Comparisons
Marshmallow Root or Marshmallow Flower?
Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) root and flower are sold separately. The EMA assesses only the root; there is no official monograph and no clinical study for the flower. The table is built from the sourced cards of both records.
| Aspect | Marshmallow RootAlthaea officinalis | Marshmallow FlowerAlthaea officinalis |
|---|---|---|
| Strongest evidence | T Traditional use | T Traditional use |
| Needs | Respiratory, Throat & Mouth, Digestion | Respiratory, Throat & Mouth |
| Form | Dried Herb & Tea | Dried Herb & Tea |
| How to use | For the throat, soak 0.5–3 g of chopped root in 150 ml of cold water (maceration), strain and drink. | Dried flowers are steeped in hot water (infusion) and drunk. The sources give no verified amount or duration for the flower. |
| Pregnancy | Avoid | Avoid |
| Breastfeeding | Avoid | Avoid |
| Recommended minimum age | From age 3 | Not stated |
| Drug interactions | Interactions reported | Interactions reported |
| Duration limit | Not stated | Not stated |
Which one, when?
Marshmallow Root
Traditionally used as a soothing agent for mouth and throat irritation with dry cough, and for mild stomach upsets. Prepared by soaking in cold water; not recommended under 3.
Full card →Marshmallow Flower
Drunk as an infusion in folk use for bronchial complaints, cough and colds; there is no confirmed amount, clinical study or official monograph for this use.
Full card →Good to know
- Their mucilage can delay the absorption of other oral medicines; leave at least half an hour to an hour in between.
- Neither is recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- See a doctor for fever, shortness of breath, pus-like phlegm or a cough lasting over a week.
Sources
- European Union herbal monograph on Althaea officinalis L., radixEMA HMPC · 2015 · MonographSource accessed:
- Proposal for an "Althaeae flos (marshmallow flower)" monograph set-up based on European Pharmacopoeia template and quality evaluation of commercial samplesActa Pharmaceutica Sciencia · 2018 · Observational study / case seriesSource accessed: