Marshmallow is an important softening ingredient in popular medicine, where it is used for most external and internal inflammations. In the consumer world (where marshmallow has disappeared), the word "marsh mallow" has nothing to do with the old "marshmallow paste" of apothecaries - a decoction made by boiling the root for a long time in water, which was prescribed to treat coughs and bronchial inflammation.
Mallow root is used for its rich mucilage content, which gives it softening and emollient properties. It helps to keep the skin moisturized and soft.