Marshmallow Root: Benefits, Uses & Relief for Irritation & Colds

Marshmallow root can be used to treat a wide variety of symptoms, including obesity and simple cold symptoms. It can be taken as a pill or drank as a tea supplement.

Irritation

• Marshmallow root contains mucilate, a substance that becomes slippery when wet. This trait gives the marshmallow plant the ability to treat irritation in the mouth, throat and stomach.

Cold Symptoms

• Marshmallow plants are traditionally used to relieve coughs, sore throats and chapped skin.

Inflammation

• Marshmallow extracts are used to treat skin inflammation, including eczema and psoriasis. Internal inflammation issues, including mouth ulcers, peptic ulcers and colitis, can be treated with marshmallow.

Digestion Issues

• Diarrhea and indigestion can be treated with marshmallow root.

Weight Loss

• Because marshmallow root swells when mixed with fluids, ingesting it as a diet supplement causes the stomach to feel fuller.

Teething

• A marshmallow root can be peeled and given to infants to chew on. This reduces the pain and irritation associated with teething.