Marshmallow - Health Benefits

Torey

Marshmallow is a wonderful demulcent used to treat a variety of ailments in different body systems. In research, marshmallow has been shown to be more effective than a commonly prescribed cough medication, dropropizine. It is slightly less effective than opiates (codeine) as an anti-tussive but doesn’t suppress expectoration as opiates do. Marshmallow can be found in tea combinations, syrups, throat sprays and/or lozenges for coughs and sore throats.

Marshmallow is often used in combinations to soothe urinary tract infections or to assist with the passing of kidney stones. It is helpful in cases of stomach ulcers, IBS and colitis as well as being a preventative for leaky gut syndrome. Marshmallow is useful for both constipation and diarrhea. For digestive issues, marshmallow can be taken in capsule as well as teas.

Marshmallow’s anti-inflammatory properties are great for skin conditions, soothing itching and redness and helping to reduce swelling and irritation. Studies have shown good results treating cutaneous leishmaniasis with marshmallow combinations. Marshmallow can be found in salves or it may be added to lip balm recipes.

For new mums, marshmallow may help increase milk supply but is usually used as a supportive ingredient in galactogogue teas. It can also assist as a breast compress for sore nipples or engorgement.

The leaves are used medicinally as well although the root may have more mucilaginous properties. 

This is a link to Herbal Remedies Advice (by Rosalee de la Foret) where you can find a downloadable e-book all about marshmallow.

https://www.herbalremediesadvice.org/marshmallow-herb.html#:~:text=It%20can%20soothe%20an%20inflamed,anti%2Dtussive%20herb%20as%20well.

And a blog article from Fullscript.

https://fullscript.com/blog/marshmallow-root-benefits

nicksamanda11

Thank you

annbeck62

Very informative, thank you. It's also good for those who make their own products :)

Merin Porter

Thank you so much for this, @torey ! For those interested in exploring marshmallow a bit more, there is also a good article by @Scott Sexton on our blog: https://thegrownetwork.com/marshmallow-benefits/

vickeym

I have a few mallow plants growing this year, but don't really understand the difference between the marshmallow plant and the mallow plant. Could anyone possibly explain?

Torey

Good question @vickeym. There is often confusion when referring to these species. All are in the Malvaceae family.

Marshmallow is Althea officinalis. It is usually about 4' tall but in my garden it has reached about 6'. Marshmallow has soft, slightly velvety leaves. Usually pale pink to pale lavender flowers.

Mallow is usually Malva neglecta, but may be Malva sylvestris. There are other Malva species that can be found at garden centres; Malva moschata is musk mallow, Malva alcea is greater mallow. Their leaves are bigger than on marshmallow. Flowers are usually bigger than on marshmallow with more colour variation (brighter, darker colours).

Both have medicinal properties although different and mallow isn't as well known or used.

judsoncarroll4

It is certainly an herb I use a lot... and its cousin, okra is among my favorite veggies. I eat fried okra like popcorn!

marjstratton

@judsoncarroll4 That is and interesting visual! My impression of okra is slimy, not popcorny.

judsoncarroll4

https://community.thegrownetwork.com/discussion/comment/915020#Comment_915020

Try it breaded and fried - it is awesome!

vickeym

Thank you for explaining the differences @torey .

@judsoncarroll4 I completely agree. Fried okra is fantastic. Don't really care for it any other way, not into the slimy version. lol