Marshmallow is one of those amazing plants with many proven health benefits. There are hundreds of studies and scientific papers about the benefits of marshmallow root for cough alone.
If you want respiratory benefits though, it’s important that you take the right type of supplement. Here’s what you need to know about taking marshmallow for cough, types and the best marshmallow root extracts and powders.
Quick Pick: Christopher’s Original Lung Plus Bronchial
Why: It contains glycerin-extracted marshmallow root, which is considered the best method for extracted mucilage, plus 5 other potent herbs for lung health.
*Keep reading for more top picks.
How Marshmallow Root Helps Coughs
Marshmallow root is a natural treatment for dry cough. When taken orally, special sugars in marshmallow root adhere to and coat mucus cells. This allows it to act as a demulcent, soothing inflammation and irritation. It also acts as an antitussive to suppress coughing. (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
Other Respiratory Benefits of Marshmallow Root
Studies also show that marshmallow root acts as an antimicrobial and can boost the immune function. These health benefits help treat the underlying cause of the cough and not just treat the symptoms. (6)
Active Compounds in Marshmallow
Marshmallow plant contains flavonoid antioxidants, coumarin, quercetin, phenolic acids and many other healthy compounds. When it comes to treating cough though, the main compound is a type of polysaccharide called mucilage.
Most of the mucilage in marshmallow is found in the roots of the plant. Older plants will contain higher amounts of mucilage. Thus, for best results, choose a marshmallow supplement which only contains the root of a mature plant (7, 8)
Types of Marshmallow Root Supplements
Marshmallow root supplements comes as:
- Tea: Dried root steeped in hot water
- Loose powder: The powder is mixed into a liquid and then consumed. These are sometimes called “extracts” even though they are not true extracts.
- Capsule: Capsules usually contain dried root powder
- Extract: The dried root is soaked in a solvent (alcohol, glycerin or oil) and then strained out.
Best Way to Take Marshmallow Root for Cough
When it comes to treating cough, the best way to take marshmallow root is as a glycerin extract. This is because the human body generally does not digest mucilage well. The extraction process concentrates the mucilage and allows it to be absorbed by the body better so it can act on the lungs. Glycerin appears to do a better job extracting mucilage than alcohol. Oil extracts are another option but have a shorter shelf life.
Tea, powder and capsule forms of marshmallow root can also be used for cough but they are generally better for digestive health.
For Best Results, Combine Marshmallow with Other Herbs
In one study, researchers found that marshmallow root worked better against cough when combined with other natural herbs. (9)
This shouldn’t come as a surprise: no single plant is “perfect” at fighting coughs. Each plant has its own unique chemical profile. By taking multiple herbal remedies, you can attack the cough from multiple fronts and get better results.
Some other natural herbs for dry cough are:
- Mullein
- Pleurisy root
- Slippery elm bark
- Elecampane
- Yerba santa
- Ophiopogon
- Peppermint
- Ginger
- Thyme
Marshmallow Dose for Cough
The dose of marshmallow root for cough is usually:
- Glycerin Extracts: 1-2ml (20-30 drops) of extract up to 4x per day
- Capsules or powder: Up to 6,000mg per day, in divided doses
- Tea: 1 Tbsp. of marshmallow root steeped in 1 cup of hot water for 10 minutes and strained; drink 3-4x per day
Other sources for this article:
https://thenaturopathicherbalist.com/plant-constituents/mucilage/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780443069925000025
https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4360/13/7/1066/htm
https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.2478/s11535-013-0245-2/html
https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/herb/marshmallow
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