Health Benefits of Marshmallow Root

The health benefits of Marshmallow herb whose botanical name is “Althea officinalis” is a wonder-working natural plant.

The is known by other names including “Altea, Malvavisco, Herba Malvae, Ghasul, Mortification root” among others.

The marshmallow herbs root is said to have been used as food and medicine for over 2,000 years.

For instance, the Syrians, Egyptians, Romans and Chinese have used marshmallow as a source of food. The Egyptians and Arabs are said to have originally used the herb for its medicinal purposes.

This also influenced others like the French who later came to adopt the use of marshmallow herb in treating diseases and illnesses. Read on to discover the health benefits of Marshmallow Root.

Discover The Health Benefits of Marshmallow Root

It is crucial to understand the herb’s mechanism of action before discussing its common medical uses. The marshmallow herb works as mucilage through producing a thick, sticky substance that has the ability to coat body membranes. Marshmallow extracts contain special components like flavonoids, Asparagine among others.

The flavonoid Components

These help reduce inflammation together with mucilage which holds them in place preventing additional damage. The marshmallow extracts can also induce phagocytosis.

Which is a special process through which body cells engulf bacteria, dead cell tissues, among other important solid particles in order to help protect them while speeding up the healing process.

Asparagine

Although not classified as an essential amino acid, is a type of naturally occurring amino acid that is required by the body to perform various functions.

According to research¹ , there are various health benefits of using marshmallow root. Today we will discusse the common marshmallow root uses:

Ease sore throats and dry coughs

This is considered to be the most common use of the herb. The roots and leaves of the herb contain polysaccharides which are polymeric carbohydrate molecules that have antibacterial, mucilaginous and antitussive properties.

These properties give marshmallow the soothing effect on the inflamed membranes located in the throat and mouth especially when taken orally. The antitussive properties of the herb thus help prevent further irritation and reduce dry coughing significantly.

Wound treatment

The herb’s Greek name ‘Althea’ means ‘to heal’ this alone emphasizes the plant’s healing abilities. During the ancient times, the herbal remedy was used to heal bruises and burns and to soothe sprains, muscle aches, and inflammation. This is also the case in the modern world as marshmallow plays a significant role in wound treatment.

Treating inflammatory skin conditions

Marshmallow contains various anti-inflammatory properties that make the herb quite effective in treating and managing various inflammatory skin conditions.

A significant amount of marshmallow extract is often added to medical creams in order to aid in treating various inflammatory skin conditions like Vitiligo, contact dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, pinkeye among others.

As a Diuretic

Marshmallow herb can help increase the secretion and flow of urine, hence can be used as an effective diuretic. This property makes the herb quite effective in aiding the passage of kidney stones while minimizing any potential form of discomfort in the process.

Marshmallow root can also be used together with other types of diuretic herbs for kidney treatment. The combination can assist in the release of gravel and stones from the human body making the kidney more effective.

The fact that the herb works efficiently in managing urine problems makes it a much sought after ingredient in most kidney care formulas.

Digestive Disorder Treatment

In the recent past, the herbal has been used in treating certain digestive disorders including indigestion, heartburn, stomach ulcers, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

The same mechanism applied in soothing sore throats works for gastrointestinal mucosa as well. Regular consumption of the herb can help with pain associated with Crohn’s and ulcerative while preventing stomach ulcers from worsening.

Weight Loss

Taking the herbal remedy is said to promote a significant amount of weight loss. Marshmallow herb is known to swell when mixed with fluids hence prompting the stomach to have a false feeling of fullness in the process. This in turn reduces the average food consumption and appetite, making one lose weight gradually.

Skin Benefits

Marshmallow can do wonders, especially when applied and used for the human skin. In addition to treating burn wounds, the herb can be used in treating dry and chapped skin. By boiling the root of the plant, mashing it up and applying it to the infected areas.

This herb can help remedy skin boils, mouth sores and other dry skin problems. People having sensitive skin are advised to use marshmallow or products with the herb as the key ingredient as it does not have adverse effects on the skin.

Treating Headaches

The herbal remedy has the ability to do away with the worst of headaches, making it a natural pain reliever. Marshmallow herb is a rich source of salicylic acid², which is commonly used to treat muscle pain and chronic headaches. The effects of the herb are achieved easily due to the unique property.

Treating Swelling in the Respiratory System

The roots and leaves of the herb can be used to treat any form of swelling that occurs in the respiratory system. Apart from this, tentative evidence indicates that marshmallow can help with other respiratory disorders such as asthma.

Managing Teething Irritation in Infants

People who have had to experience infants grow their very first teeth know that it is not a pleasant affair. The process may be quite irritating and painful to them making them quite uncomfortable and disturbing.

This should not always be the case as the marshmallow roots can be formed into a mouthwash that can be used to treat such types of inflammation. The root may also be peeled and given to the infants to chew on.

Possible Side Effects of Using the Herb

Marshmallow herb is often considered to be a very safe herb for internal and external use. However, a great deal of caution should be taken when using the herbal remedy by special groups.

People under medication are advised to desist from taking the herb as the coating it produces in the stomach may affect the absorption of other drugs into the body rendering them ineffective.

In some rare cases, marshmallow may cause low blood sugar levels in certain people, hence those with low blood sugar should consult medical professionals before using the herb in order to be advised accordingly on the same. People with diabetes, liver disease or alcohol dependency are also told to exercise caution when using the herb.

How To Make Marshmallow Root Herbal Tea

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CONCLUSION

The above-discussed marshmallow herb root uses indicate the fact that the plant can come in handy in helping people treat various medical conditions without having to purchase prescribed medications.