Marshmallow Tea for a Sore Throat

Marshmallows aren’t just for making s’mores; the root, of Althaea officinalis also makes a soothing marshmallow tea.  With cough and congestion, sometimes a warm cup of herbal tea can ease the symptoms.  Marshmallow root has shown in a few studies to potentially help with mucus membrane irritations such as a raspy throat.  Marshmallow root is a mucilage; that means when you mix it with water, it makes a gooey thick substance that can coat the throat and soothe irritated mucus membranes.  Here is how to make a cup of marshmallow tea.

Marshmallow Tea Ingredients

• 1 Pint of filtered room temperature water
• 1 ounce of dried marshmallow root
• 1/4 cup of honey
• Hot water

Marshmallow Tea Instructions

Mix the dried root and 1 pint of water in a glass jar.  Shake well.  Allow to set for 4 to 8 hours.  Then strain the plant parts from the mucousy liquid using a fine mesh strainer and pestle.  Compost or discard the plant material.  Add honey to the liquid.  Store in refrigerator.  Adults: mix one Tablespoon into a cup of hot water to make a tea.  Adults can drink up to four times a day.

Safety 

Please share this Marshmallow Tea Flyer.  It provides all you need to know on one easy page.

Some Research on Marshmallow Tea for a Sore Throat

• Marshmallow root reduced the cough of those taking and having side effects from  enzyme inhibitor drugs to treat hypertension.  From: Effect of Althaea officinalis on cough associated with ACE inhibitors.  
• In an open trial of 62 patients, a cough syrup made from ivy leaves, thyme herb, aniseed, and marshmallow root was effective. From:  Open trial to assess aspects of safety and efficacy of a combined herbal cough syrup with ivy and thyme.  
• Lozenges containing marshmallow root showed helped with irritated throat mucosa associated with a dry cough. From: Development and evaluation of novel lozenges containing marshmallow root extract. Pak J Pharm Sci, 26, 1103-1107.
• Throat coat, a tea including licorice, slippery elm, and marshmallow, reduced throat pain in patients.  From:  Safety and efficacy of a traditional herbal medicine (Throat Coat®) in symptomatic temporary relief of pain in patients with acute pharyngitis: A multicenter, prospective, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study.

Honey makes it sweeter!

By: Kathy Sadowski, MS in Aromatherapy, RA (ARC), NAHA and AIA Professional Member, LMT

4/11/18

This categorized compilation of research articles does not necessarily imply that there are adequate results to demonstrate safe and/or effective human use. These statements are not meant to diagnose, treat, or cure any diseases. The information at this page has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Consult a Doctor before using herbs and essential oils if you have medical conditions, are taking medications, or have questions.