Malvaceae
Marshmallow Root
Althaea officinalis
✓ Generally Safe
Safe in Pregnancy
Native to: Western Europe, North Africa, Central Asia
Also known as: Common Marshmallow, White Mallow, Mortification Root
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
Parts Used
RootLeafFlower
Therapeutic Uses
Dry irritated mucous membranes (throat, esophagus, gut, bladder), gastritis, peptic ulcer, IBD, dry cough, urinary tract inflammation, leaky gut, dry skin (topical).
Herbal Actions
Demulcent, emollient, anti-inflammatory, vulnerary, expectorant, diuretic, immunomodulating
Active Constituents
Mucilage polysaccharides (25–35%: glucuronans, arabinogalactans, glucans), pectin, flavonoids, phenolic acids, scopoletin
Preparation Methods
☕ Herbal Tea🏺 Tincture🍵 Decoction🌿 Poultice
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | Cold infusion preferred: 2 tsp root in 250ml cold water, soak 4–8 hours, drink 3x daily |
| Tincture | 5–10 ml (1:5, 25% ethanol), 3x daily |
| Notes | Cold infusion extracts more mucilage than hot water. Root superior to leaf. Soothes on contact — hold in mouth before swallowing for throat/mouth conditions. Delay other medications by 1 hour (may slow absorption). |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
✓ Generally Safe
Pregnancy
Safe in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
Possible — consult doctor
Contraindications: May slow absorption of oral medications — take separately. Diabetics: monitor blood sugar (potential hypoglycemic effect).
Side Effects: Mild laxative effect. May delay drug absorption. Otherwise extremely safe — suitable for infants and elderly.