Marshmallow root (Althaea officinalis) is a fibrous, brown-colored husk that comes from the marshmallow, a perennial native to Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa. Its extracts are used to make cough syrups and skin products.
But, beyond this, it seems to have other medicinal uses due to its particular properties. However, for now there is no solid evidence on its effects on health, since the studies that have been done in humans have been small-scale and are not conclusive.
Therefore, although many use it as an herbal supplement, it is not accepted as a first-choice treatment in case of diseases. Also, due to its possible side effects and interactions, it is recommended to consult your doctor before trying it.
Marshmallow root benefits
The medicinal properties attributed to marshmallow root come, to a large extent, from its mucilage content. The latter refer to a gelatinous plant substance, similar to sap, which has been used as a thickener.
In fact, the sweets known as marshmallows received this name, because at the beginning their manufacturers used the mucilage of this root for their elaboration. However, nowadays they do not usually use this herb, but they are made with sugar and gelatin.
Returning to the main topic, the mucilages in marshmallow root have antioxidant activity and, in general, evidence suggests that they help against skin irritation and digestive problems. Do you want to know more about it? Here are its main benefits.
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.OkPrivacy policy