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Herb Profile- Marshmallow Root Uses and Benefits
  • Natural Remedies

Marshmallow Root Herb Profile

Katie WellsApr 17, 2014Updated: Jan 5, 2020
Reading Time: 3 min

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Wellness Mama » Blog » Natural Remedies » Marshmallow Root Herb Profile
Table of Contents[Hide][Show]
  • Benefits of Marshmallow Root
  • Uses of Marshmallow Root
  • Where to Get Marshmallow Root
  • Soothing Marshmallow Tea Recipe:
  • Marshmallow Root Tea Recipe

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:

Herb Profile- Marshmallow Root Uses and Benefits

Marshmallow Root Tea Recipe

Katie Wells
A simple and cooling Marshmallow Root tea to improve digestion
3.97 from 28 votes
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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.
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Ever used marshmallow root? What did you use it for? Share below!

Category: Natural Remedies

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About Katie Wells

Katie Wells, CTNC, MCHC, Founder of Wellness Mama and Wellnesse, has a background in research, journalism, and nutrition. As a wife and mom of six, she turned to research and took health into her own hands to find answers to her health problems. WellnessMama.com is the culmination of her thousands of hours of research and all posts are medically reviewed and verified by the Wellness Mama research team. Katie is also the author of the bestselling books The Wellness Mama Cookbook and The Wellness Mama 5-Step Lifestyle Detox.

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Reader Interactions

Discussion (85 Comments)

  1. Giles T

    December 2, 2014 at 8:22 AM

    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?

    Reply
  2. Janey Danes

    November 24, 2014 at 4:21 PM

    5 stars
    I like drinking it warm. I think it’s more effective in treating sore throat than a cold marshmallow root tea.

    Reply
  3. cristina

    November 23, 2014 at 1:11 AM

    Can i make a tea from capsules and use it for the marshmallows and would it b boiled or cold fusion

    Reply
  4. Stephanie Davis

    October 12, 2014 at 7:26 PM

    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?

    Reply
  5. Catelyn Olivares

    July 9, 2014 at 12:21 PM

    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!

    Reply
    • Franchesca

      July 17, 2014 at 8:58 PM

      following 🙂 My marshmallow plant has just bloomed flowers and I’m so anxious to use it before the winter comes.

      Reply
    • Franchesca

      July 17, 2014 at 9:01 PM

      Just found this about harvesting marshmallow:

      https://www.floralencounters.com/Seeds/seed_detail.jsp?productid=93354

      Reply
  6. Mary

    June 12, 2014 at 2:28 AM

    I used to use this for UTI’s…does this also work for yeast infections? Is it safe during pregnancy? Thanks!

    Reply
  7. Tabitha

    April 29, 2014 at 6:42 PM

    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.

    Reply
  8. Sonia

    April 27, 2014 at 12:35 AM

    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.

    Reply
    • Katie - Wellness Mama

      April 29, 2014 at 10:30 PM

      Sorry about that! Tech glitch- should be fixed now!

      Reply
      • Sonia

        May 3, 2014 at 3:20 PM

        Thanks!

        Reply
  9. Ginger

    April 26, 2014 at 7:54 PM

    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!

    Reply
    • Katie - Wellness Mama

      April 29, 2014 at 10:34 PM

      It is great too… Working on a post about it 🙂

      Reply
  10. Carol

    April 25, 2014 at 11:25 PM

    I’ve just planted some marshmallow. Can’t wait till it matures so I can try using it. Thanks for your post.

    Reply
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