Marshmallow is fantastic for your gut especially if you’ve taken lots of prescription drugs as these can be extremely damaging to your insides hence all the side effects in the listings (have a read on any pharmaceutical pamphlet).
The medicinal benefits of marshmallow is fab for the gut, respiratory issues, cystitis and lots more…
The History Of Marshmallow
There is no doubt you are familiar with marshmallow as a confectionary product, but did you know that marshmallows were originally a throat medicine?
Centuries ago, doctors used to make throat lozenges from the roots of the marshmallow plant (Althaea officinalis) mixing the juice with egg white and sugar to create a meringue.
This was the origin of today’s marshmallows, although the modern recipe no longer has a medicinal effect.
The name for the Althaea genus comes from a Greek word that means “heal”. The Ancient Greeks believed that Marshmallow’s greatest value lay in its ability to stimulate the body to heal itself.
There are records of this plant being used by the Romans who also considered it to be a cure-all. It was specifically recommended for stomach problems, coughs, sore throats, to purify the blood, and was applied topically to wounds, burns, and dry skin.
What Marshmallow Is Good For
The property or ingredient in the Marshmallow plant, especially the leaves, that make it so valuable is the high content of mucilage. Mucilage is a gelatinous substance containing polysaccharides and protein.
This slightly sticky or slimy-feeling substance is included in various remedies and is what makes Marshmallow so effective when used to help
Ease inflammation in the digestive system including:
Indigestion
Heartburn
Peptic ulcers
Soothe inflammation and irritation in the mouth
Soothe inflammation and irritation in the throat and ease coughing
Prevent or treat constipation
Ease inflammation associated with minor wounds and burns, dry skin, skin eruptions such as acne and boils, splinters, abrasions, and insect bites and stings
Aid with the symptoms of urinary tract infections and kidney stones
Ease arthritis and gout
Stimulate the kidneys/act as a diuretic.
Marshmallow root also fights bacteria and can be great for mouth sores, ulcers, sore throat, and cough. It helps the body make fluids like mucus and urine which grab hold of toxins and eliminate them through various channels. The roots are demulcent and protect the mucus membrane. It is commonly used for many pulmonary complaints, including irritable coughs.
Marshmallow makes a good antidote for respiratory issues due to it being so good at treating membranes. It relieves the swelling and irritation of the mucous membrane and calms the respiratory system.
Urinary tract infections and cystitis respond well to a decoction of marshmallow root as it helps soothes irritated tissues and relaxes them, which helps with the pain and allows the decoction to work on the infection.
Gut Health Issues
Marshmallow is another mucus-stimulating herb that becomes gelatinous when wet. This herb can help repair the gut lining and discourage leaky gut syndrome. In addition, it can lower inflammation, soothing the entire digestive tract.
Stomach issues are troublesome. But if you know the right tricks and the soothing herbs that can help put it at ease, you’ll be able to deal with it properly.
Your digestive wellness habits will depend on your specific body and symptoms. Marshmallow can help relieve gut-related symptoms.
One of the things that cause digestive upset that you may have heard about is Leaky Gut Syndrome. A leaky gut means the intestinal lining has become damaged, allowing toxins to enter the bloodstream.
Sometimes underlined diseases are responsible, like IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) and even Irritable Bowel Disease (IBD). Both IBS and IBD diagnoses are growing at an alarming rate and can even exist simultaneously.
Other common reasons people experience digestive problems include:
Age
Poor diet choices
SIBO
Food allergies
Inflammation
Gut dysbiosis
Intestinal parasites
Too many antibiotics
Metabolic issues
Hormone imbalance
Stress
Prescription drugs
When let go, gut imbalances can have damaging, even long-term consequences. It’s important to address digestive problems fully if you want any real resolution. However, it is preferable to manage symptoms whenever possible, which is exactly what marshmallow can help do.