What is Marshmallow Root?
Contrary to its name, marshmallow root has little to do with the fluffy puffs of sugar often used in making s'mores or served in hot cocoa. In fact, marshmallow root isn’t even sweet. Native to Europe, Western Asia, and Northern Africa, Althaea Officinalis, also known as the marshmallow plant, is a perennial herb that has been used for centuries in capsule, tincture, or tea form to provide a number of potential benefits for the skin, digestive, and respiratory systems. It became associated by name with the sugary substance due to its thick, glue-like consistency and the fact that it was originally used in candies.
Marshmallow root appears in a number of natural cold and cough remedies, in cosmetics and candies, and it is also a popular herbal supplement.
Marshmallow Root Benefits
Marshmallow root is a natural mucilage, meaning it acts as a soft fiber and swells when it comes in contact with water. It can provide a protective layer on the skin and the lining of the digestive tract. It is associated with various potential benefits including:
To help with coughs and colds: Marshmallow root, when used in cough syrups, can act as an enzyme to loosen mucus and inhibit bacteria.
Help soothe skin irritation: Some research has found that using at least 20 percent marshmallow root in skin ointments can help soothe skin irritation by stimulating certain cells that promote anti-inflammatory activity.
Pain relief: Marshmallow root has analgesic properties, which make it potentially soothing when for a sore throat or skin abrasion
Promote overall skin health: Marshmallow root is believed to promote healing from damage to the skin caused by UV radiation. It can also potentially help to provide relief and protection from infection for skin injuries such as burns, and can be mixed with hollyhock and used to treat Leishmania lesions, which result from parasites in the skin.
Pain relief: When used as an ointment, marshmallow root may help to soothe discomfort from chapped skin or to relieve the pain and swelling associated with exposure to cold.
It can act as an antioxidant: Marshmallow root and other antioxidants can help to protect the body from damage caused by free radicals.
Be sure to check with a healthcare professional before using marshmallow root to treat any medical conditions.
Marshmallow Root Uses
There are several ways to use marshmallow root, including:
- Mix marshmallow powder with juice to create a drink. It should be noted that marshmallow powder contains all parts of the plant. You should read the labeling information to ensure that the powder you're purchasing contains marshmallow root. The Co-Op Market offers powder that is specifically derived from the root of the plant.
- Make a marshmallow root salve using either cooled marshmallow root tea or mixing liquid marshmallow root with coconut oil.
- Enjoy ready-to-use marshmallow root tea bags. Allow the tea to steep for at least 10 minutes before drinking. You can also make your own tea by steeping cut, sifted, organic marshmallow root
- Make the root into a poultice to place directly on wounds and promote healing.
- Use lozenges containing marshmallow root, which often assist with chronic dry mouth, sore throat, and cough.
It’s important to note when using marshmallow root when taking other medications, always check with your doctor before using this or any other supplements.
Marshmallow Root Tea
Tea is an effective way to obtain the benefits of marshmallow root.
Follow these steps to make tea with Frontier Co-Op organic marshmallow root:
- Add 1 teaspoon of marshmallow root and 8 ounces of water to a pot
- Cover and simmer for 15-30 minutes,
- Strain and serve immediately
Tea can be consumed up to three times a day to provide digestive benefits. For a little sweetness and some additional anti-bacterial effects, add some locally sourced honey to your marshmallow root tea.
