Resha Khatmi - Althaea Officinalis - Marshmallow Root

1. Relieving coughs

Some natural and herbal cough syrups and cough drops contain marshmallow root. The mucilage may have a soothing effect on the esophagus by coating it. The results of several small studies have suggested that herbal cough remedies that contain marshmallow root can have this effect. One study found that marshmallow root lozenges or syrup helped treat a dry cough. Another study found that children who took an herbal mixture that contained marshmallow and other herbs, including chamomile and common mallow, had a less severe cough and fewer nighttime awakenings than those who received a placebo instead. This study did not, however, look at the effects of marshmallow root alone, so other herbs in the mixture could have been responsible for the medicinal effects.

The results of a third small-scale study suggest that children who received an herbal mixture that contained marshmallow root and other medicinal plants had fewer and less-prolonged respiratory infections. Parents and caregivers should talk to a doctor before giving a child any herbal remedies.

2. Improving dry mouth

Chronic dry mouth, which the medical community calls xerostomia, can cause an increase in cavities, gum disease, and dental infections. Dry mouth usually means that a person has too little saliva in their mouth. Antihistamines, blood pressure medications, neurological problems, and autoimmune diseases are among its many causes. The authors of one study concluded that people who have hyposalivation, or low levels of saliva, may benefit from using marshmallow root. The herbal remedy helped with dry mouth symptoms, although it was not more effective than the other two treatments in the study, which were both over-the-counter dry mouth treatments. To treat dry mouth, people can use marshmallow root lozenges. It is important to allow the lozenge to dissolve slowly in the mouth and to avoid chewing it. Alternatively, people can make an herbal tea using either marshmallow root tea bags or the dried herb in a tea strainer and drink 2 to 3 cups daily. 

3. Protecting against ulcers

Share on PinterestThe marshmallow plant may reduce the risk of gastric ulcers. A 2015 study found that marshmallow flower extract could help protect the gut from gastric ulcers. Researchers tested the effects of the extract on rats, using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) to induce ulcers in the rodents. Rats that received marshmallow root were less likely to develop stomach ulcers than rats who did not get the extract. Based on these results, the authors suggest that the mucilage and flavonoids in the marshmallow plant may cover and protect the mucous lining of the stomach, which may reduce the risk of certain ulcers, including NSAID-associated ulcers.

4. Soothing skin irritation

Marshmallow root may help with skin irritation and inflammation. A review study suggests that its topical application can help with eczema and damage from UV radiationTrusted Source, or sun exposure. Although marshmallow root may have a healing effect on sun-damaged skin, people should not use it in place of proper sun protection. UV radiation from the sun is a leading cause of skin cancer, and it can also cause premature aging of the skin.

5. Healing wounds

The soothing effect of marshmallow plant extracts may also help speed wound healing. A study on rats found that applying marshmallow extract topically helped wounds healTrusted Source compared with controls. The same study found that the extract was effective in killing specific types of bacteria, which could help prevent infection.

6. Protecting the throat from gastric reflux

When gastric reflux occurs, acid from the stomach flows back up into the throat, which can cause damage to the esophagus. The demulcent effect, whereby the mucilage coats a person’s esophagus, can protect it from the stomach’s damaging acids. The powdered root form of the plant may be more effective than a tea or tincture, as the herb needs direct contact with the membranes to coat the throat.