Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis)

Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis)

Marshmallow leaf is most effective for the respiratory and urinary systems, while the root is especially beneficial for the gastrointestinal tract. Both parts are rich in mucilage, offering deep soothing, protective, and anti-inflammatory actions.

Traditionally Used in Herbal Medicine As a:

• Demulcent (including urinary demulcent); highly soothing to GI mucosa

• Diuretic

• Expectorant (especially the leaves)

• Antilithic (especially the leaves)

• Vulnerary (root)

• Anti-inflammatory

• Antitussive

• Emollient

Traditional Herbal Uses

Gastrointestinal:

• Constipation

• GI inflammation & irritation

• Peptic ulcers

• Diarrhea

• Diverticulitis

• IBD (Crohn’s, Ulcerative Colitis)

• IBS

• Acid reflux

Urinary & Reproductive:

• UTIs

• Hematuria

• Urinary tract irritation & inflammation

• Vaginitis (used as a douche)

Respiratory:

• Dry cough

• Bronchial asthma

• Bronchitis

• Whooping cough

• Chest congestion

• Upper respiratory inflammation

• Pneumonia

• Mouth & throat inflammation

Topical:

• Boils

• Abscesses

• Skin ulcers

• Swellings

• Eczema

• Psoriasis

• Dermatitis

Herbal Constituents

• Mucilage polysaccharides (arabinogalactans, rhamnogalacturonans; especially high in root): soothing, mucosal protection

• Pectins: gut & tissue repair

• Flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol): anti-inflammatory, antioxidant

• Phenolic acids: tissue protection

• Tannins (small amounts): mild astringency

• Asparagine & amino acids: cellular repair

• Minerals: calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc

Combines Well With

Marshmallow is a synergy herb—its demulcent, moistening, anti-inflammatory, and buffering actions help unify many formulas. Its strongest partners include:

For GI Demulcence & Mucosal Repair

• Slippery Elm (Ulmus rubra): intensive demulcent + prebiotic action

• Plantain (Plantago spp.): inflammation + microbial balance; SIBO tendencies, food sensitivities

• Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra): deep mucosal repair, ulcer protection, adrenal support

For Respiratory Support

• Mullein (Verbascum thapsus): dry cough, bronchial irritation, post-viral lung weakness

For Urinary Tract Support

• Corn Silk (Zea mays): cystitis, kidney inflammation, urinary irritation

For Skin, Detox & Lymph

• Burdock (Arctium lappa): dry inflamed skin, eczema, acne, detox support

• Red Clover (Trifolium pratense): lymphatic + hormonal skin issues, psoriasis

For Nervous System–Gut Connection

• Oat Straw (Avena sativa): inflamed nerves, anxiety with gut reactivity, perimenopause

For Neuroinflammation

• Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora): autoimmune-related nervous system irritation, neuroinflammation

Body Systems Supported:

• Gastrointestinal System (root is most effective for GI support)

• Urinary System

• Respiratory System

• Skin

• Female Reproductive System