Overview:

Marshmallow (Althea officinalis) -- the herb, not the white puffy confection roasted over a campfire -- has been used for centuries as both a food and a medicine. The Romans, Chinese, Egyptians, and Syrians used marshmallow as a source of food, while the Arabs made poultices from its leaves and applied them to the skin to reduce inflammation. The root and leaves contain a gummy substance called mucilage. When mixed with water, it forms a slick gel that is used to coat the throat and stomach to reduce irritation, and is applied topically to soothe chapped skin.

Very few scientific studies have looked at the effects of marshmallow in humans. Most of its suggested uses come from a long history of use in traditional healing systems.

• Asthma
• Bronchitis
• Common cold/sore throat
• Cough
• Inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis
• Indigestion
• Stomach ulcers
• Skin inflammation

Plant Description:

Found in southern and western Europe, western Asia, and the northeastern region of North America, marshmallow originally grew in salty soils but now thrives in moist, uncultivated ground. Its fleshy, upright stems reach a height of 3 - 4 feet. The pale yellow roots are tapered, long, and thick, with a tough yet flexible exterior. The short-stemmed leaves are round, with irregularly toothed margins and three to five lobes. A soft and velvety down covers the leaves and stem. The flowers have five reddish-white petals. The whole plant, especially the root, is filled with mild mucilage.

Parts Used:

The leaves and roots of marshmallow are the parts used for medicinal purposes.

Available Forms:

Dried leaves may be used in infusions, fluid extracts, and tinctures. Marshmallow roots are available dried, peeled, or unpeeled in extracts (dry and fluid), tinctures, capsules, ointments/creams, and cough syrups.

How to Take It:

Pediatric

Adjust the recommended adult dose to account for the child's weight. Most herbal dosages for adults are calculated on the basis of a 150 lb (70 kg) adult. So if a child weighs 50 lb (20 - 25 kg), the appropriate dose of marshmallow would be 1/3 of the adult dosage.

Adult

The following are the recommended adult doses for marshmallow:

• Leaf tea: 2 - 5 tsp of dried leaf in 5 ounces hot (not boiling) water, two to three times per day
• Root tea: 2 - 5 tsp. dried powdered root in 5 ounces hot water; let soak for an hour. Drink two to three times per day.
• Leaf tincture: 1 - 2 tsp (1:5 in 25% ethanol), two to three times daily
• Root infusion or cold-water maceration (2 - 5%): 5 ounces (1-2 tsp) taken to soothe cough and sore throat
• Capsules: 2 - 6 g per day
• Marshmallow cough syrup (from root): 2 - 10 g per single dose (syrup contains sugar, so people with diabetes should use with caution)
• Ointment or cream: 5 - 10% drug in ointment or cream base

Precautions:

The use of herbs is a time-honored approach to strengthening the body and treating disease. Herbs, however, can trigger side effects and can interact with other herbs, supplements, or medications. For these reasons, herbs should be taken with care, under the supervision of a health care provider.

There are no reported side effects of marshmallow, and it appears to be safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. One study suggests marshmallow may lower blood sugar levels, so people with diabetes should talk to their doctor before taking marshmallow.

Possible Interactions:

Because it coats the lining of the stomach, marshmallow may interfere with the absorption of other drugs or herbs. For this reason, it is important to take marshmallow several hours before or after taking other herbs or medications.

Alternative Names:

Althaea officinalis