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 The
marshmallow plant can be found growing in damp, wet areas including
meadows and marshes. While native to regions of Europe, the
marshmallow plant now grows in the United States as well. The root
and leaves of the plant are used medicinally.
For many years
marshmallow plants have been used medicinally to relieve coughs and
sore throats, as well as for chapped skin and minor
wounds.
Both the root and the leaf of the marshmallow plant
contain a substance known as mucilate, a mucusy substance that does
not dissolve in water. It is this substance that causes marshmallow
to swell up and become slippery when wet. This attribute of the
marshmallow plant gives it the ability to soothe irritation of the
mouth, throat and stomach, as well as to relieve
coughing.
Marshmallow is also believed to possibly have a
limited ability to fight infection and boost the immune
system.
While the effectiveness of marshmallow has not been
substantiated, it has been used in connection with:
- Asthma
- Common cold/sore throat
- Cough
- Crohn’s disease
- Diarrhea
- Gastritis
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Indigestion
- Pap smear (abnormal)
- Peptic ulcer
- Ulcerative colitis
Dosage and
Administration
A recommended dose of marshmallow is
1 1/-4 teaspoons (6 grams) of the root per day. Marshmallow can be
prepared as a tea to be taken 5 times a day. Herbal extracts in
capsule and tablet form providing 5–6 grams of marshmallow per day
can also be used, or it may be taken as a tincture—1–3 teaspoons
(5–15 ml) three times daily.
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