--- title: "Marshmallow Root: Benefits, Uses & Side Effects | Herbadex" description: "Marshmallow root is soaked in cold water and used to soothe throat irritation with dry cough and mild stomach discomfort." language: en url: https://herbadex.com/en/herb/marshmallow-root/ source: Herbadex (https://herbadex.com) --- [Dried Herb & Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) # Marshmallow Root Althaea officinalis T Traditional use Marshmallow root is soaked in cold water and used to soothe throat irritation with dry cough and mild stomach discomfort. [Digestion](https://herbadex.com/en/for/digestion/) [Respiratory, Throat & Mouth](https://herbadex.com/en/for/respiratory/) Image: Herbadex Botanik Stüdyosu · Özel Üretim Pregnancy **⚠ Avoid** Breastfeeding **⚠ Avoid** Children **Caution** Drug interactions **Interaction reported** ## 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). **Parts used:** root **Key constituents:** Mucilage (Polysaccharides) 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 Traditionally used as a demulcent for mouth or throat irritation and associated dry cough. \[1\] - T Traditional use Traditionally used as a demulcent for mild stomach and gut discomfort. \[1\] ## How is it used? ### Tea For the throat, soak 0.5–3 g of chopped root in 150 ml of cold water (maceration), strain and drink. **Amount:** Several times daily (max 15 g a day) \[1\] ### Tea For the stomach, soak 2–5 g of chopped root in 150 ml of cold water. **Amount:** 3 times daily (max 15 g a day) \[1\] ## 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. \[1\] ### 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 1. [European Union herbal monograph on Althaea officinalis L., radix](https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-european-union-herbal-monograph-althaea-officinalis-l-radix_en.pdf) EMA HMPC · 2015 ### Cite This Page Marshmallow Root (Althaea officinalis). Herbadex — Doğal Şifa Rehberi (2026). https://herbadex.com/en/herb/marshmallow-root/ ## Related guides and comparisons - [How to Prepare Herbal Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/guide/how-to-prepare-herbal-tea/) - [Herbal Products and Drug Interactions](https://herbadex.com/en/guide/herb-drug-interactions/) ## On this page At a glance What is it used for? How is it used? Safety & interactions Did you know? Frequently asked questions Sources Related herbs ## Related herbs ### [Peppermint Oil](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/peppermint-oil/) A Strong clinical evidence Mentha × piperita Gastro-resistant peppermint oil capsules may ease IBS cramps, wind and pain; oil rubbed on the forehead may ease mild tension headache. 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