Marshmallow root is an herb used to improve skin health, relieve pain, treat common colds, and much more. Marshmallow root has been used for more than 2,000 years all over the world. The entire marshmallow plant is edible, from the roots to the flowers. Today, this powerful herb is mainly consumed through the capsule, liquid extract, or tea, although can be boiled and fried. Marshmallow root is a natural herb that is considered to be safe, but it is recommended to talk with your doctor before adding it to your daily routine. Below are 10 health benefits of marshmallow root.
Common Colds
When taken orally, marshmallow root has antitussive properties that soothe a sore throat and coughing, reduce swollen lymph nodes, and reduce healing time. Marshmallow root also acts as an enzyme by loosening mucus and reducing bacteria. The best way to overcome a cold quickly is to combine the use of marshmallow root with other anti-inflammatory and antibacterial herbs.
Skin Irritation
Marshmallow Root is best used topically to relieve skin irritation such as bug bites, skin ulcers, burns, abscesses, and more. Mucilage, a thick, gummy substance, found in marshmallow root reduces swelling and kills bacteria. The anti-inflammatory properties found in marshmallow root are a natural cure for eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea.
Anti-Aging
Tired of spending money on expensive anti-aging cream? If so, marshmallow root may be the answer. Mucilage, found in marshmallow root, is a natural way to keep skin hydrated. Hydration is important in skin care because it reduces fine lines and increases even-toned complexion. For best results, apply Marshmallow root extract or cream containing marshmallow root extract directly to the skin twice daily. If you’ve never used topically, it’s recommended to test a dime-sized amount on your skin first.
Digestion
Marshmallow root extract treats many digestive issues such as constipation, diarrhea, colic issues, and stomach ulcers. Not only will this herb provide immediate relief, but it also has long-term benefits. After only one month of consuming marshmallow root extract, the risk for stomach ulcers goes down significantly. Mucilage layers the inside of the digestive tract, preventing future irritation and stimulating tissue regeneration.
Pain Reliever
In search of a natural pain reliever? Look no further than marshmallow root. Whether the pain is a sore throat, cut, or a headache consuming marshmallow root will immediately soothe pain and reduce irritation. Salicylic acid, found in the herb, treats muscle pain and headaches. To relieve pain, marshmallow root can be consumed in capsule or liquid form.
Acid Reflux
Whether you’re looking for instant relief from acid reflux or a permanent fix, marshmallow root is for you. Marshmallow root becomes gooey when mixed with water. This gooey mix, coats the esophagus and throat, allowing the anti-inflammatory properties to soothe irritated muscles and mucous membranes. However, for marshmallow root to heal and prevent acid reflux, it must be used on a regular basis.
Water Retention
Marshmallow root is a natural alternative to water pills. Its diuretic properties reduce fluid retention, which helps with overall bloating and swelling. Marshmallow root will increase urination, relieving discomfort. Due to increased urination, marshmallow root is also recommended for people with kidney stones and females, as their body often retains water during hormonal changes, such as PMS and menopause.
Bacterial Infections
Marshmallow root both relieves discomfort and cures bacterial infections such as tonsillitis, bronchitis, and urinary tract infections. Marshmallow root reduces discomforts such as swelling, burning, tenderness, and irritations. Mucilage naturally kills bacteria, ridding the body of various ailments. As mentioned above, marshmallow root increases urination, which allows the body to remove bacteria from the urinary tract.
Heart Health
Consuming marshmallow roots regularly increases the body’s “good” cholesterol, HDL. High HDL removes bad cholesterol, reducing the risk for heart diseases. Marshmallow root reduces heart disease through its anti-inflammatory properties, which reduce acute and chronic inflammation. This herb is also known to prevent platelet aggregation, which is a clumping of platelets in the blood, also known as a blood clot.
UVA Protection
Marshmallow root is known to reduce skin damage caused by UVA rays, to keep skin looking healthy. Skin damaged by UVA rays is more prone to wrinkles, discolorations, and even skin cancers. To minimize the damaging effects, it’s recommended that marshmallow root extract is applied in the morning, evening, and after exposure to UVA rays.
Supports Liver Health
Due to a large number of antioxidants, marshmallow roots can contribute to healing damaged liver bile ducts. It helps trigger the production of epithelial cells that line the insides of ducts and organs. In turn, a healthier bile duct helps the liver detox more efficiently. Marshmallow root’s phytonutrients can also bind to heavy metals and sweep them out of the body.
Helps Normalize Blood Sugar
Marshmallow root shows the potential to decrease blood sugar levels. Research suggests that it can help regulate the release of glucose and insulin, reducing the risk of dangerous fluctuations in blood glucose. People on medications for diabetes should use caution; the herb may interact with prescription medicines and cause blood sugar to drop too low.
Can Encourage Healing from Surgery
Marshmallow root’s inflammation-soothing properties may encourage the healing of surgical wounds with topical use. However, as noted previously, the herb may interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgery if taken internally. The root’s mucilage coats the stomach lining, potentially hindering the absorption of surgery-related medications. Avoid this herb at least two weeks before a scheduled medical procedure.
Eases Breastfeeding Discomfort
Marshmallow roots contain polysaccharides that may improve breast engorgement. A 2017 clinical study indicates that a compress with marshmallow root powder may lessen the severity of this painful condition that occurs when lactating breasts overfill with milk. Topical marshmallow preparations can help soothe sore, cracked nipples. Marshmallow root is a common ingredient in products promoted to increase breastmilk production. No scientific research confirms any correlation, though. Generally recognized as safe by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, this herb is unlikely to harm breastfed infants or their mothers.
Suggested Dosages of Marshmallow Root
A safe dosage for marshmallow root is yet to be established; recommended doses are based on traditional use. The literature suggests drinking eight or more ounces of liquid at least 1 to 2 hours before or after taking any oral medications, consulting a physician before using the product, and discontinuing use if an allergic reaction develops. To treat digestive issues, sources suggest taking up to six grams per day as a powder, capsule, or tincture. A sore throat or cough may be soothed by tea with 1 or 2 teaspoons of marshmallow root powder, three or four times a day. A glass of water containing 30 to 40 drops of a tincture may also be helpful.