Marshmallow root is a medicinal supplement made from flowering perennial roots. Althea officinalis, also called marshmallow or marshmallow. Native to Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa, marshmallow root has been used as an herbal cough medicine for centuries.
As a modern herbal remedy, marshmallow root is made into ointments, tinctures, and teas to treat wounds, aid digestion, and relieve respiratory symptoms such as coughs and sore throats. Here we will explain how marshmallow root can benefit your health and whether there are any side effects to consider.
Marshmallow root’s potential health benefits may come from a plant compound called mucilage. When the mucus in marshmallow root combines with water, it forms a gel that coats your throat, stomach, or skin to reduce irritation. However, human research on the health benefits of marshmallow root is limited.
relieve cough and sore throat
When marshmallow root is ingested, it forms a protective antioxidant film called mucilage. It coats the lining of your throat (mucous membranes) to relieve inflammation and promote healing associated with dry coughs and sore throats. However, research on the actual use of marshmallow root for sore throats and coughs is limited.
In a German study, 822 participants took marshmallow root extract lozenges or syrup for seven days to treat sore throats and dry coughs. Most people reported that marshmallow root, in either form, helped relieve symptoms within 10 minutes.
Another study also found that marshmallow root mucilage has protective antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects on human immune cells. This effect is thought to help protect cells to better heal from infections. But more human trials are needed to understand how marshmallow root treats coughs and sore throats.
Helps skin and wounds heal
Marshmallow root is often added to creams and ointments to promote healthy skin and heal damaged skin. Researchers believe that the antioxidants and plant compounds in marshmallow root provide anti-inflammatory properties that stimulate cells and reduce inflammation and irritation. The mucilage content of marshmallow root also helps the skin retain moisture.
Marshmallow root topicals may be used to treat boils, eczema, and skin irritations. A research review shows that 20% marshmallow root extract ointment reduces skin irritation caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation and tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol (a solvent found in paints, adhesives, pesticides, and other products). It has been reported that it is helpful.
In a study of children with mild to moderate eczema, applying 1% marshmallow root ointment reduced skin dryness and irritation more than 1% hydrocortisone ointment. However, this study included only 22 children.
Additionally, studies have shown that other compounds found in marshmallow root can help treat sore and cracked nipples after breastfeeding. However, there are no studies showing whether applying marshmallow root to the nipples while breastfeeding affects breast milk or whether it affects the nursing infant.
May help with gastrointestinal problems
Marshmallow root is often touted as a treatment for acid reflux and stomach ulcers. In theory, marshmallow root mucus can coat the stomach and throat, so it should help treat these digestive issues. However, there is no human evidence that marshmallow root can treat gastrointestinal symptoms.
The only research supporting marshmallow root’s protective properties for the gastrointestinal tract includes laboratory and animal studies. These studies show that marshmallow root can improve the lining of the digestive tract. Additionally, the vitamins and antioxidants in marshmallow root may help prevent cell damage. However, human trials are needed to prove that marshmallow root can treat digestive issues and stomach ulcers.
When marshmallow roots are harvested and dried, they become a yellow-brown, fibrous leaf mold. Dried marshmallow root is usually sold to make tea. If you harvest the marshmallow roots yourself, you can also eat the leaves and flowers. However, these parts do not have the same mucilage benefits as the roots. Marshmallowroot is also available in other formats such as:
- tea bag
- liquid tincture or syrup
- lozenge
- capsule
- ointment
- cream
To treat sore throats and coughs, marshmallow root can be taken in forms that help coat the throat, such as teas, tinctures, syrups, and lozenges. To treat irritated skin, you can apply marshmallow root ointment or cream.
Supplement manufacturers often recommend taking marshmallow root capsules with water, but tinctures typically add water to the liquid. Marshmallow root can also make it difficult for your body to absorb other medications. After taking marshmallow root, you should wait at least 2 hours before taking any additional medicines.
Dose
How much marshmallow root you consume depends on the type of marshmallow root supplement or skin care product you’re using. Follow the instructions on your marshmallow supplement or topical cream for dosage.
Manufacturers also provide instructions for preparing products such as loose leaf tea.
Additional dosage guidelines based on marshmallow root reviews and research include:
- Marshmallow root tea (dried marshmallow root): Make a tea by adding 0.5 to 5 grams of marshmallow root to 150 milliliters of water and drink up to three times a day.
- Marshmallow root tinctures, syrups, or liquids: Drop 2 to 8 milliliters (ml) of the extract into your mouth once a day.
- Marshmallow root cream or ointment: Children aged 3 to 12 can safely apply. Apply 1% marshmallow root cream to your skin twice a day or three times a week. Adults can safely apply up to 20% marshmallow root ointment.
Marshmallow root is considered safe for most people, and allergic reactions are extremely rare. Also, a recent Polish study found that herbal products containing marshmallow root do not contain high levels of heavy metals.
There is no information on whether marshmallow root is safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Therefore, some pregnant and breastfeeding people choose to avoid the marshmallow route.
Potential drug interactions
The mucilage compounds found in marshmallow root can interfere with the absorption of other oral medications into the gastrointestinal tract. Oral medications may be less effective when taken with marshmallow root. As a preventive measure, the drug should be taken from 2 to 6 hours after taking marshmallow root.
Marshmallow root may also interact directly with lithium (Priadel) and diabetes medications. Ingesting marshmallow root can make it difficult for your body to excrete lithium, increasing the amount of lithium in your body to potentially dangerous levels.
Marshmallow root can also lower blood sugar levels, increasing the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels) when combined with diabetes medications.
where can i find it
You can find marshmallow root online and at health food stores, drug stores, and supplement stores. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not verify the safety of dietary supplement labels or ingredients. Manufacturers of marshmallow root supplements are responsible for ensuring that their products are safe and effective. Still, there is no need to prove these claims.
Because of this, the quality, ingredients, and dosage of marshmallow root supplements may vary. To increase your chances of choosing a quality product, look for marshmallow root products that have been third-party tested for quality control, safety, and effectiveness.
Is it okay to remove too much of the marshmallow root?
There is not enough research to confirm the level of toxicity when marshmallow root is ingested or applied topically. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration classifies the amount of marshmallow root in foods as “Generally Recognized as Safe” (GRAS). Although GRAS does not apply to marshmallow root supplements, the doses of the available supplements do not appear to cause harm.
As a precaution, you should follow the recommended dosage and frequency of your particular marshmallow root product. You should also consult your health care provider before consuming large amounts of marshmallow root.
Marshmallow root has no officially reported side effects other than rare allergic reactions. However, anecdotal reports suggest that taking the supplement can cause an upset stomach and dizziness.
Signs of an allergic reaction after consuming marshmallow root include:
If you experience difficulty breathing, confusion, or an increased heart rate after consuming marshmallow root, seek emergency medical care immediately. These are signs of anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction.
marshmallow root (Althea officinalis) has been around for centuries as an herbal cough medicine. Today, you can still consume marshmallow root tea, tinctures, and lozenges to soothe sore throats and dry coughs.
Marshmallow root helps coat and protect your throat with a gelatinous substance called mucus, and it also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Topical marshmallow root creams and ointments can also reduce skin inflammation and help heal wounds associated with eczema and damaged skin. However, more human studies are needed to confirm the health benefits of marshmallow root.
