Marshmallow leaves and marshmallow roots are used to treat irritation of the mucous membranes of the mouth and throat and associated irritating cough. The root is further used in the treatment of mild inflammation of the gastric mucosa. A combination with other substances is commonly used to loosen mucus in the respiratory tract.
Folk medicine application of marshmallow
In folk medicine, insect bites are treated by applying fresh bruised marshmallow leaves. Very early, marshmallow root was described as a root “that cures cough in five days.”
Folk medicine today occasionally uses the drug to treat diarrhea and urinary bladder infections, although there is no right justification for this.
Use in homeopathy
Homeopathic use is broadly similar to the uses of marshmallow already mentioned.
Ingredients of marshmallow
The leaves of marshmallow consist of 6-10% mucilage, with the highest content in the leaves harvested just before flowering. This is usually the case in late autumn. However, of all the parts of marshmallow used, the root contains the highest amount of mucilages (up to 20%).
The mucilages consist of a complex mixture of various polysaccharides, including glucuronic acid, galactose, arabinose, and glucans. Flavonoids are also present in both parts of the plant.
Marshmallow: what indication?
Marshmallow can be used for these indications:
- Mucosal irritation
- Mucosal inflammation
- Irritative cough
- Inflammation of the gastric mucosa
- Mucus loosening
