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Marsh Mallow

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Marsh Mallow Althaea officinalis herb illustration

Photo: Kristian Peters -- Fabelfroh 12:58, 19 November 2006 (UTC) · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

Marsh Mallow

Althaea officinalis

Family: Malvaceae  |  Parts Used: Root and Leaf

Marsh Mallow is a deeply soothing herb known for its mucilaginous polysaccharides, which form a gentle protective coating over irritated and inflamed tissues. This makes it particularly useful in the respiratory, digestive, and urinary systems. It is also applied topically for eczema and dry, itchy skin. Used across Western and Middle Eastern traditions, both root and leaf are used, with the root carrying the highest mucilage content.

Respiratory Digestive Urinary Integumentary Western Middle Eastern

Traditional Uses

  • Inflamed and irritated tissue of the respiratory system, including dry coughs and sore throat
  • Inflamed and irritated tissue of the digestive system, including gastritis and ulcers
  • Irritated and inflamed bowel conditions
  • Bladder and kidney infections and urinary tract irritation
  • Eczema and itchy, dry skin (topical)

Properties

Key Constituents

Preparations & Dosage

  • Decoction (root): 1-2 tsp root simmered 10-15 minutes in 1 cup water.
  • Infusion (leaf): 1-2 tsp dried leaf in 1 cup boiling water; 1-3 cups daily. Cold infusion is also effective for preserving mucilage content.
  • Tincture: 15-30 drops up to 3 times daily.
  • Poultice: Root or leaf applied topically for skin irritation and inflammation.
Fun Fact: The French were the first to combine marsh mallow root with eggs and sugar, whipping it into a fluffy confection. That preparation became what we know today as the marshmallow candy.

Cautions

  • Generally considered safe. The mucilaginous nature of marsh mallow may slow absorption of other medications taken at the same time. Take other medications at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after consuming marsh mallow.
  • May lower blood sugar; use with caution alongside diabetes medications.
  • Consult a healthcare provider before use during pregnancy.

Habitat & Growing Conditions

Native to Europe, western Asia, and North Africa; now grown worldwide in temperate climates (US zones 3-9). Prefers wet or marshy areas with full sun.

Related Articles

Sources & Research

Medicinal Herbs: A Beginner's Guide, Rosemary Gladstar, p. 166

The New Holistic Herbal, David Hoffmann, p. 214

Published Research:

Isolation, structural properties, and bioactivities of polysaccharides from Althaea officinalis Linn.: A review | International Journal of Biological Macromolecules (2023)

Marsh Mallow (Althaea officinalis L.) and Its Potency in the Traditional Support for Cough | Complementary Medicine Research (2020)

Evaluation of antioxidant, enzyme inhibition, nitric oxide production inhibitory activities and chemical profiles of Althaea officinalis | Food Research International (2022)

Effects of Althaea officinalis L. and Metformin on Estradiol-Induced Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Rats | Cell Journal (2024)

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. If you are under the care of a health care provider or taking prescription medication, check with your provider before using any herbal supplement.

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