Marshmallow Root is an herb that has been around for centuries. In fact, it was mentioned in Homer’s Iliad (written 2800 years ago). It was used in ancient Greek and Indian cultures for its healing properties.
Benefits of Marshmallow Root
Mountain Rose Herbs details some of the many uses:
Marshmallow root has long been used as a food, particularly during times of famine when it is more abundant than other vegetables. Medicinally, it has been approved by the German Commission E in supporting inflammation of the gastric mucosa, and for irritation of the oral and pharyngeal mucosa. When combined with other herbs, it is additionally used for mild respiratory symptoms, including cough. The root is traditionally used to support a healthy digestive system, but this application has not been clinically studied.
It is a demulcent herb, meaning that it is cooling, soothing and slippery. It is often used to sooth digestion, skin or hair. It is unique in that when making a tea with Marshmallow Root, you will want to brew it with cold water to preserve the mucilaginous properties. This explains:
Marshmallow works as a mucilage, producing a thick sticky substance that coats membranes. Marshmallow extract contains flavanoids, which contain anti-inflammatory properties. The flavanoids are able to reduce inflammation while the mucilage holds them in place and prevents further damage. The extracts also induce phagocytosis, which is the process in which certain cells engulf bacteria, dead cell tissues or other solid particles. This helps speed up the healing process. The mucilage remains unaltered until it reaches the colon, which is why marshmallow works well on most inflammatory digestive disorders.
Marshmallow root has not been specifically studies in pregnancy and nursing so consult a doctor or midwife before using this or any other product if you are pregnant, nursing or have a medical condition.
Uses of Marshmallow Root
Some ways that we use it:
- As a soothing tea during colds, flu or sore throats.
- For digestive problems like heartburn, stomach illness or occasional digestive troubles. I usually mix with peppermint leaf or ginger to make a soothing tea.
- On skin– It makes a great addition to lotions, salves and tinctures for the skin. Also good for eczema and soothing sunburn.
- In hair– I use the dried root in my homemade detangling hair spray (great for kids).
- Urinary problems– I’ve used Marshmallow Root tea at the first sign of urinary or bladder infection to help speed healing.
- Homemade Marshmallows– We use a tea made from the dried root in our homemade marshmallow recipe. It is option but adds extra flavor and a health boost.
Where to Get Marshmallow Root
- I order in bulk here by the pound.
- I’ve also ordered in capsule form for easy use.
- If you won’t use a whole pound, you can order teabags to use as tea or in the detangling spray recipe, marshmallow recipe or on skin.
- I’ve also ordered a pre-made herbal salve that contains marshmallow root and is is great for wound healing, skin irritation and more.
Soothing Marshmallow Tea Recipe:
The easiest way to try Marshmallow root is in a cooling and soothing tea. This one is my favorite:

Marshmallow Root Tea Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 TBSP Marshmallow Root
- 1 tsp Peppermint Leaf optional- for taste
- 1 cup warm not boiling water
Instructions
- Combine the herbs and water in a pint size mason jar and put on the lid.
- Shake gently and put in refrigerator for a few hours or overnight.
- Strain and drink cool.
Ever used marshmallow root? What did you use it for? Share below!
Hi great post and comments. Do you know if this will help with stomach / peptic ulcers? If so what’s the best treatment… Tea or tablets?
I like drinking it warm. I think it’s more effective in treating sore throat than a cold marshmallow root tea.
Can i make a tea from capsules and use it for the marshmallows and would it b boiled or cold fusion
I ordered from MRH. I steeped the Marshmallow Root in cool water for about 4 to 5 hours, then heated in a microwave. I know that’s a no no but, I like hot tea. Is this ok? Or is there a better way?
I noticed that a few of you also purchased a Marshmallow plant but don’t know how to properly harvest the root. Well I guess I’m joining the club! I just bought a plant and it fairly large by I don’t know how to harvest the root properly without killing the plant. Katie, could you please help us out with this? Thanks!
following 🙂 My marshmallow plant has just bloomed flowers and I’m so anxious to use it before the winter comes.
Just found this about harvesting marshmallow:
https://www.floralencounters.com/Seeds/seed_detail.jsp?productid=93354
I used to use this for UTI’s…does this also work for yeast infections? Is it safe during pregnancy? Thanks!
I feel like I discoverer gold in my back yard. I ordered organic marshmallow root for the detangle spray but didn’t realize it was so valuable internally. Thank you.
There are no ingredients showing in the tea recipe…is that because it is just the marshmallow root herb + water? Or is it an error? Love your website. Thanks.
Sorry about that! Tech glitch- should be fixed now!
Thanks!
I heard that Slippery Elm and Marshmallow Root are beneficial for healing the gut. What do you know about Slippery Elm that you can share with us? Thanks for a GREAT blog!
It is great too… Working on a post about it 🙂
I’ve just planted some marshmallow. Can’t wait till it matures so I can try using it. Thanks for your post.