Marshmallow root, or Althaea officinalis, is a flowering plant that has played a role in herbal medicine for centuries.
Many people use marshmallow root for various ailments, including coughs, skin irritation, and digestive problems, such as ulcers. It comes in the forms of a powder, capsule, tea, and cough syrup.
Some of the reported benefits of marshmallow root are:
Protecting against ulcers.
The marshmallow plant may reduce the risk of gastric ulcers.
A study found that marshmallow flower extract could help protect the gut from gastric ulcers.
Researchers tested the effects of the extract on rats, using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) to induce ulcers in the rodents. Rats that received marshmallow root were less likely to develop stomach ulcers than rats who did not get the extract.
Based on these results, the authors suggest that the mucilage and flavonoids in the marshmallow plant may cover and protect the mucous lining of the stomach, which may…
