Marshmallow Herb and benefits

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Marshmallows are not just for toasting over a campfire!

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Michele

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Marsh Mallow Root and Herb

The marshmallow plant can be found growing in damp, wet areas

including meadows and marshes. While native to regions of Europe, the

marshmallow plant now grows in the United States as well. The root

and leaves of the plant are used medicinally.

For many years marshmallow plants have been used to relieve coughs

and sore throats, as well as for chapped skin and minor wounds.

Both the root and the leaf of the marshmallow plant contain a

substance known as mucilate, a mucusy substance that does not

dissolve in water. It is this substance that causes marshmallow to

swell up and become slippery when wet. This attribute of the

marshmallow plant gives it the ability to soothe irritation of the

mouth, throat and stomach, as well as to relieve coughing.

Marshmallow is also believed to have a limited ability to fight

infection and boost the immune system.

While the effectiveness of marshmallow has not been substantiated by

human pharmalogical studies, it has been used in connection with:

Asthma

Common cold/sore throat

Cough

Crohn's disease

Diarrhea

Gastritis

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

Indigestion

Pap smear (abnormal)

Peptic ulcer

Ulcerative colitis

Dosage and Administration

A recommended dose of marshmallow is 1 1/-4 teaspoons (6 grams) of

the root per day. Marshmallow can be prepared as a tea to be taken 5

times a day. Herbal extracts in capsule and tablet form providing 5-6

grams of marshmallow per day can also be used, or it may be taken as

a tincture-1-3 teaspoons (5-15 ml) three times daily.

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Both marshmallow ( Althaea officinalis ) leaf and root are used in

commercial preparations. Herbal formulations are made from either the

dried root or leaf (unpeeled or peeled). The actual mucilaginous

content of the commercial product may vary according to the time of

collection.

No clinical trials assessing marshmallow monotherapy (used alone)

have been conducted for any specific health condition. Medicinal uses

of marshmallow are supported principally by traditional use and

laboratory research. Limited human evidence is available studying the

effects of marshmallow-containing combination products in

dermatological conditions.

Although clinically unproven, marshmallow may interfere with the

absorption of medications taken by mouth. Therefore, ingestion of

marshmallow several hours before or after other medicinal agents may

be warranted.

Marshmallow is generally regarded as safe, and literature review

reveals no documented adverse case-reports. However, the potential

for marshmallow to cause allergic reactions or low blood sugar has

been noted anecdotally.

Althaea extract has been used as a pill excipient. Marshmallow has

also been used as an aid to radiologic examination of the esophagus.

Note: Not to be confused with mallow leaf and mallow flower. Not to

be confused with confectionery marshmallows; although confectionery

marshmallows were once made from the Althaea officinalis plant, they

now contain mostly sugar.

Evidence

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and

effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions

are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified

healthcare provider.

Uses based on scientific evidence

Inflammatory skin conditions (eczema, psoriasis)

Marshmallow extracts have traditionally been used on the skin to

treat inflammation. Several laboratory experiments, mostly in the

1960s, reported marshmallow to have anti-inflammatory activity. There

was one human research study done in 1968. Safety, dosing, and

effectiveness compared to other anti-inflammatory agents have not

been examined.

Uses based on tradition or theory

The below uses are based on tradition or scientific theories. They

often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and

effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions

are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified

healthcare provider.

Abscesses (topical), antidote to poisons, aphrodisiac, arthritis, bee

stings, boils (topical), bronchitis, bruises (topical), burns

(topical), cancer, chilblains, colitis, congestion, constipation,

cough, Crohn's disease, cystitis, demulcent, dermatitis (topical),

diarrhea, diuretic, diverticulitis, duodenal ulcer, emollient,

enteritis, expectorant, gastroenteritis, gum health, inflammation of

the small intestine, immunostimulant, impotence, indigestion,

inflammation, insect bites, irritable bowel syndrome, kidney stones,

laxative, minor wounds, mouthwash, mucilage, muscular pain, pap smear

(abnormal), peptic ulcer disease, polyuria, soothing agent, sore

throat, sprains, skin ulcers (topical), toothache, ulcerative

colitis, urethritis, urinary tract infection, urinary tract

irritation, varicose ulcers (topical), vomiting, whitening agent,

whooping cough, wound healing.

Dosing

The below doses are based on scientific research, publications,

traditional use, or expert opinion. Many herbs and supplements have

not been thoroughly tested, and safety and effectiveness may not be

proven. Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients,

even within the same brand. The below doses may not apply to all

products. You should read product labels, and discuss doses with a

qualified healthcare provider before starting therapy.

Standardization

Standardization involves measuring the amount of certain chemicals in

products to try to make different preparations similar to each other.

It is not always known if the chemicals being measured are

the " active " ingredients. Pharmacopoeia grade marshmallow must be

properly identified by the naked eye and by microscope. The British

Pharmacopoeia requires marshmallow leaf to be harvested before the

flowering period, and to pass identification by specific scientific

tests.

Adults (18 years and older)

Skin inflammatory conditions (eczema, psoriasis): Historically, 5-10

grams of marshmallow in ointment or cream base or 5% powdered

marshmallow leaf has been applied to the skin three times daily.

Daily oral doses of 5 grams of marshmallow leaf, or 6 grams of

marshmallow root have been suggested by mouth.

Oral and pharyngeal irritation: A dose of 2 grams of marshmallow in 1

cup of cold water, soaked for 2 hours then gargled has been used, but

is not supported by scientific evidence.

Children (younger than 18 years)

There is not enough scientific data to recommend marshmallow for use

in children.

Safety

Allergies

Although there are no known reports or studies about marshmallow

allergy, allergic reactions to marshmallow may occur.

Side Effects and Warnings

Historically, marshmallow is generally regarded as being safe in

healthy individuals. However, since studies have not evaluated the

safety of marshmallow, proper doses and duration in humans are not

known. Allergic reactions may occur.

Based on animal study, marshmallow may lower blood glucose levels.

Caution is advised in patients with diabetes or hypoglycemia, and in

those taking drugs, herbs, or supplements that affect blood sugar.

Serum glucose levels should be monitored closely and medication

adjustments may be necessary.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

There is not enough scientific evidence to support the safe use of

marshmallow during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs

Based on animal study, marshmallow may lower blood sugar levels.

Caution is advised when using medications that may also lower blood

sugar. A qualified healthcare professional should monitor patients

taking drugs for diabetes by mouth or insulin closely. Medication

adjustments may be necessary.

Marshmallow may interfere with the absorption of other drugs and

therefore should be taken 1 hour before or 2 hours after other drugs.

Interactions with Herbs and Dietary Supplements

Based on animal study, marshmallow may lower blood sugar levels.

Caution is advised when using herbs or supplements that may also

lower blood sugar. Blood glucose levels may require monitoring, and

doses may need adjustment. Possible examples include: Aloe vera ,

American ginseng, bilberry, bitter melon, burdock,fenugreek, fish

oil, gymnema, horse chestnut seed extract (HCSE), milk thistle, Panax

ginseng, rosemary, Siberian ginseng, stinging nettle and white

horehound. Agents that may raise blood sugar levels include:

Arginine, cocoa, and ephedra (when combined with caffeine).

Marshmallow may interfere with the absorption of other agents and

therefore should be taken 1 hour before or 2 hours after other herbs

and supplements.