Marshmallow root is sometimes called Marshmallow, Wymote, or its botanical name, Althaea Officinalis (1). This perennial herb of the Malvaceae (Mallow) family has pale pink flowers, white roots, and thick, soft leaves with toothed margins 2-3 inches in length and 1.25 inches in width. The entire plant can reach up to 7 feet in height (2). Marshmallow is found in southern and western Europe, western Asia, and the northeastern region of North America (3).

Research-Backed Health Benefits of Marshmallow

Throughout history, marshmallow has been used for its many medicinal properties. Studies suggest that a darker flower color ( reddish pink) can indicate a higher antioxidant content, while a lighter flower (white) has a higher flavonoid content (4).

Antioxidant Properties

Antioxidants can help fight damage from harmful free radicals. The buildup of free radicals has been linked to chronic diseases, such as cancer and heart disease. Research has found marshmallow root extract comparable to standard antioxidants (5). Studies have indicated marshmallow root’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects (6). One study found marshmallow flowers exhibited strong antioxidant activity and effectively reduced free radical scavenging and metal-chelating activities (7).

May Relieve Coughs, Colds & Pain

Marshmallow root is often used to help manage cold symptoms like cough or fever. Studies have found that marshmallow root acts as an enzyme to loosen mucus and inhibit bacteria (8). Marshmallow root’s high mucilaginous content is responsible for this benefit. In one study, participants who took an herbal cough syrup with marshmallow root improved 86-90 percent of coughs from colds, bronchitis, or respiratory tract diseases with mucus formation (9). Research suggests marshmallow root is suitable for pain control or irritation, especially of the throat (10). I recommend Gaia Herbs Mighty Lungs for these benefits.

May Promote Wound Healing

Thanks to marshmallow root’s antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, it may also help support wound healing. One study found that topical application of the plant’s extract resulted in a much higher wound healing percentage than the control in rat models (11). Another animal study suggested that topically applied marshmallow root extract could potentially treat gram-positive bacteria and increase wound healing, accounting for over 50 percent of infections (12,13).

May Relieve Skin Irritation

Thanks to its wound-healing and anti-inflammatory properties, marshmallow root may also help relieve skin irritation caused by furunculosis, eczema, and dermatitis. A study review indicated that an ointment containing marshmallow root extract reduced skin irritation and suggested the herb stimulated specific cells due to their healing properties (14). Another study suggested topical application of marshmallow root can enhance the appearance of skin post-UV radiation exposure (15).

Diuretic Properties

Diuretic properties help rid the body of excess salt (sodium) and water (16). Diuretics help the kidneys flush the extra salt and water through urination, like a cleanse for the kidneys and bladder (17). Studies indicate marshmallow root has diuretic properties (18). Additionally, studies have found marshmallow root can support overall urinary health and relieve internal irritation and inflammation in the urinary tract (19). Another study suggests marshmallow root’s antibacterial properties can help treat urinary tract infections (20).

Gut Healing Properties

Gut health is one of the most critical issues in health because it’s related to just about everything else in your body. Studies have found that marshmallow root can help soothe irritation and inflammation in the digestive tract, resulting in gut-healing properties (21). In one study, researchers suggested that aqueous extracts and polysaccharides from marshmallow roots can create a protective layer of tissue in the digestive tract and support tissue regeneration, resulting in the ability to treat irritated mucous membranes (22).

May Aid in Digestion

The digestion process breaks down food into smaller components that can be absorbed into the bloodstream and turned into nutrition (23). When your foods aren’t digested properly, you may experience digestive troubles like heartburn. Thankfully, research indicates marshmallow root has the potential to soothe the digestive tract, resulting in relief from digestive conditions, including constipation, heartburn, and intestinal colic (24). One animal study found marshmallow root to have anti-ulcer properties in rat subjects (25).

May Promote Heart Health

Unfortunately, heart disease is the world’s number one cause of death (26). Due to the incredibly complex determinants of heart disease and various possible contributions, it’s hard to pinpoint an exact way to prevent it. Still, you can at least take steps to lower your overall risk. One animal study found that marshmallow root can treat lipemia, platelet aggregation, and inflammation, all linked to heart disease. Additionally, researchers found that a month of marshmallow root supplementation positively impacted HDL cholesterol levels (27).

Safety Information, Contraindications & Interactions

According to one mainstream source, marshmallow root and leaf are likely safe when taken in the amounts found in foods. Taking the root and leaf in larger amounts as medicine is possibly safe. They claim there isn’t enough reliable information to know if marshmallow flowers are safe or what the side effects might be (28). Ironically, another mainstream source states marshmallow root has no reported side effects and appears safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding (29).

As per trusted herbalist Richard Whelan, no adverse effects are expected (or reported) from taking marshmallow root in teas or tinctures, even in high or frequent doses. It may be confidently taken during pregnancy or while breastfeeding and used safely by the young or old.

The only time there may be a need for caution with marshmallow root is when the person is using certain medications. Some research suggests that taking marshmallow root or flowers may decrease the need for hypoglycemic medications, e.g., glimepiride (Amaryl), glyburide (DiaBeta, Glynase PresTab, Micronase), insulin, pioglitazone (Actos), and rosiglitazone (Avandia). Whelan recommends checking blood sugar levels while using this herb, and if levels get too low, use less of the drugs, not the herb (30).

How to Use Marshmallow & Product Recommendations

I try to buy herbs locally when I make my own herbal remedies. When buying locally isn’t an option, I typically purchase from one of the following brands I trust:

• Anthony’s Goods
• Frontier Co-op
• Starwest Botanicals

Looking for additional herbal suppliers? Check out my post, 3 Ways to Source Herbs.

I haven’t had the opportunity to make herbal remedies with marshmallow, although I enjoy using marshmallow root in a neti pot for congestion. Aside from that, I recommend a few premade herbal products, including:

• Gaia Herbs Lactation Support helps promote healthy milk volume production in nursing mothers. These capsules provide convenient and natural support for breastfeeding moms at home or on the go with organic marshmallow root, fenugreek seed, fennel seed, and raspberry leaf.
• Gaia Herbs Mighty Lungs is a respiratory support supplement formulated to help maintain lung health and function. This formula combines adaptogens and respiratory-supporting herbs like mullein leaf, plantain leaf, marshmallow root, Schisandra, and more in an easy-to-take capsule.
• The Brothers Apothecary’s Cosmic Cleanse helps you elevate, starting with the body and peaking with mind & spirit. Crafted with antioxidant-rich CBD Rooibos tea and stomach-soothing herbs, this tea is brewed for a better you. Gentle, naturally sweet & slightly nutty, this blend is easy to drink & impossible not to love.
• The Brother’s Apothecary’s Sacred CBD is a unique CBD flower + botanical infusion. The powerful herbal blend opens your heart and mind to wellness, encouraging calm, balance, and restfulness, all in a smooth, sensual mix. It is made with USDA organic, lab-tested hemp flower high in CBD, plus organic and wildcrafted herbs, including Lemon Balm, Tulsi, Rose, and Wild Dagga.

Product Disclaimer

Product recommendations are affiliate links. I do not own or make these products. Recommendations are selected according to ingredients at the time article was written and can change at any time. I encourage you to double-check ingredients and research each company to ensure they’re suitable for your journey.

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