Marshmallow Root
BotanicalAlthaea officinalisAlso calledMarshmallow, Althaea, White mallow
A sweet, slippery root that turns water silky, used in Western Ayurveda to calm dry, hot or scratchy tissues.
Yes, this is the plant the candy was named after. The old confection was made from the root's sticky sap. Soak a spoonful of the cut root in cool water for a few hours and you will see why: the water turns soft, slightly thick and slippery, with a mild, sweet taste.
That silky quality is what modern Ayurvedic teachers point to. Marshmallow is described as sweet, cooling and moistening, almost the opposite of vata's dry, rough nature and pitta's sharp heat. It is a Western herb, not a classical one, but it fits the Ayurvedic logic of like increases like and opposites balance.
Ayurvedic Properties
Not described in classical Ayurveda; modern Ayurvedic writers describe it as sweet in taste and cooling, with a sweet post-digestive effect (Frawley and Lad, The Yoga of Herbs, and other modern Ayurvedic teachers).
- RasaTastes
- ViryaHeating or cooling
- Cooling
- VipakaPost-digestive effect
- Sweet
- AgniEffect on digestion
- Heavy, can dampen agni
Sweet, cool and mucilaginous, it can slow digestion if overused.
- GunaQualities
- TridoshaEffect on Vata, Pitta and Kapha
- Vata: decreases
- Pitta: decreases
- Kapha: increases in excess
- ↓decreases (calms that dosha)
- ↑increases (can aggravate it)
- =neutral or balancing
- ?not known
- V Vata · P Pitta · K Kapha
Sweet, cool and moist, marshmallow settles vata's dryness and pitta's heat. Kapha types, who already have plenty of moisture, may want to add a little ginger or keep it occasional.
Traditional Uses
- Traditionally used to support a comfortable throat during the dry, windy respiratory season.
- Traditionally used to support the natural protective lining of the digestive tract.
- Traditionally used to support moisture in the body when vata runs dry.
- Traditionally used to support a calm, cool belly when pitta runs hot.
How People Use It
- WaterThe traditional way is a cold infusion. Soak 1 to 2 teaspoons of cut root in a cup of room temperature water for 4 hours or overnight, then strain. Cold water draws out the most of the silky mucilage.
- TeaIt can also be steeped in hot water for about 10 minutes. The cup will be a little less silky but still soft and mild.
- MilkA small amount of the powder can be stirred into warm milk with a pinch of cardamom for a soothing evening drink.
Overnight Marshmallow and Licorice Cold Infusion
A silky, cooling sip for dry, windy days.
- 2 teaspoons cut marshmallow root
- 1/2 teaspoon cut licorice root (skip if you have high blood pressure)
- 2 cups room temperature water
- A few fresh mint leaves (optional)
- Put the marshmallow and licorice in a clean jar and pour the water over them.
- Cover and leave on the counter overnight, or for at least 4 hours.
- Strain through a fine sieve. The liquid should feel soft and a little thick.
- Sip at room temperature through the day. Warm it gently for vata, or add the mint for pitta.
Pairs Well With
Cautions
- Because it coats the digestive tract, marshmallow may slow the absorption of medicines taken at the same time. Take it at least 2 hours apart from medications and supplements.
- Safety research on marshmallow during pregnancy is limited, so check with your doctor or midwife first. There is no data on its safety while breastfeeding, though it is not expected to be harmful.
- Marshmallow is generally well tolerated, but allergic reactions have rarely been reported.
- Some sources suggest marshmallow may affect blood sugar, so talk with your doctor if you take diabetes medicine.
- Please consult a qualified practitioner or your doctor before using marshmallow regularly, especially if you take any medication.
In Our Shop
Organic Marshmallow Root, from $5.75. Weighed and packed by hand at our Rockville Centre studio.
Shop Marshmallow Root →From the Journal
Sources and Further Reading
This page shares how herbs are traditionally used in Ayurveda and other herbal traditions. It is for general education only and is not medical advice. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA, and herbs are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Please talk with your doctor or a qualified practitioner before using herbs, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or managing a health condition.