Marshmallow Herbal Remedies

Marshmallow root is a mucilaginous herb with a cooling and soothing nature used for ulcers, colitis, gastritis, and urinary inflammation or cystitis. The root has shown a mild immune-activating effect in laboratory tests, and it is taken for dry coughs and lung inflammation or dryness. Its anti-inflammatory properties also make marshmallow useful as a mouthwash. Marshmallow root is often added to other warmer and more active herbs to moderate their harshness, especially for urinary tract and upper respiratory tract infections. Marshmallow has a taste of SWEET, BITTER and a temperature of COOL.

Marshmallow Proper Dose

TypeDossage
Marshmallow Infusion1-2 cups 2-3 x daily
Marshmallow Powder2 capsules 2-3 x daily
Marshmallow Tincture2-4 droppersful 2-3 x daily

Marshmallow Reference Information

Latin NameAlthea officinalis
Other Names
Part UsedRoot
Herb FormsTincture, capsule, bulk herb.
AffectsDigestive system, Respiratory system, Urinary system
CautionsNone noted.
Botanical InfoA stout downy perennial in the mallow family with ovate, toothed leaves and pale pink five-petalled flowers.

Supporting Research

Felter, H.W. and J.U. Lloyd. 1983. (1898). King's Dispensatory. Portland, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications.

Weiss, R. 1988. Herbal Medicine. Beaconsfield, England: Beaconsfield Publishers.

Wren, R.C. 1988. Potter's New Cyclopaedia of Botanical Drugs. Essex: C.W. Daniel Co. Ltd.

Madaus, G. 1976. Lehrbuch der Biologischen Heilmittel. Hildesheim: Georg Olms Verlag.

Bradley, P.R., ed. 1992. British Herbal Compendium. Dorset: British Herbal Medicine Association.

Ellingwood, F. 1983. American Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Pharmacognosy. Portland, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications.

Gunn, J.C. 1872. Gunn's New Family Phycisian. Cincinnati: Wilstach, Baldwin & Co.

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