Marshmallow root
Also called: Althaea officinalis
The root of a flowering plant rich in mucilage, a gel-like fiber that coats and soothes the throat and digestive tract. It's not related to the candy you buy today.
Commonly used for
- Dry cough and sore throat
- Heartburn and an irritated stomach
- Soothing the gut lining (in blends)
Found naturally in
- Not a common food. The root is used as a tea.
Label red flags
- Doesn't say whether it's root or leaf (the root has more mucilage)
Check with a provider
- Taking any medicines or supplements. The coating can slow how well they're absorbed, so take them at a different time of day.
- Taking diabetes medicine (it may lower blood sugar, based mostly on animal studies)
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding: not enough safety information
Supplements that contain it
Parts of the body it affects
Explore what each area does and the conditions that can affect it.
Digestive tract
Your stomach and intestines absorb nutrients and hold most of your body's immune tissue, which makes the gut a common target in autoimmune disease.
Lungs
Your lungs bring oxygen in and carry carbon dioxide out. Several autoimmune conditions can inflame or scar lung tissue, often quietly at first.
Illustrations: Servier Medical Art, CC BY 4.0
Wondering if your symptoms fit a pattern?
Dr. Lesher is a naturopathic doctor who specializes in women's autoimmune and chronic conditions. Since 2020, she has helped more than 900 patients overcome and heal from their conditions.