It is an herb that is native to Western Asia, Europe, and Northern America. For thousands of years, it has been used as a traditional remedy to treat respiratory, digestive, and skin conditions.
It contains paste, and that is where the healing powers of marshmallow root benefits lie(1). It is rich in antioxidants, and it forms a layer over the digestive tract that helps to prevent ulcers and resolves other digestive issues. It is available in various forms like capsules, tinctures, or in the form of tea.
Nutritional Facts
4 Regular sized- pieces include have the following nutrient value
| Calories | 91 |
| Total Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 0 g |
| Sodium | 0g |
| Total Carbohydrate | 23.7 g |
| Protein | 0. 5 g |
| Calcium | 0 g |
| Iron | 0 g |
Health benefits of Marshmallow Root
1. Prevents common Flu and Cold
Marshmellow root benefits the body by acting as a natural and effective remedy during a severe cough and cold.
A study conducted in 2005 showed that a herbal cough syrup that had marshmallow as an ingredient was useful to treat bronchitis, cold and respiratory tract diseases. The other active ingredients of this cough syrup were dry ivy leaf, thyme, and aniseed. In 12 days, the participants participating experienced a 90 % improvement in their symptoms.
Marshmallow root benefits our health as an enzyme and helps to loosen the mucus and stops the growth of harmful bacteria.
[Read: Herbs That Fight Cold]
2. Prevents Against Skin Irritation
Marshmellow has anti-inflammatory properties that prevent irritation of the skin caused by eczema, furunculosis, and dermatitis. In 2013 a review stated that using an ointment that comprised 20 percent marshmallow root extract helped to reduce skin irritation. The root stimulated anti-inflammatory activities in a few cells.
[Read: Green Tea Benefits for Skin Problems]
3. It Aids in Wound Healing
The root is known for its anti-bacterial properties.
An animal study conducted in 2015 suggested that the extract can treat gram-positive bacteria. This bacteria is solely responsible for over 50 percent on infections and antibiotic-resistant superbugs(2). On topical application on rat wounds, the extract increased the wound healing if compared to the antibiotics.
4. Heals Dry Mouth
Xerostomia or dry mouth can increase the formation of cavities, gum diseases, and dental infections. Dry mouth refers to a condition where the saliva doesn’t get formed in the mouth. The causes of these can differ from blood pressure medications, antihistamines, and autoimmune disorders.
A few studies showed that people who suffer from low saliva formation in the mouth or have hyposalivation have benefited using marshmallow root.
Marshmallow root tea benefits dry mouth. It is a natural and herbal remedy available to treat dry mouth syndrome and has no side-effects compared to over the counter medicines.
[Read: Home Remedies for Dry Mouth]
5. Prevents Ulcers
Marshmallow root benefits us in preventing the formation of ulcers. A study conducted in 2015 showed that marshmallow flower helped to protect the gut from gastric ulcers. The effects of the root extracts were tested on rats by using NSAID. ( non-steroidal anti-inflammatories) The ones to receive the extract weren’t likely to get ulcers compared to the ones that didn’t get it.
Researchers have found that the marshmallow root and leaf tea benefits as it consists of mucilage and flavonoids that protect the lining of the stomach, and that reduces the risk of ulcers, even the ones caused due to NSAID(3).
MARSHMALLOW ROOTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE ONLINE
6. Prevents Acid Reflux
One significant marshmallow root benefit includes its potential to protect the throat from reflux or GERD. During gastric reflux, the acid present in the stomach flows back to the throat that damages the esophagus. As this root has a demulcent effect, the paste coats the person’s esophagus and protects it from the damaging acids from the stomach.
How to Use:
- You can utilize marshmallow root benefits for colds, flu, and GERD by making herbal tea using marshmallow dried herbs or tea bags in a tea strainer and drink around 3 cups daily.
- For skin infections, you can also use an ointment with 20 percent marshmallow root extract to the concerned area 3 times every day.
How Much to Use:
Dosage- Marshmallow root should be taken for four weeks at a time. Always give a gap of a week before resuming.
Precautions and Side Effects
Usually, marshmallow is tolerated well by most people. But it is advised that you start with a low dose and then go up to a high dose to reduce the risk of side effects.
Avoid consuming if you’re pregnant, diabetic, or breastfeeding.
Side effects may include symptoms of
- Dizziness
- Stomach ache
- Nausea
- Heartburn
Always talk to your doctor before consuming marshmallows to avoid any of the side-effects. It is safe, but it may trigger some health issues due to existing health conditions.
Once you get a green signal from your doctor, you can add a herbal, topical, or oral dose to your routine to make optimum use of marshmallow root benefits. Discontinue if you notice any side-effects.
[ Read: Gravel Root Benefits ]
FAQs
1. Does the Marshmallow Root Benefit Hair?
It is a natural hydrator for the hair as it has low concentrations of ceramide precursors. As it is rich in mucilage, the protein helps to make the hair strands look thicker. So, marshmallow root benefits for hair for sure.
2. Is Marshmallow Root a Protein?
The paste is a demulcent and is very high in protein. It swells when mixed with water and forms a mucous membrane and relieves irritation.
