Marshmallow

Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis)

Close-up of delicate white and pink flowers with purple centers on green foliage.

Plant family

  • Malvaceae

Other significant  names

  • Mallards

  • Cheeses

Parts used

  • Radix (Root)

  • Folia (Leaves)

Typical forms of prescription

  • Cold infusion

  • Tincture

  • Pills

  • Syrups

Close-up of a flowering plant with green leaves and small white and pink flowers.

Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) – Clinical Snapshot

Primary Actions

  • Anti-inflammatory

  • Demulcent (soothing mucous membranes)

  • Emollient (softening the skin)

  • Diuretic

  • Vulnerary (promotes wound healing)

  • Expectorant

  • Anti-catarrhal

  • Antitussive (cough suppressant)

Primary Indications

  • Urinary tract:

    • Cystitis

    • Urethritis

  • Digestive system:

    • Gastritis

    • Peptic ulcers

  • Skin and eye conditions:

    • Wounds

    • Burns

    • Mastitis

    • Dry eyes

    • Conjunctivitis

  • Respiratory tract inflammation:

    • Laryngitis

    • Bronchitis

    • Sore throats

    • Coughs

⚠️Cautions / Safety⚠️

  • Mucilaginous extracts can coat the digestive tract, separate doses of marshmallow from other medications by a few hours to avoid interfering with drug absorption

  • Caution in early pregnancy — professional supervision only

Close-up of white flowers with pink stamens, green leaves, and fuzzy green stems.

Pectins and Starch

Action: Emollient, bulking agent, prebiotic
Use: Pectins and starches provide further soothing and prebiotic effects, gently supporting the microbiome, gut lining, and regularity. This makes marshmallow ideal in restorative blends for the digestive tract, particularly after infections or antibiotic use.

Althaea officinalis

Phytochemistry and Pharmacology

Flavonoids

Includes: Kaempferol, quercetin
Action: Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antihistamine
Use: Flavonoids help calm inflammatory responses and support capillary health, reinforcing marshmallow’s role in tissue healing, immune modulation, and soothing skin or mucous membranes.

Mucilage Polysaccharides

Includes: Arabinogalactans, rhamnogalacturonans
Action: Demulcent, anti-inflammatory, emollient
Use: These gel-like polysaccharides are the signature constituents of marshmallow root and leaf. They form a protective, soothing layer over inflamed or irritated tissues, especially in the throat, lungs, digestive tract, and urinary system. They are used in conditions such as dry coughs, gastritis, ulcers, IBS, and urinary tract irritation.

Phenolic Acids

Includes: Caffeic acid, syringic acid, ferulic acid
Action: Antioxidant, mild antimicrobial, tissue-protective
Use: These compounds support immune defence and help protect tissues from oxidative damage, contributing to marshmallow’s healing and regenerative actions, especially when used topically on wounds or internally in inflammatory gut conditions.

Tannins (trace amounts)

Action: Astringent, toning
Use: Present in small amounts, tannins add a mild toning effect that complements marshmallow’s otherwise moistening and cooling profile, making it well-balanced for hot, dry tissue states.

Close-up of a white flower with pink stamens, surrounded by green leaves and fuzzy stem.

Traditional use

Extracts of the root were used to make the namesake confectionery. It has also traditionally been used to treat lung and chest problems and bruising. It has been used in early pregnancy to help the pregnancy ‘stick’.

Clinical Description

The Marshmallow herb is near the top of the list in the herbal dispensary for containing soothing, anti-inflammatory mucilage (long-chain polysaccharides, water-soluble sugars). In most cases, it can be used as a more sustainable replacement for slippery elm (Ulmus rubra), which is threatened by overharvesting. The highest levels are in the roots. Its mucilaginous properties coat skin and membranes, helping stick herbal remedies to surfaces to cool, soothe and create a barrier, e.g. when used as a cough syrup or a barrier cream, indicated wherever there are hot, inflamed tissue states such as Upper Respiratory Tract Infections or gastritis.

Cold water and overnight extractions are used, rather than hot water, which breaks down chains.

Tincture at low 25% ABV.

The chopped or powdered root can be mixed with cold water and left for a few hours, strained and then used. The root is also powdered in pills or as binders for other gummy-type herbal preparations.

Marshmallows have been shown to have antitussive (cough suppressant) effects, an added benefit for cough syrups.

Cultivation/harvesting

Harvest leaves after flowering and roots at the end of summer. Roots need a dehydrator to dry properly to prevent mould/fermentation. Store in an airtight jar.

Close-up of a white flower with pink and purple center structures, green background

Key Botanical Features of Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis)

Growth

  • Type: Perennial herb.

  • Size: Typically grows 1–1.5 meters (3–5 feet) tall.

  • Stem: Erect, branched, and covered with fine hairs, giving it a soft, velvety texture.

Leaves

  • Type: Simple, alternate.

  • Shape: Ovate to heart-shaped, often with three shallow lobes.

  • Size: 5–10 cm (2–4 inches) long.

  • Margins: Serrated or slightly scalloped.

  • Texture: Soft and velvety due to a covering of fine hairs.

  • Colour: Gray-green.

Flowers

  • Type: Five-petaled, radial flowers, characteristic of the mallow family.

  • Size: 3–5 cm (1.2–2 inches) in diameter.

  • Colour: Pale pink to light purple.

  • Flower Arrangement: Solitary or small clusters, blooming along the upper stems.

  • Blooming Period: Mid to late summer (June–September).

  • Pollination: Attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.

Fruits & Seeds

  • Fruit Type: Disk-shaped schizocarp, characteristic of the Malvaceae family.

  • Size: About 1 cm (0.4 inches) in diameter.

  • Structure: Splits into several tiny, kidney-shaped seeds when mature.

  • Dispersal: Primarily by wind and animals.

Roots

  • Type: Thick, mucilaginous taproot.

  • Function:

    • Stores high amounts of mucilage, giving it soothing, demulcent properties.

    • Used in traditional medicine for respiratory, digestive, and skin conditions.

Habitat & Growth Conditions

  • Climate: Prefers temperate climates.

  • Soil: Grows best in moist, rich, well-drained loamy soils.

  • Sunlight: Prefers full sun to partial shade.

  • Water Requirements: Prefers moist conditions in marshy or wetland areas.

  • Distribution: Native to Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia, but widely cultivated elsewhere for medicinal and ornamental purposes.

Sustainability/conservation

Close-up of a plant with green leaves and small, light-colored flowers with purple and pink centers.
Close-up of a white flower with pink stamens and surrounding green foliage.
Close-up of a pale pink flower with five petals, showing detailed stamens in the center, and fine dewdrops on the petals.
Close-up of white blackberry flowers with pink stamens and green leaves.
Close-up of delicate white flowers with purple centers on a green plant.

Sources

Bartram, T. (1998). Bartram’s Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine. Constable.

Fisher, C. (2009). Materia Medica of Western Herbs, (2018 edition). Finchley Road, London. Aeon Books.

Hedley, C & Shaw, N. (2020). A herbal book of making and taking. Finchley Road, London. Aeon Books.

Hoffmann, D. (2003). Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. Healing Arts Press.

McIntyre, A. (2019). The complete herbal tutor, revised and expanded edition. Finchley Road, London. Aeon Books.

Plants of the World Online | Kew Science. (n.d.). Plants of the World Online. https://powo.science.kew.org/

Disclaimer: This page is for educational purposes only. Consult a qualified medical herbalist before using herbs, especially during pregnancy, when trying to conceive, while breastfeeding, for medical conditions, or with children.
Read the full disclaimer → Medical Disclaimer.