Marshmallow Root (Althaea officinalis)

Marshmallow root, derived from the Althaea officinalis plant, is part of the Malvaceae family, known for its mucilaginous properties. Althaea officinalis, commonly referred to as marshmallow, has a rich history of medicinal use dating back to ancient Egypt and Greece.

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Traditionally, utilized for its soothing properties, particularly for throat and respiratory ailments. Its mucilage content forms a protective layer, relieving irritation and inflammation in the throat and respiratory tract.

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Marshmallow root is also valued for its digestive benefits. Its mucilaginous nature helps to coat the digestive tract, soothing irritation and facilitating the healing of gastrointestinal issues such as ulcers and gastritis.

In addition to its therapeutic uses, marshmallow root is often incorporated into herbal formulations to enhance their texture and consistency. It serves as a natural thickening agent in syrups, teas, and topical preparations.

 

Marshmallow root may possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, further supporting its traditional use in promoting overall health and well-being.

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Researched also suggests that Marshmallow root may be helpful in treating lipemia, inflammation, gastric ulcers, and platelet aggregation with no detected adverse effects (Zaghlool et al., 2019).