Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis)

Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis)

Malvaceae · root, leaf

Marshmallow

Althaea officinalis

Traditional use onlyFood-like / generally well tolerated

Root and leaf are mapped as classic European demulcents for dry irritated mucosa. Evidence is traditional plus physical mucilage pharmacology.

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Safety first

Root mucilage is food-like for most people. The main practical issue is delayed absorption of oral medicines if taken at the same time.

Tradition vs trials

Traditional record. Commission E and ESCOP record root for dry cough and mild gastric irritation. Leaf is a related traditional part.

Trial literature. Human data are limited; most support is monograph tradition and in vitro mucilage work, not disease-outcome trials.

Practical ranges

Educational ranges — not a prescription. Culinary use is not an extract.

dried root
European monographs commonly list about 2–5 g root as a cold maceration or tea, several times daily
ESCOP / EMA HMPC — Educational range only — not a prescription. A licensed clinician individualizes product, dose, and duration.

Pregnancy, nursing, children

Pregnancy. Traditional food-like demulcent; concentrated extracts lack specific pregnancy trials.
Nursing. Traditional food-like demulcent; concentrated extracts lack specific lactation trials.
Children. Traditional European pediatric demulcent teas exist; still a clinician decision in infants.

Contraindications

known Malvaceae allergy

Key interactions

oral drugs · caution
Mucilage can delay absorption. Separate by 1–2 hours.

Open drug–herb checker

Used in these diagnoses