You might need marshmallow root if . . .

Do you experience digestive issues like occasional constipation or diarrhea? Do you have a leaky gut? Do you constantly feel bloated? Do you have a sore throat, a dry cough, or a cold? If you answered yes to any of these questions, marshmallow root might be the herbal friend you need!

Marshmallow root is a great choice for those who:

• Have digestive discomfort
• Have a leaky gut
• Get constipated from time to time
• Have occasional diarrhea
• Have a sore throat or a dry cough
• Feel bloated

Benefits of Marshmallow Root

Marshmallows are widely known as fluffy snacks at the grocery store. Historically, marshmallows made with real marshmallow root actually had a medicinal quality, helping the gut and esophagus. Marshmallow root has been used for centuries as an ally to treat digestive and respiratory issues.

Soothes mucous membranes: Marshmallow root can promote mucous production in the body, making it a great friend for sore throats and digestive issues. The mucous production can help soothe constipation and symptoms associated with IBS. It can also provide a protective layer in the esophagus to ease discomfort from acid reflux.

Promotes gut lining repair: Marshmallow root can help improve leaky gut by forming a protective layer around the stomach lining.

Relieves bloating: Marshmallow root is a diuretic, meaning it can reduce water retention, which may help relieve bloating.

Common Ways to Use Marshmallow Root

Tea: You can make a simple decoction of marshmallow root by boiling 32 oz of water combined with a ¼ cup of marshmallow root and allowing it to simmer for 1 hour. Strain and sweeten with honey to taste.

Tincture: Marshmallow root is also consumed in tincture form. You can readily find them at health stores or online. They are also quite simple to make, although it takes about a month before the tincture is ready to be used. Find out how to make your own tincture here.

Capsules/Powders: Another popular way to consume marshmallow root is in capsule or powdered form. Making your own capsules is quite simple. You'll need marshmallow root powder and a capsule filler machine.

🌿Try making herbal extractions like this herbal cough syrup. ← 🟩 DIYs, recipes, and more!

Growing and Foraging Information

You can easily buy dried marshmallow root online, but did you know you can also find it in the wild? Marshmallow grows wild in many states in the United States like New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, Kentucky, Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, Arkansas, North Dakota, and Nebraska. It can be found in sunny riverbanks, marshes, and wetlands.

You can also grow marshmallow in your garden if you live between U.S. hardiness zones 3-9. Marshmallow is a low-maintenance plant and is easy to grow. It thrives in well-drained, loamy soil that is kept consistently moist. It is best to sow seeds in the fall or start them indoors 3-4 weeks before the last frost date. After the last frost, you can plant the starter plants in your garden.

Safety Concerns

Marshmallow root has been used for 2000 years, starting with many ancient cultures, such as Egyptian, Greek, Roman, and Arab, for its healing properties and qualities.

It is important to consider safety concerns in the context of history. You also must realize that many of the departments that bring up safety concerns, are responsible for managing pharmaceutical drugs that have been manufactured in recent history. The United States has no controlling authority or regulatory board specific to herbs. The most common reason you will see that these organizations question the safety of various herbs is “insufficient evidence to determine safety.” Since there is no way to patent a naturally growing plant, there is often insufficient funding to conduct massive human studies.

Drug interaction: If you are taking any prescription medications, it is important to always consult with the prescriber before adding any herbs to your diet.

Breastfeeding and Pregnancy: There are no known contraindications for breastfeeding and pregnancy.

Select Studies About Marshmallow Root

Marshmallow Root and Breastfeeding

This study was not placebo-controlled. However, it demonstrates how marshmallow root, when used topically, can help breastfeeding mothers with sore breasts and cracked nipples and may also promote more milk production.

Marshmallow Root: Treatment of an Irritated Cough

This study was not placebo controlled. However, it demonstrated marshmallow root’s effectiveness in aiding irritated coughs. In this study, customers took surveys to discuss their results over a 10-day period of using marshmallow root lozenges. The results found that marshmallow root extract lozenges were effective in soothing and treating the irritated cough.