Alternative names: Althea root.
Marshmallow root is used mostly as a demulcent, having soothing properties on various mucous membranes such as the lungs and urinary tract. These properties have made it a frequent addition to lung preparations, cough syrups (marshmallow is also thought to be antitussive), urinary tract preparations, stomach ailments and topically for wound healing.
Marshmallow root (Althaea officinalis) is native to Europe and was brought to the United States, growing in wet, marshy areas. The inner portions of the roots are used medicinally.
While extracts do exist, marshmallow root is most often used as a crude preparation.
Your body is a highly complex, interconnected system. Instead of guessing at what might be wrong, let us help you discover what is really going on inside your body based on the many clues it is giving.
Our multiple symptom checker provides in-depth health analysis by The Analyst™ with full explanations, recommendations and (optionally) doctors available for case review and answering your specific questions.