MARSHMALLOW: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews (2024)

Overview

Marshmallow (Althea officinalis) is a plant. The leaves and the root are sometimes used to make medicine.

Marshmallow is sometimes used to form a protective layer on the skin and lining of the digestive tract. It also contains chemicals that might decrease cough and fight infections. Don't confuse marshmallow with the mallow (Malva sylvestris) flower and leaf.

Marshmallow leaf and root are commonly used by mouth for stomach ulcers, diarrhea, constipation, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

We currently have no information for MARSHMALLOW overview.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Marshmallow root and leaf are likely safe when taken in the amounts found in foods. It is possibly safe to take the root and leaf in larger amounts as medicine. There isn't enough reliable information to know if marshmallow flower is safe or what the side effects might be.

When applied to the skin: Marshmallow is possibly safe when applied directly to the skin.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Marshmallow root and leaf are likely safe when taken in the amounts found in foods. It is possibly safe to take the root and leaf in larger amounts as medicine. There isn't enough reliable information to know if marshmallow flower is safe or what the side effects might be.

When applied to the skin: Marshmallow is possibly safe when applied directly to the skin. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if marshmallow is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and stick to food amounts.

Bleeding disorders: Taking marshmallow might increase your risk of bleeding.

Surgery: Marshmallow flower might slow blood clotting. There is a concern that it could increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgical procedures. Stop taking marshmallow flower at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Interactions ?

    Moderate Interaction

    Be cautious with this combination

  • Lithium interacts with MARSHMALLOW

    Marshmallow might have an effect like a water pill or "diuretic." Taking marshmallow might decrease how well the body gets rid of lithium. This could increase how much lithium is in the body and result in serious side effects. Talk with your healthcare provider before using this product if you are taking lithium. Your lithium dose might need to be changed.

    Minor Interaction

    Be watchful with this combination

  • Medications taken by mouth (Oral drugs) interacts with MARSHMALLOW

    Marshmallow contains a type of soft fiber called mucilage. Mucilage can decrease how much medicine the body absorbs. Taking marshmallow at the same time you take medications by mouth can decrease the effectiveness of your medication. To prevent this interaction, take marshmallow at least one hour after medications you take by mouth.

  • Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs) interacts with MARSHMALLOW

    Marshmallow might slow blood clotting. Taking marshmallow along with medications that also slow blood clotting might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.

Dosing

There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of marshmallow might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.

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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circ*mstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.

MARSHMALLOW: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews (2024)

FAQs

What are the side effects of marshmallow tablets? ›

Marshmallow root has no officially reported side effects besides rare allergic reactions. 9 However, anecdotal reports show taking the supplement may cause upset stomach and dizziness.

What are the side effects of marshmallow food? ›

Marshmallow may increase the amount of lithium in the body, thereby increasing the risk of side effects. Diabetes drugs. Marshmallow may decrease blood sugar. Taking diabetes medications along with marshmallow may result in your blood sugar going too low.

What do marshmallows do to your body? ›

Marshmallow is sometimes used to form a protective layer on the skin and lining of the digestive tract. It also contains chemicals that might decrease cough and fight infections. Don't confuse marshmallow with the mallow (Malva sylvestris) flower and leaf.

Is it safe to take marshmallow root every day? ›

You should only take marshmallow root for four weeks at a time. Be sure to take a one-week break before resuming use. When applied topically, marshmallow root has the potential to cause skin irritation.

Is marshmallow good or bad for you? ›

Marshmallow is LIKELY SAFE for most people when taken by mouth. In some people, it might cause low blood sugar levels.

Is marshmallow safe for kidneys? ›

While marshmallows and graham crackers are often listed as foods included in a renal diet, chocolate can be high in potassium and phosphorus. Depending on your stage of kidney disease, you may need to limit certain nutrients; your renal dietitian can help you determine this.

Is it OK to eat marshmallows everyday? ›

People might get excited by the permission — or overt prescription — to eat marshmallow candies,” Dr. Li says. “But sugar and corn syrup are the primary ingredients, and they are well known to cause inflammation and suppress the immune system.”

Is marshmallow good for leaky gut? ›

Improves leaky gut

The mucous lining of the intestines is semi-permeable, and some people's linings let through more than they're supposed to, causing uncomfortable gastrointestinal symptoms. Some research suggests that yogurt formulated with marshmallow root may help treat leaky gut.

Does marshmallow root effect hormones? ›

On the whole the extract of marshmallows root can affect T3 and TSH hormones dose dependently and is effective in metabolism in this way. Thyroid hormones affect actions of the most body tissues.

Can we eat marshmallows directly? ›

Marshmallows are a delicious snack on their own, but they can get a little boring when you eat them bald. You can really amp up their flavor by mixing them into a variety of snacks, desserts, and other dishes. Experiment with the ingredients you have on hand and see what kinds of tasty concoctions you can put together!

Does eating marshmallows help a cough? ›

Compounds processed from A. officinalis have been studied for their use as a cough suppressant and expectorant. In a laboratory study using animals, marshmallow reduced episodes of cough by about 50%, compared with the control product of codeine, which reduced cough by 61%.

Why do bodybuilders eat marshmallows? ›

The amount of marshmallows/sugar found in some of our proteins is not bad and can be beneficial. The foods/condiments/drinks you consume on a daily basis more than likely have more sugar than what is found in some of our proteins. Sugar/carbs can help replace muscle glycogen and can be used as a rapid fuel source.

Is marshmallow root good for your kidneys? ›

Marshmallow root is well-known as a diuretic and is closely linked to kidney health. It helps eliminate excess fats, salts, toxins and water from the body. Marshmallow stimulates the kidneys and helps to void urine, and gives relief from excruciating pain from urinating.

What does marshmallow root do for your bladder? ›

Marshmallow root (Althaea Officinalis) inhibits bacterial growth in the urinary tract and cleans the bladder; it also soothes the urinary system and helps to treat kidney, bladder inflammations, and effectively stops bleeding in the urine.

Is marshmallow root good for the liver? ›

Is marshmallow root good for the liver? A study conducted in 2011 looked into the effects of marshmallow roots on blood lipid profiles and liver function. It found that the anti-inflammatory contents of these roots can work against both acute and chronic liver inflammation.

Does marshmallow root affect hormones? ›

Marshmallow root contains compounds that possess anti-inflammatory properties, which can help alleviate symptoms associated with hormonal imbalances such as menstrual cramps and bloating.

Why does marshmallow cure acid reflux? ›

Marshmallow (Althea officinalis L.) contains a mucilage quality (may interfere with the absorption of other medications) which helps to coat the esophagus and stomach lining, creating a protective barrier against stomach acid.

Is marshmallow root good for lungs? ›

It relieves the swelling and irritation of the mucous membranes and calms the respiratory system. As a lung tonic, it combines well with licorice and elecampane root. For allaying a cough it works well with thyme, basil, and oregano – add cinnamon for an anti-viral component!

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