{"id":626950,"date":"2024-02-20T11:00:57","date_gmt":"2024-02-20T16:00:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=626950"},"modified":"2025-12-29T17:27:45","modified_gmt":"2025-12-29T22:27:45","slug":"marshmallow-root-benefits","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/marshmallow-root-benefits\/","title":{"rendered":"9 benefits of marshmallow root"},"content":{"rendered":"

Marshmallow isn\u2019t just a squishy confectionary. It also refers to a type of medicinal plant that\u2019s been used for centuries. Marshmallow root (<\/span>Althaea officinalis<\/span><\/i>) is the brown, fibrous husk of the marshmallow plant that\u2019s been used for centuries as an herbal remedy. The marshmallow plant is native to Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia, and its medicinal use dates back to the Ancient Egyptians. It\u2019s long been touted as an herbal cure for <\/span>a dry cough<\/span><\/a>, but today, the benefits of marshmallow root are also harnessed to soothe symptoms of the skin, respiratory system, digestive tract, and more.<\/span><\/p>\n

If the name sounds familiar, that\u2019s because marshmallow root is used in traditional recipes for marshmallow candies. While most store-bought marshmallows no longer contain the beneficial plant, marshmallow root teas, supplements, tinctures, and ointments are still widely used thanks to their potential health benefits.<\/span><\/p>\n

9 health benefits of marshmallow root<\/span><\/h2>\n

Many of the health benefits of marshmallow root can be attributed to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties as a demulcent herb, which means it forms a protective layer over the mucous membranes. \u201cThe roots of the marshmallow plant contain significant mucilage, which is slimy and thick,\u201d explains <\/span>Jenna Volpe, RDN, LD<\/span>, a registered dietitian practicing in Austin, Texas. This high mucilage content is largely responsible for marshmallow root\u2019s ability to soothe coughs and even coat the digestive and respiratory tracts.<\/span><\/p>\n

While the health benefits of marshmallow root are mainly associated with respiratory and gut health, there are more medicinal uses of marshmallow root to know. Here are some of the research-backed ways it can support your health.<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Soothes the mucous membranes<\/span><\/h3>\n

Mucous membranes span from your head to your torso\u2014and marshmallow root can help soothe them. The soft tissues that line some of your organs and cavities, such as the mouth and digestive tract, are prone to dryness and irritation. This can lead to symptoms like dry cough, <\/span>sore throat<\/span><\/a>, and digestive issues.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cResearch is beginning to uncover what our ancestors have known for centuries about marshmallow root\u2014the demulcent constituents are soothing for the mucous membranes of the body,\u201d Volpe<\/a> says, adding that these health benefits mainly target the lungs and gut.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

When it comes into contact with water, the mucilage found in marshmallow root forms a slick substance that coats the mucous membranes and can relieve irritation, according to <\/span>Mount Sinai<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Treats cough<\/span><\/h3>\n

The next time you\u2019re sick or have bronchitis, you might want to reach for <\/span>cough syrups<\/span><\/a> and lozenges that contain marshmallow root. Though much of the research consists of animal studies, marshmallow root is <\/span>proven to treat dry coughs<\/span><\/a>, says <\/span>Inna Melamed, Pharm.D.<\/span><\/a>, a functional medical practitioner in Manalapan, New Jersey. <\/span>Further studies<\/span><\/a> found marshmallow root medicines as or more effective than a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug\u2014with its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, it effectively treats dry cough.<\/span><\/p>\n

However, this is hardly surprising since ancient civilizations have been using this medicinal plant to treat coughs for thousands of years. \u201cMarshmallow root is a mucilaginous herb,\u201d Dr. Melamed explains. \u201cIt lessens coughing by forming a protective layer on the mucosal lining of the respiratory tract.\u201d This protective coating may also help soothe a sore throat.<\/span><\/p>\n

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