Description
Dr MB’s Marshmallow Root Extract
The Ultimate Gut and Lung Protector
Our 10:1 Extract giving 5500mg per capsule of organic Marshmallow Powder
The historical significance of marshmallow root (Althaea officinalis) in folk medicine can be traced back to ancient Greek and Egyptian civilizations. Homer’s “Iliad,” written over 2,800 years ago, mentioned the use of marshmallow root as a remedy for coughs, sore throats, and congestion. This “slippery” herb gained popularity due to its therapeutic properties.
Interestingly, the association of marshmallow candies with the marshmallow root stems from the plant’s unique characteristic of being “fluffy.” Extracts from marshmallow contain fibrous components that expand in the body, forming a soft and gel-like substance. Even today, holistic practitioners continue to employ marshmallow in much the same way as their predecessors did centuries ago. The plant possesses potent active ingredients that effectively aid in mucus breakdown, inflammation reduction, and natural bacteria elimination.
Marshmallow’s Recognition in Ancient Medicine, Ayurvedic Medicine, TMC and Unani Medicine.
Furthermore, marshmallow has attained significant recognition in Ayurvedic medicine and Unani healing practices. These traditional systems incorporate various plants to enhance immune function and prevent diseases. Marshmallow’s inclusion in such practices highlights its importance and therapeutic value.
Marshmallow root has gained recognition for its efficacy in treating a wide range of illnesses and disorders. Its versatile properties make it an effective remedy for the following conditions:
- Dry coughs and colds: Marshmallow root’s soothing and expectorant properties help alleviate irritation and promote the expulsion of phlegm, providing relief for dry coughs and cold symptoms.
- Dry mouth and low saliva production: Marshmallow root can stimulate saliva production, making it beneficial for individuals experiencing dry mouth or reduced saliva flow.
- Bacterial infections: Marshmallow root exhibits antimicrobial properties that can combat bacterial infections, including those affecting the bladder, urinary tract, and respiratory system.
- Bronchitis and tonsillitis: Marshmallow root’s anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties make it an effective remedy for respiratory infections, including bronchitis and tonsillitis.
- Joint pain caused by swelling/inflammation: The anti-inflammatory properties of marshmallow root make it helpful in reducing swelling and alleviating joint pain associated with conditions like arthritis.
- Inflammation of the lining of the stomach: Marshmallow root’s mucilaginous nature provides a protective coating to the stomach lining, soothing inflammation and discomfort caused by conditions such as gastritis.
- Digestive issues: Marshmallow root can be beneficial for various digestive issues, including diarrhea, stomach ulcers, and constipation. Its soothing properties help reduce inflammation and promote healthy digestion.
- Inflammatory bowel disease, leaky gut syndrome, and autoimmune disorders: Marshmallow root’s anti-inflammatory properties can help alleviate symptoms associated with inflammatory bowel disease, leaky gut syndrome, and certain autoimmune disorders.
- Burns, wounds, insect bites, or poultices on the skin: Marshmallow root’s emollient and antimicrobial properties make it suitable for treating minor skin irritations, burns, wounds, and insect bites. It can be used topically or in the form of poultices.
- Eczema and dermatitis of the skin: Marshmallow root’s soothing and moisturizing properties make it beneficial for relieving symptoms of eczema and dermatitis, such as itching, inflammation, and dryness.
- Water retention, bloating, and PMS: Marshmallow root’s diuretic properties can help reduce water retention and bloating, making it useful for managing premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms.
1. Helps Treat Coughs and Colds
For anyone suffering from a sore throat, cough or cold, marshmallow root can be taken orally to reduce pain, swelling and congestion.
According to a 2020 in vitro study published in Frontiers in Pharmacology, its antitussive properties and mucilage abilities allow it to decrease inflammation and irritation of the throat, reduce swelling in the lymph nodes, speed up healing time and reduce aggravating dry coughing. It also tends to have immediate effects due to forming a protective film on the inflamed mucosa.
This is exactly the reason that marshmallow extract is added to many cough syrups and throat lozenges. It’s one of the most effective natural cough remedies.
It also seems to help stop the urge to cough and facilitates the process of producing more saliva, allowing it help reduce symptoms of dry mouth in research involving cats. It can safely be used by people with chronically low levels of salivary flow and chronic coughs.
Studies also suggest it can help treat tonsillitis, including among children.
Marshmallow is especially effective at beating a cold or the flu when combined with other anti-inflammatory and antibacterial herbs and essential oils for sore throat, such as slippery elm and echinacea or lemon, myrrh, oregano, cypress and frankincense essential oils.
When combined, these target the underlying cause of the sickness (including bacteria) and coat the throat to ease discomfort.
2. Fights Bacterial Infections
If you feel symptoms of tonsillitis, bronchitis, a urinary tract infection or respiratory infection coming on, taking marshmallow root at the first sign of discomfort like swelling, burning and tenderness may help ease symptoms. It can help speed up the healing process and naturally kill bacteria that can cause various ailments.
Once ingested, it helps increase the secretion of urine, which improves the body’s ability to draw bacteria out of the urinary tract. This is the reason it’s also recommended for treating kidney stone symptoms.
3. Helps Repair the Gut Lining, Preventing Leaky Gut Syndrome
Research suggests that marshmallow is an effective way to help treat certain digestive disorders, including leaky gut syndrome, which develops when particles leak outside tiny openings in the gut lining, allowing them to enter the bloodstream where they can trigger autoimmune reactions.
Marshmallow helps restore integrity of the gut lining by forming a protective layer around small junctions, as shown in research on rats. In addition, it seems to be beneficial for other forms of inflammatory bowel diseases, including ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.
4. Reduces Digestive Issues
Is marshmallow root good for acid reflux? Yes — digestive uses for marshmallow root include lowering or preventing heartburn, stomach ulcer symptoms, diarrhea and constipation.
Animal research shows it coats the inside of the stomach and prevents acid from causing discomfort and “burning,” while also providing anti-inflammatory effects.
Interestingly, the mucilage properties of marshmallow seem to remain stable in the body all the way through the digestive system until they reach the colon. This means they don’t change form while passing through the digestive tract and therefore are useful for soothing symptoms of inflammatory digestive disorders.
For most forms of indigestion, marshmallow root tea tends to work the best and is usually soothing to the stomach while not causing any side effects. For even more stomach-soothing effects, you can mix marshmallow with other digestive aids, such as peppermint essential oil or steeped/raw ginger root.
5. Soothes Skin Troubles
By helping soothe the nerve-sense system of the skin, marshmallow has anti-irritant properties and is even well-tolerated by those with allergies and hypersensitive skin. For many years, it’s provided relief from itching, swelling, redness and chaffing.
According to a 2019 report, marshmallow can be used topically to treat a number of skin problems:
- insect bites
- wounds
- burns
- scrapes
- dry/chapped skin
- peeling
The roots and stem of the marshmallow plant secrete mucilage, which softens skin, lowers swelling and kills bacteria.
Some in vitro evidence shows its anti-inflammatory effects are also beneficial for treating eczema and dermatitis. Polysaccharides in marshmallow roots are absorbent fibres that combine with liquid to form a soft and slippery base that acts like a skin buffer, moisturiser and protective layer for ultra-sensitive skin.
You’ll find marshmallow in many lip balms, hair conditioners, salves and after-sun products. If you can’t find a natural ointment made with marshmallow extracts, try creating your own homemade moisturiser for dry skin by adding several drops to a coconut or jojoba oil-based cream. Used along with natural skin-savers like tea tree oil and aloe vera, marshmallow has an even bigger impact.
6. Lowers Inflammation and Supports Heart Health
A 2011 study examined the effects of marshmallow root supplementation on blood lipid profiles and liver function over a one-month period. Researchers found that marshmallow had anti-inflammatory effects that worked against both acute and chronic inflammation.
Marshmallow also showed anti-ulcer activity, anti-lipidemic abilities and resulted in an increase in HDL cholesterol (the “good” kind). When given a dosage of 50 milligrams marshmallow per kilogram of body weight, the subjects experienced significant increases in serum HDL cholesterol level with no side effects and adverse effects on liver enzymes.
7. Reduces Water Retention
Marshmallow seems to have diuretic effects and acts similar to “water pills” that are intended to lower fluid retention, edema and bloating. If your diet or hormone levels (such as experiencing PMS or menopause) cause you to retain water and feel uncomfortable, marshmallow can help increase urination and balance fluids.
8. Has Antioxidant Effects
Researchers have recently learned that that antioxidants such as flavonoids found within marshmallow allow it to help prevent the formation of oxidative damage that leads to chronic diseases, including cancerous tumor growth and inflammatory disorders, as well as neurodegenerative diseases.
It protects healthy cells through a combination of mechanisms, including forming cell adhesions, affecting growth of cells and the extracellular matrix, managing cytokine release, and destroying harmful cells (apoptosis). Marshmallow also speeds up healing by activating the immune system, specifically by facilitating a process called phagocytosis, which removes damaged or dead cells from the body.
Recently, studies have also shown that it has potential neuroprotective effects that may defend against formation of Parkinson’s due to its antioxidant properties.
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