Marshmallow

Christopher Hobbs:

“Marshmallow root reduces irritation and inflammation and is especially favored in herb formulas and products or even taken by itself to treat urinary and respiratory tract infections and bowel irritation and inflammation. It is sometimes added to warmer, more active herbs to moderate their harshness, especially for the lungs and bladder.

Marshmallow tea is cooling and soothing and has a mild anti-inflammatory action. Herbalists recommend it to ease the symptoms of a sore throat, dry cough, cystitis, stomach irritation, ulcers, and diarrhea. Externally, it is used as a poultice to soothe skin irritation. The root contains up to 35 percent mucilage, which forms a soothing gel that coats, cools, and moisturizes wounded, inflamed tissue. Its anti-inflammatory properties also make marshmallow useful as a mouthwash.

Marshmallow has a taste of SWEET, BITTER and a temperature of COOL.”

Historical Uses

• Ancient Egyptians used marshmallow for sore throats and to treat wounds.
• Greeks and Romans valued it for respiratory issues, digestive disorders, and skin conditions.
• It was traditionally made into a confection (the marshmallow sweet) from the root, mixed with honey and sugar.

Modern Clinical Uses by Herbalists & Naturopaths

• Used for soothing mucous membranes in the respiratory tract (e.g., coughs, bronchitis).
• Often prescribed for digestive discomfort, including ulcers, acid reflux, and constipation.
• Applied topically for skin irritations and wounds due to its anti-inflammatory and healing properties.

Chemistry & Pharmacology

• Contains mucilage, flavonoids, phenolic acids, and polysaccharides, contributing to its soothing, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects.
• Mucilage forms a gel-like substance when mixed with water, which helps coat and protect tissues, reducing irritation.

Clinical Trials

• Limited clinical studies, but some have shown marshmallow’s effectiveness in treating coughs and gastrointestinal issues.
• A few studies indicate that marshmallow root extract may reduce irritation in the upper respiratory tract, improve digestion, and promote wound healing.
• More research is needed for definitive conclusions on long-term effectiveness and safety.

In summary, marshmallow has a strong historical reputation for treating respiratory and digestive issues, with some supporting evidence from modern herbal practices and clinical studies. However, more robust research is necessary to fully establish its clinical applications.

Generated by ChatGPT; edited by Christopher Hobbs