Unlocking the Healing Secrets of Marshmallow Root

Introduction

Marshmallow root obtained from the marshmallow plant, Althaea officinalis, belongs to angiosperms (flowering plants) and has been most commonly used as a herbal medicine for centuries. This root as a medicine is used to treat ailments like coughs, skin issues, and digestive tract problems like ulcers. It can be used as a powder, capsule, tea, and cough syrup. The article reviews the benefits and potential side effects of marshmallow root.

What Are the Side-Effects of Marshmallow Root?

Althaea officinalis is a brown, fibrously hardy plant of which the roots, leaves, and flowers are edible and possess nutritional values. There is mucilage (a sap-like substance) present in the marshmallow root that adds to its medicinal properties. This root mucilage consists of antioxidants that provide a protective covering over the skin and the digestive tract, thus treating the related disorders.

What Are the Components Present in the Marshmallow Root?

The marshmallow root contains the following components:

• Pectins.

• Starch.

• Monosaccharides.

• Disaccharides.

• Mucilage.

• Flavonoids.

• Anti-oxidants.

• Coumarins.

• Scopoletin.

• Tannin.

• Asparagines and other amino acids.

What Are the Available Forms of Marshmallow Root?

These roots are available - dried, peeled, or unpeeled in the following forms:

• Capsules.

• Tinctures.

• Creams.

• Ointments.

• Cough syrups.

What Are the Benefits of Marshmallow Root?

The marshmallow roots exhibit antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-mycobacterial, and anti-viral properties.

The following are the benefits of the marshmallow root:

1. Relieves Coughs- The mucilage in the marshmallow root has a soothing effect on the esophagus. It covers all over the esophagus and helps in reducing the cough. Many types of research have been conducted to study the impact of this herb in controlling and relieving cough in individuals. Out of such one study, it was seen that lozenges or syrups containing this root help in treating dry cough. A study was conducted on children, and they were given syrups containing marshmallow root and other herbs like chamomile. It was found that those children did not suffer any interruptions during sleep and experienced less severe cough. At the same time, some other studies conducted on children showed that when these children were given marshmallow root and other herbal medicines, there were more minor cases of respiratory infections.

2. Reduces Xerostomia- Xerostomia is a disorder in which the mouth becomes dry due to a lack of saliva. Thus it leads to dental caries and other related dental problems like cheilitis (inflammation of lips), sialadenitis (infections in salivary glands), halitosis, etc. It is caused by antihistamines, diuretics, neurological problems, and autoimmune diseases. As per one study, the marshmallow root helps patients with low saliva levels (hyposalivation). The marshmallow lozenges, when dissolved in the mouth, improve the formation of saliva by stimulating the salivary glands.

3. Reduces the Risk of Ulcers- The marshmallow root also helps in protecting the gut from gastric ulcers as the mucilage and flavonoids in the herb cover the mucous lining of the stomach. Even NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) -associated stomach ulcers can be subsided with the help of marshmallow roots.

4. Decreased Skin Irritation- The marshmallow root helps patients suffering from skin inflammation conditions like eczema (dermatitis) and other skin irritation conditions. It has been found that the topical application of this root helps in the prevention of damage caused by ultraviolet radiation on the skin. These ultraviolet radiations can cause premature skin aging and skin cancer.

5. Wound Healing- The marshmallow roots exhibit soothing effects and thus are used in wound healing. The topical application of this herb helps in speeding up wound healing by possessing antibacterial activities.

6. Prevention of Gastric Reflux- Gastric reflux is a condition in which the production of hydrochloric acid increases and thus irritates the mucous lining of the digestive tract. The demulcent effect and the mucilage covering help in the prevention of gastric reflux and also protect the esophagus from the harmful effects of gastric juices.

What Is the Recommended Dose?

For children, there is no prescribed data on marshmallow root dosage. The pediatricians must be consulted before administering the dose to children.

For adults, one glass of water composing 30 to 40 drops of tincture or a capsule containing six grams of powdered root daily is recommended.

What Are the Side-Effects of Marshmallow Root?

The significant side effects of marshmallow root have not been reported, but the trigger effects of the herb are seen in combination with other medications or supplements.

Interactions With Lithium: The consumption of marshmallow root increases lithium levels in the body. This can lead to the following symptoms-

• Frequent urination.

• Increased thirst.

• Weight gain.

• Dyspnea (difficulty in breathing).

• Tachycardia (increased heartbeat).

• Confusion.

• Memory loss.

• Nausea and vomiting.

• Vision changes.

• Hand tremors.

Interactions With Anti-Diabetic Drugs: The marshmallow root may cause a decrease in the levels of blood sugar. So the intake of anti-diabetics and marshmallow roots simultaneously leads to reduced blood glucose.

To avoid any of these side effects, the marshmallow root must be consumed after or before taking any drugs.

What Are the Precautions to Be Taken?

Listed are the precautions that need to be taken while consuming marshmallow root:

1. Avoid using the herb in the case of pregnant and lactating women.

2. People with diabetes must stop using the herb.

3. Those who have to undergo surgery within the next few weeks.

4. When applied topically, the patch test must be done.

5. Take the herb not more than four weeks at a time. There must be a one-week gap between the two cycles.

6. Increase the amount of water intake as it may suppress the side effects associated with the marshmallow root.

7. Dose intake must be started from a low value as the dose must be increased gradually.

Conclusion

Marshmallow root is a medicinal component derived from the plant. It is a herbaceous plant whose flowers, leaves, and roots can be consumed and serve as medicinal and nutritional compounds. Though it is herbal medicine, it is not advised to replace the allopathic treatment and the medications suggested by the doctor. It can be used orally and topically as well. The dose must be taken in smaller amounts initially and then increased slowly to avoid side effects. The more significant side effects of the root are not listed in any study and thus are considered safe when taken in regulatory amounts.