Everything You Need to Know About Marshmallow Root

Marshmallow root (Althaea officinalis) may offer health benefits such as easing coughs and colds, relieving skin irritation, alleviating pain, and more. However, more research is necessary.
Marshmallow root is generally safe to use. However, you should still talk with a medical professional before taking this herb. It should not replace any doctor-prescribed treatment plan.
Marshmallow root is a perennial herb native to Europe, Western Asia, and Northern Africa. For thousands of years, it has been used as a folk remedy to treat digestive, respiratory, and skin conditions.

Its healing powers are due in part to the mucilage it contains. It’s typically consumed in capsule, tincture, or tea form.
It’s important to contact a doctor before taking marshmallow root in any form to ensure it’s a safe and effective treatment for your specific condition or symptoms. Some people may be allergic to marshmallow root.
Keep reading to find out more about the possible health benefits of marshmallow root.

۱. It may help treat coughs and colds
The high mucilaginous content of marshmallow root may make it a useful remedy for treating coughs and colds.
Marshmallow root appears to act as an enzyme to loosen mucous and inhibit bacteria.
A 2018 studyTrusted Source looked at the effects of taking marshmallow root extract in lozenges or syrups to treat a dry cough. It found that the treatments generally helped reduce irritation, often within 10 minutes.

۲. It may help relieve skin irritation
The anti-inflammatory effect of marshmallow root may help relieve skin irritation caused by conditions such as furunculosis and eczema.
A 2013 reviewTrusted Source found that using an ointment containing 20% marshmallow root extract reduced skin irritation. Researchers suggested that the herb stimulates certain cells that have anti-inflammatory activity.

۳. It may help with wound healing
Marshmallow root has antibacterial activity that may make it effective in wound healing.
The results of one 2015 animal studyTrusted Source suggest that marshmallow root extract has the potential to treat gram-positive bacteria. When applied topically to rat wounds, the extract significantly increased wound healing compared with antibiotic controls.
This means it may speed up the healing time and reduce inflammation, but further research is necessary to confirm these findings.

۴. It may promote overall skin health
Marshmallow root may be used to enhance the appearance of skin that has been exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
Although laboratory research from 2016 suggests that marshmallow root reduced UV-induced DNA damage in cultured skin, there’s currently no evidence to suggest that it would be beneficial for use as part of your skin care routine.

۵. It may act as a pain reliever
A study from 2014 cites research that marshmallow root can act as an analgesic to relieve pain.
However, more research is necessary.

۶. It may work as a diuretic
7. It may help treat gastric ulcers
8. It may act as an antioxidant
9. It may support heart health