Marshmallow Root

Marshmallow Root So when you hear the word ‘marshmallow’ you probably think of the yummy pink and white fluffy balls of sugar we roast around the campfire – right? Well, you are about to find out a healthy and quite different application for marshmallow.

So, What Exactly is Marshmallow Root?

Marshmallow Root is a plant that grows naturally in Europe, Western Asia and North Africa. It has been known as a traditional remedy for thousands of years to treat an array of health issues including digestive, respiratory and skin problems.

What are the Health Benefits of Marshmallow Root?

The healing properties are numerous and have helped people with a variety of ailments for generations. Health issues including but not limited to the following:

Digestive Problems

Heartburn, acid reflux, diarrhea, and constipation – things that unfortunately we all have to put up with from time to time. Studies have found that Marshmallow Root works to repair gut lining and maintain a healthy digestive system.¹In addition, it’s also thought to help with the symptoms of more serious digestive health issues such as colitis, stomach ulcers and Crohn’s disease.¹

Respiratory Health

Those pesky coughs can be so hard to get rid of can’t they? Well Marshmallow Root, when taken in the form of syrup, and as an active ingredient in many throat lozenges, can help to relieve the symptoms by breaking down mucous and inhibiting bacteria formation.²A 2005 study showed that this is particularly helpful when used in combination with other herbs such as ivy leaves, thyme and anise.²

Skincare

Marshmallow roots help to improve skin health by reducing irritation and dryness, as well as treat wounds, burns, insect bites and peeling skin.³The root contains active ingredients with mucilage (gum) like properties that soften and smooth the skin. The anti-inflammatory effects of marshmallow root can also assist with treating boils, eczema and dermatitis.³

Pain Relief

Unfortunately, we all require relief from pain from time to time – the amount of advertisements on the TV for pain relief medication certainly tell us that.

Another benefit of Marshmallow Root is in its analgesic properties, particularly in sore throats. Mouthwash and herbal tea containing the root extract are believed to be effective against acute pharyngitis.⁴

Diuretic Effect

Marshmallow Root helps the body remove excess fluid through its diuretic properties, and in doing so reduces any likelihood of the kidneys and bladder forming kidney stones. In addition, the diuretic effect relieves internal irritation and inflammation of the urinary tract.⁵

Breast Conditions

Breastfeeding is a wonderful thing, but unfortunately can be accompanied with a variety of issues such as pain, swelling and cracked nipples.

Using a cold compress soaked in Marshmallow Root extract and gently massaging the breasts both before and after breast feeding has been found to give relief.⁶

Breast Enlargement

Want larger breasts without the need to spend thousands of dollars on an invasive surgical procedure, as well as the risk of general anaesthetic? According to Great Home Remedies, applying a compress of Marshmallow Root regularly and drinking an extract of the root three times a day can potentially increase your breast size by double slowly over time.⁷

Is Marshmallow Root Safe?

Marshmallow Root is considered safe but as with any herbal therapies, it may interact with medication you are on. So, it’s always best to check with your medical doctor or health professional before commencing use.

It can be found to interact with diabetic medication as well as lithium and could interfere with the absorption of other medications.

You’ve learnt that Marshmallow Root has no connection with the sugary stuff we toast over the campfire. Instead, it’s indeed a natural plant full of healing properties, which have been widely reputed for centuries, dating back to ancient times.

Properties

Anti-Bacterial¹^,²
Anti-Inflammatory³
Antioxidant³
Cholesterol³
Colitis¹
Constipation¹
Cough²
Crohn’s Disease¹
Demulcent²^,³
Diarrhea¹
Digestive Function¹
Digestive Restoration¹
Diuretic⁵
Fluid Retention⁵
Kidney Support⁵
Laxative⁶^,⁷
Oral Health²
Pain Relief⁴
Painful Urination⁴
Respiratory Support²
Skin Issues³
Ulcer Support¹
Urinary Tract Issues⁵
Wound Healing³

References