What are the health benefits of Marshmallow Root Tea?
If you’re interested in finding out about the benefits of marshmallow root tea then you’re in the right place.
Before we go into the individual benefits, let’s take a look at what marshmallow root is and where it comes from.
Althaea Officinalis, or Marshmallow root, is a flowering plant with numerous herbal medicine functions.
It has been used against numerous illnesses for centuries, including skin irritation, coughs, and digestive issues like stomach ulcers.
You can get it in capsules, cough syrup, tea, and powder.
Scientists haven’t completely explored the effects of marshmallow roots so far and lots of the evidence available is anecdotal.
Mostly, the research has involved animal studies and a few small-scale human studies.
Therefore, we need further research to validate the effectiveness of marshmallow roots in humans.
The article will majorly cover the potential benefits of marshmallow root, its usage, and potential side effects.
- If you’re interested in alternative healing then check out this article on crystals for anxiety.
What is Marshmallow Root?
The marshmallow root is derived from the marshmallow plant and has a brown fibrous husk-like appearance.
It’s a perennial herb growing in marshy and damp areas, thus getting its name.
Marshmallow is indigenous to Western Asia, Northern Africa, and Europe.
And, since ancient times the Romans and Greeks used marshmallow root as a vegetable.
The French were the first ones to produce original marshmallow confectionery products.
The leaves, roots, and flowers of the marshmallow plant are all edible.
The flowers and leaves can be employed for medicinal purposes, while herbalists mostly use the roots.
The natural mucilage – a sap-like substance produced by the plant contains antioxidants and accounts for its numerous medicinal uses.
8 Benefits of Marshmallow Root tea
1. Helps With Respiratory Issues
The high mucilage content is what give the majority of the marshmallow root benefits.
Mucilage becomes a thick sticky substance when it encounters the water promoting a soothing effect.
Marshmallows can act as an efficient herbal remedy and heal respiratory infections.
Herbalists usually apply it for dry coughs as it soothes and moisturizes the respiratory tract, including the throat, lungs, and mouth.
It also loosens mucous and eases coughs and sore throat from bronchitis or cold.
The results of several small studies have proven these results.
Marshmallows can act as an efficient herbal remedy and heal respiratory infections.
The main ingredient of numerous herbal cough syrups is marshmallow extract.
Its effectiveness is enhanced when used with other herbs such as mullein and slippery elm.
In another study, a group of children was given a herbal mixture containing marshmallows and other herbs like common mallow and chamomile.
They showed a calmer cough and fewer night awakenings than those who took a placebo.
2. Improves Dry Mouth
Xerostomia or chronic dry mouth increases gum disease, cavities, and dental infections.
It usually refers that you have very little saliva in the mouth.
A study suggested that marshmallow root as a natural remedy can benefit people having hyposalivation.
However, its effects were less than two common over-the-counter medicines for dry mouth.
3. Relieves Digestive Discomfort
The mucilaginous properties of marshmallow roots help in relieving the digestive tract of discomfort.
It helps reduce digestive tract irritation and bowel inflammation and counteracts surplus stomach acid.
It has traditionally been applied for various issues like heartburn, colic, diarrhea, constipation, and upset stomachs.
Research conducted in 2015 suggested that marshmallow flower extract protects the gut from gastric ulcers.
In rodents, the study has induced stomach ulcers through nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs).
The rats receiving marshmallow root developed fewer stomach ulcers.
The researchers recommended that flavonoids and mucilage in the marshmallow plant protect and cover the digestive tract lining and help develop a healthy digestive system.
It also covers the mucous membrane reducing the inflammation of the lining of the stomach and lessening the risk of certain ulcers.
4. Heals and Alleviates Skin Problems
You can also use marshmallow root externally.
Marshmallow has helped heal and comfort skin irritations like dermatitis and eczema due to their anti-inflammatory effects.
Research has shown the healing of eczema and harm from UV radiation or sun exposure through its topical application.
Though marshmallow root can help in the healing process of sun-damaged skin, you must not apply it instead of appropriate sun protection.
You can also use it to help heal cuts, wounds, burns, and insect bites.
Make a marshmallow paste by mixing water and marshmallow root powder and applying it directly to the affected part.
5. Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammation
Marshmallow root has antioxidant and anti-inflammation properties which explains its healing properties for inflamed and irritated tissues.
The antioxidants protect against diseases due to the damage instigated by free radicals.
These properties are particularly good for heart health.
Drinking it has been shown to improve good cholesterol (HDL) levels and promote heart health when consumed for longer periods.
6. Protects against Gastric Reflux
Stomach acid streams back to the throat during gastric reflux, which can be damaging to the oesophagus.
The mucilage forms a protective layer over the esophagus and evades the harmful effects of stomach acid.
The powdered root may provide more protection than herbal tea or tincture as the membranes need direct contact to coat the throat.
7. Improves Breast Milk Supply
Numerous breastfeeding mothers look for natural remedies to raise their milk supply.
Herbal galactagogues like marshmallow root are specifically used for enhancing the breast milk supply and are efficient.
However, marshmallow isn’t used alone, it’s usually given in combination with other herbs to maximize effectiveness.
8. Improves Kidney Health
Marshmallow root extract is also good for urinary tract infections.
It is usually present in herbal treatments for bladder and kidney infections.
Consuming marshmallow root also has a diuretic effect to remove excess fluid from the body.
Diuretics wash the toxins from the kidney and improve water retention.
How to Maximize Benefits of Marshmallow Root tea?
Whether you want to treat a cough or an irritated throat, the best way to use marshmallow root tea, is to drink it as soon as the problem occurs.
Marshmallow tea is also great for your digestive system, and consuming it on a daily basis will naturally promote healthy digestion.
You can make marshamallow root tea in two different ways:
Hot Infusion: Add 2-3 teaspoons of dried marshmallow root to one cup of hot water.
Put the mixture over the herbs and keep for 15-30 minutes.
Filter out the herbs and add sugar.
You can drink 2-3 cups of tea in a day.
Cold Infusion: This method keeps its integral mucilaginous properties and is good for digestion.
Add a cup of warm water to a jar with 2-3 spoons of dried root and refrigerate it nightlong after shaking.
Filter out the herbs and add sugar if required.
Side Effects of Marshmallow root tea
Marshmallow root is a harmless herb with very few adverse effects.
It coats the stomach lining and can interfere with the absorption of other drugs.
So, it’s good to take it a few hours before or after other medications.
It can also interact with diabetes medication and must not be used at least two weeks before any sort of surgery.
Benefits of marshmallow root tea - The bottom line
Marshmallow root has a long history of medicinal use with numerous health benefits.
The benefits of marshmallow root offer relief against respiratory, digestive, and urinary tract infections.
Moreover, its healing properties make it good for irritated skin.
However, if you face any adverse effects like an upset stomach, you should contact a qualified healthcare practitioner as soon as possible because this isn’t a normal reaction.
- If you like learning about natural herbs that benefit your health, check out this article on CBD oil for sleep.
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