Marshmallow Root
Althaea officinalis
T Traditional useMarshmallow root is soaked in cold water and used to soothe throat irritation with dry cough and mild stomach discomfort.
Image: Herbadex Botanik Stüdyosu · Özel Üretim
On this page
At a glance
The EMA classes marshmallow root as a demulcent (soothing, coating) herbal medicine for two traditional uses: mouth and throat irritation with dry cough, and mild stomach discomfort. The root is not boiled but soaked in cold water (maceration).
Updated: October 15, 2026
✓ This herb record is backed by official European Medicines Agency (EMA HMPC) herbal monographs.
What is it used for?
T Traditional use
Traditional use: Based on at least 30 years of documented traditional use rather than clinical trials.
How do we rate evidence levels? →Traditionally used as a demulcent for mouth or throat irritation and associated dry cough. [1]
T Traditional use
Traditional use: Based on at least 30 years of documented traditional use rather than clinical trials.
How do we rate evidence levels? →Traditionally used as a demulcent for mild stomach and gut discomfort. [1]
How is it used?
Safety & interactions
Minimum age: 3 years
- It may delay absorption of other medicines; do not take it within 30–60 minutes of them.
- Not recommended under 3; stomach use not recommended under 12.
- See a doctor if you get shortness of breath, fever or pus-like phlegm.
- Not recommended in pregnancy or breastfeeding because safety has not been shown.
Drug interactions
| Medicine / substance | Effect | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Other oral medicines | Absorption may be delayed; leave at least 30–60 minutes between them and marshmallow root. [1] | Minor |
Side effects
- None known according to the monograph; report any unexpected effect to a doctor
⚕ When to see a doctor
- If high fever, shortness of breath or purulent/bloody phlegm develops
- If symptoms do not improve within 1–2 weeks or worsen
- If severe abdominal pain, jaundice, rash or allergic reaction occurs
Did you know?
Marshmallow root is soaked in cold, not hot, water to preserve its mucilage. [1]
Frequently asked questions
How do I prepare marshmallow root?
Do not boil it; soak the chopped root in cold water (maceration), then strain and drink.
Does marshmallow root help a dry cough?
The EMA accepts it as a traditional demulcent for throat irritation with dry cough.
Can I take it with other medicines?
It may delay their absorption, so keep 30–60 minutes between them.
Can children take marshmallow root?
For the throat, ages 3–5 can take 0.5–1 g and ages 6–11 0.5–1.5 g three times daily; not recommended under 3.
Sources
Cite This Page
Marshmallow Root (Althaea officinalis). Herbadex — Doğal Şifa Rehberi (2026). https://herbadex.com/en/herb/marshmallow-root/
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