Marshmallow root

A gentle demulcent that makes sense for throat and GI comfort, though it relies more on mechanism and tradition than big outcome trials.

A rough internal score reflecting quantity, quality, and consistency of human evidence. Not a clinical recommendation.

Marshmallow root contains mucilage that can coat tissues and reduce irritation. Human trial data is limited, but the herb is widely used in cough and GI-soothing formulas.

• Soothes dry or irritated throat tissue
• May calm mild upper-GI irritation
• Useful as a gentle demulcent in cough formulas

Usually taken as tea, cold infusion, syrup, or 500-1500 mg/day of extract equivalents.

• Mild bloating
• Reduced absorption of nearby medications

Its mucilage may reduce absorption of medications if taken at the same time, so separate dosing by a few hours.

Traditional use is long, but modern randomized evidence is thinner than the reputation suggests.

• Recovery15
• Immunity10