Marshmallow Root
Althaea officinalis
A root recognized in Europe as a traditional medicine for mouth and throat irritation with a dry cough, and for mild stomach and gut discomfort.
Marshmallow Root may interact with some medicines. If you take any medicine, read Interactions with medicines below and talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using it.
What is Marshmallow Root?
- Plant family
- Malvaceae, the mallow family
- Parts used
- The root
- Genus
- Althaea
- Species
- officinalis
Also called
Marshmallow, Althaea
Traditionally used for
- Stomach discomfort
- Sore throat
- Dry cough
Traditionally described as
- Soothing (traditional)
Health topics
Where Marshmallow Root appears in symptom search, and why. Being listed doesn't mean it's a proven treatment.
- Cough
Recognized in Europe for dry cough; small studies suggest it may reduce coughing.
- Indigestion
Recognized in Europe as a traditional medicine for mild stomach and gut discomfort.
- Sore Throat
Recognized in Europe for throat irritation with dry cough.
Traditions that use it
European Folk Medicine
Recognized in Europe as a traditional herbal medicine for mouth and throat irritation with dry cough, and mild stomach and gut discomfort.
Safety
Interactions with medicines
Marshmallow root may slow the absorption of other medicines. Take it at least 30 to 60 minutes before or after other medicines.[1]
Side effects
No side effects are known.[1]
Pregnancy
Its safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding hasn't been established, so it isn't recommended at these times.[1]
How much to use
Not recommended for children under 3. See a doctor if throat symptoms last more than a week or stomach symptoms more than 2 weeks, or if you get shortness of breath, fever or colored phlegm.[1]
What does the research say?
Traditional use
These are traditional uses, not proven treatments.
Based on long-standing use, the European Medicines Agency recognizes marshmallow root as a traditional herbal medicine for:
- Mouth or throat irritation and the dry cough that goes with it (from age 3)
- Mild stomach and gut discomfort (from age 12)
The root is usually soaked in cold water to make a drink, or taken as a syrup or extract.[2]
Research in people
Two studies of marshmallow root syrup in about 900 children with throat irritation and dry cough found coughing improved, but there was no comparison group. In 63 adults with dry cough, marshmallow root drops reduced cough while placebo didn't. The studies had limitations, so firm conclusions can't be drawn.[2]
In short
May slow absorption of other medicines; take it at least 30 to 60 minutes apart from them.
Sources
- [1] European Union herbal monograph on Althaea officinalis L., radix — European Medicines Agency, Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC)Government health agency
- [2] Marshmallow root (Althaea officinalis L., radix): summary of the HMPC conclusions (EMA/570566/2016) — European Medicines Agency, Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC)Government health agency
This information is educational and traditional in nature, and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.