to grind unless it is thoroughly dried. Place the pieces between two paper towels on a microwave-safe plate. Dry on high for 30 to 60 seconds at a time, checking the root in between and turning it if necessary. Repeat the heating cycle until the roots are dry.

• 3

  Dry in a dehydrator by placing the pieces of root on a tray and setting the temperature to no more than 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The dehydrator will take several hours, more if the pieces are bigger. It is done when the root can be crumbled in your hand.

• 4

  Put a few pieces at a time into the electric spice grinder. Pulse the grinder for about 10 seconds at a time, until the root is ground to a fine powder. If it doesn't grind well but cakes up, it is too wet and should be dried further until it grinds without problems.

• 5

  Grind two or three pieces at a time with a mortar and pestle, if you prefer to grind by hand. Place pieces in the mortar and grind them down with the pestle, using a fair amount of pressure to flatten and grind the root. Use a twisting motion with the pestle to grind the small bits of marshmallow root into fine powder.