What is marshmallow root (Althaea Officinalis) exactly? An herbal remedy that has been used for generations is made from a plant that is native to Africa and portions of Europe.

Are marshmallows made with marshmallow root? The sweet delicacy with the same name and marshmallow root are not the same thing.

Ancient Greek and Egyptian cultures have a very long history of using marshmallow root (Althaea Officinalis) in folk medicine.

Homer’s “Iliad,” written over 2,800 years ago, made mention of this plant because, at the time, it was a well-liked remedy for congestion, sore throats, and coughs.

The “fluffy” characteristics of marshmallow root are one of the factors contributing to the name marshmallow candies. Althaea Officinalis fibrous extracts become a soft, gel-like substance in the body after swelling up.

Since the plant contains potent active compounds that support the natural breakdown of mucus, reduction of inflammation, and bacterial eradication, holistic practitioners continue to employ this plant in many of the same ways that they did thousands of years ago.

In Ayurvedic medicine and Unani treatment techniques, which rely on a variety of herbs to strengthen immunity and prevent disease, it has also grown to be a significant herb.

What negative effects might marshmallows root cause? Products derived from Althaea Officinalis often result in little negative effects due to its long history of safe use and reputation as a “time-honored technique to strengthening the body.”

Few, if any, side effects have been reported, and it is generally regarded as safe. However, it should be noted that there haven’t been many clinical human trials conducted on it (more using animals).

Although marshmallow root is typically well-tolerated and simple to digest, there is a chance that you could encounter some negative effects, especially if you also take other medications.

Before using marshmallows, if you are pregnant, nursing, or have been given a diagnosis of an existing ailment such as inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes, or high cholesterol, see your doctor about any potential interactions.

The way other drugs are absorbed or eliminated from the body is among the possible interactions with marshmallow root. Because marshmallow coats the stomach lining, they can prevent other medications from being absorbed.

You should first consult a professional if you have diabetes, prediabetes, or are taking insulin to ensure that you closely monitor your blood sugar and prevent dangerous dips.

It’s also possible that it could interfere with normal blood sugar control. You should also cease consuming marshmallows at least two weeks before a planned surgery due to their effects on fluid retention, blood platelet formation, and blood sugar levels.

Infections of the throat and skin can be treated with marshmallow because it has a calming impact on swollen tissues, have antibacterial capabilities, and helps protect mucous membranes throughout the body. It can also thicken the stomach lining and stop permeability (called leaky gut syndrome).

5 Health Benefits Of Marshmallow Root (Althaea Officinalis)

1. Remedy For Cough And Cold

You can take marshmallow root orally to ease pain, swelling, and congestion if you have a sore throat, a cough, or a cold.

Its mucilaginous and antitussive qualities allow it to reduce aggravating dry coughing, decrease swelling in the lymph nodes, and reduce throat irritation and inflammation. Because it forms a protective film over the inflamed mucosa, it also frequently has immediate effects.

In fact, marshmallow extract is frequently added to throat lozenges and cough syrups for this very purpose. It’s one of the best all-natural cough treatments.

2. Helps In Repairing Guts And Lining

According to research, marshmallows can be used to treat a variety of digestive issues, including leaky gut syndrome, which is brought on when small gaps in the gut lining allow for the passage of particles that might cause immunological reactions to occur in the bloodstream.

According to research on rats, marshmallow helps repair the integrity of the gut lining by producing a protective coating over tiny junctions. Additionally, it appears to be advantageous for other inflammatory bowel conditions, such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

3. Combats Digestive Problems

Is marshmallow root beneficial for GERD? Yes, marshmallow root has benefits for the digestive system, including reducing or preventing heartburn, symptoms of stomach ulcers, diarrhea, and constipation.

According to animal studies, it covers the stomach’s interior, stops the acid from “burning,” and has anti-inflammatory properties.

It’s interesting to note that until they reach the colon, the mucilage qualities of marshmallows appear to remain stable in the body. As a result, they are effective at relieving the symptoms of inflammatory digestive illnesses because they do not change form while passing through the digestive tract.

Marshmallow root tea typically works the best for most types of indigestion and is calming to the stomach without having any negative side effects. You can combine marshmallows with other digestive aids like peppermint essential oil or steeped/raw ginger root for even more stomach-soothing effects.

4. Anti-inflammatory and Good For Heart Health

In a 2011 study, the impact of marshmallow root supplementation on liver function and blood lipid profiles was investigated over a month. The anti-inflammatory properties of marshmallows were discovered to be effective against both acute and chronic inflammation.

Additionally, marshmallows exhibited anti-ulcer and anti-lipidemic properties and increased HDL cholesterol (the “good” variety). The patients saw a significant rise in serum HDL cholesterol levels when given 50 milligrams of marshmallow per kilogram of body weight, with no negative side effects or impacts on liver enzymes.

5. Antioxidants

According to current research, marshmallow contains antioxidants like flavonoids that can help stop the development of oxidative damage, which is a major contributor to chronic illnesses like malignant tumor growth, inflammatory conditions, and neurological diseases.

It defends healthy cells in a variety of ways, including creating cell adhesions, influencing extracellular matrix formation, controlling cytokine release, and eliminating dangerous cells (apoptosis).

Marshmallow also stimulates the immune system, specifically by promoting the removal of injured or dead cells from the body known as phagocytosis, which speeds up healing.