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Overview: Marshmallow is a plant called Althaea officinalis. The root of the plant is used to make tea, lozenges, throat sprays, creams, salves, and dietary supplements. These products are used to help with cough, sore throat, and mild skin irritation. However, very little research has been done on this plant, and its safety and benefits are not well defined. Before using marshmallow, make sure to tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have or medicines you are using.

Uses

What is marshmallow used for?

Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) is taken by mouth to help with a cough, sore throat, or mild stomach upset. It may also be applied to the skin for mild skin irritation. However, its benefits for any use are not well defined.

Note: Marshmallow is available in skin care products and as a dietary supplement. The FDA has not reviewed marshmallow for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about cosmetics here. Learn more about dietary supplements here.

How does marshmallow work (mechanism of action)?

Marshmallow is a plant called Althaea officinalis. It has a long history of use in traditional European medicine, likely dating back to ancient Greece. Dietary supplements, teas, and skin care products that contain marshmallow are made from the plant’s root.

Marshmallow root contains mucilage, which is a complex, sticky substance that can help ease swelling (inflammation). For this reason, teas, lozenges, and throat sprays that contain marshmallow are used to help reduce cough or sore throat, and dietary supplements are used to ease mild stomach upset. Marshmallow is also available in skin care products, such as creams and salves, to help reduce skin irritation and make the skin appear brighter and healthier. But very little research has been done to understand if or how marshmallow root may work for any of these uses.

Herbal products, such as marshmallow, naturally contain many different chemicals. The amounts of each chemical in a specific marshmallow product may vary. Some, none, or all of these chemicals may have effects on the body. These effects may change depending on how much of each chemical is found in the product you are using.

How should I store marshmallow?

You should store marshmallow supplements as directed on the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of marshmallow?

There is not enough research to know what side effects may be caused by marshmallow. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that bother you.

There may be side effects of marshmallow that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of marshmallow?

While less common, the most serious side effects of marshmallow are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Marshmallow may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using marshmallow and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use marshmallow?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use marshmallow.

  • Althaea officinalis
  • Marshmallow root
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific marshmallow products they stock.

What should I know about marshmallow before using it?

Marshmallow is available in many different forms, including teas, lozenges, throat sprays, dried ground powder, liquid extracts, or capsules. It is also available in products that are applied to the skin, such as creams and salves. It is not related to the much more common food product (marshmallows). Marshmallow dietary supplements cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.

Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are using, or use it as recommended by your health care provider.

Keep marshmallow out of the reach of children.

Herbal products, such as marshmallow, naturally contain many different chemicals. The amount of each chemical in a specific marshmallow product can change for many reasons, including the area where the plant was grown, the weather during its growth, the time of year it was harvested, and the way the root was processed after harvesting. If you switch to a new bottle or a different brand, you may not have the same effects or side effects because of this variability. Talk to your health care provider if you have questions or concerns.

Each form of marshmallow may contain different amounts of the chemicals that are naturally found in the plant. Many of these products may also contain other ingredients that have different effects on the body. Read the product label carefully to understand which ingredients it contains.

The FDA has not tested marshmallow products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.

What should I tell my health care provider before using marshmallow?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if marshmallow is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • Kidney problems
  • Liver problems
  • Diabetes

Other Medicines and Supplements. Marshmallow may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using marshmallow, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how marshmallow could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if marshmallow passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does marshmallow interact with foods or drinks?

There is not enough research to know if marshmallow interacts with foods or drinks, including alcohol.

Does marshmallow interact with medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using a medicine for diabetes.

Marshmallow may affect the absorption of some medicines. Tell your health care provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.

The interactions between marshmallow and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with marshmallow is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before using marshmallow with any medicines.

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much marshmallow?

If you or someone else has used too much marshmallow, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

Marshmallow is available in many different forms and may be combined with a wide range of other ingredients. Read the product label closely and speak to a health care provider about how to use marshmallow safely. Do not use double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.