Everything You Need to Know About

Marshmallow leaf & root (Althaea officinalis)

Botanical family: Malvaceae
Parts used: Roots, Leaves
Marshmallow leaf & root (Althaea officinalis)
by Malek Murison
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Overview and Health Benefits

When hearing the term “marshmallow”,’ many might think of the sweet treat, but the actual marshmallow plant (Althaea officinalis) has been known for its soothing properties long before it became a candy ingredient. Althaea officinalis has a long history of use in herbal medicine, revered for its soothing and healing properties (McIntyre, 2014). The plant, with its velvety leaves and broad flower petals, is rich in mucilage, a soft, slippery substance released when the root is steeped in water. Both the root and the leaf are used for their therapeutic benefits. Traditionally, marshmallow has been used to treat a variety of ailments, particularly those involving inflammation and irritation of mucous membranes. Modern scientific research supports many of these traditional uses, confirming its effectiveness in alleviating conditions of the respiratory, digestive, and urinary systems.

Key Benefits:

  • Soothes Mucous Membranes
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Respiratory Support
  • Digestive Aid
  • Urinary Health

Marshmallow root and leaf contain high levels of mucilage, which form a protective layer on mucous membranes, reducing irritation and inflammation (Deters et al., 2010).

The plant has demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory effects, making it useful in treating conditions like gastritis and sore throat (Deters et al., 2010; Zaghlool et al., 2019).

Marshmallow is effective in relieving coughs and soothing bronchial irritation, often used in herbal syrups and teas for respiratory ailments (Shah et al., 2011; Nosál'ova et al., 1992).

It can alleviate gastrointestinal discomfort, such as heartburn and stomach ulcers, by forming a protective barrier over the stomach lining (Zaghlool et al., 2019).

Marshmallow's demulcent properties support urinary tract health, soothing inflammation and irritation commonly associated with infections (Ahmed et al., 2023).

Safety

Marshmallow is generally regarded as safe, with minimal side effects reported (McIntyre, 2014). However, it can potentially lower blood sugar levels in certain individuals; the high mucilage content might also interfere with the absorption of prescription medications and supplements, so it is recommended to take marshmallow at least six hours before or after other drugs (McIntyre, 2014). 

As with any herbal remedy, it is prudent to consult with a qualified medical herbalist before incorporating marshmallow into your regimen if you have pre-existing medical conditions or are taking prescription medications.

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Key Body Systems Marshmallow leaf & root (Althaea officinalis) relates to

Marshmallow leaf & root (Althaea officinalis)
Skin
Marshmallow leaf & root (Althaea officinalis)
Digestive System
Marshmallow leaf & root (Althaea officinalis)
Urinary system
Marshmallow leaf & root (Althaea officinalis)
Respiratory system

Energetics

Marshmallow leaf & root (Althaea officinalis)
Cooling
Marshmallow leaf & root (Althaea officinalis)
Moistening

Key actions

Marshmallow leaf & root (Althaea officinalis)
  • Demulcent
  • Expectorant
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Diuretic
  • Mucilaginous
Marshmallow leaf & root (Althaea officinalis)

Key uses

  • Bloating and flatulence
  • Indigestion
  • Bronchitis
  • Coughs
  • Anxiety

Where to Find Marshmallow leaf & root (Althaea officinalis)

Marshmallow leaf & root (Althaea officinalis)

Marshmallow is a perennial herb known for its soft, velvety characteristics. It features upright stems that can reach up to 1.5 metres in height, with heart-shaped, downy leaves. The plant's flowers are typically pale pink to white, with broad petals that bloom in clusters along the upper stems.

As the name suggests, “marshmallow” is typically found in salty sea marshes across Europe and Western Asia. It thrives in damp, well-drained soils, often along coastal regions, riverbanks, and wetlands. The plant prefers temperate climates with mild, moist weather conditions.

References

Ahmed, J., Abdu, A., Mitiku, H., & Ataro, Z. (2023). In vitro antibacterial activities of selected medicinal plants used by traditional healers for treating urinary tract infection in Haramaya District, Eastern Ethiopia. Infection and Drug Resistance, 16, 1327–1338. https://doi.org/10.2147/IDR.S398204

Deters, A., Zippel, J., Hellenbrand, N., Pappai, D., Possemeyer, C., & Hensel, A. (2010). Aqueous extracts and polysaccharides from Marshmallow roots (Althea officinalis L.): Cellular internalisation and stimulation of cell physiology of human epithelial cells in vitro. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 127(1), 62-69. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2009.09.050

McIntyre, A. (2014). Marshmallow the Most Soothing of Herbs. Positive Health Online. http://www.positivehealth.com/article/herbal-medicine/marshmallow-the-most-soothing-of-herbs

Nosál'ova, G., Strapková, A., Kardosová, A., Capek, P., Zathurecký, L., & Bukovská, E. (1992). Antitussive action of extracts and polysaccharides of marsh mallow (Althea officinalis L., var. robusta) [Antitussive action of extracts and polysaccharides of marsh mallow (Althea officinalis L., var. robusta)]. Pharmazie, 47(3), 224-226. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1615030/

Shah, S. M. A., Akhtar, N., Shah, P. A., Saeed, T., Ahmed, K., & Asif, H. M. (2011). Pharmacological activity of Althaea officinalis. Journal of Medicinal Plants Research, 5(24), 5662-5666. https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Pharmacological-activity-of-Althaea-officinalis-L.-Shah-Akhtar/9f92da56b1557bc26270a708616adf2f9c397641

Zaghlool, S. S., Abo-Seif, A. A., Rabeh, M. A., Abdelmohsen, U. R., & Messiha, B. A. S. (2019). Gastro-protective and anti-oxidant potential of Althaea officinalis and Solanum nigrum on pyloric ligation/indomethacin-induced ulceration in rats. Antioxidants, 8(11), 512. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox8110512