Last updated: 17/10/2022

Welcome to our big marshmallow root test 2023. Here we present all the marshmallow root products we have tested. We have compiled detailed background information and added a summary of customer reviews on the internet.

We would like to make your purchase decision easier and help you find the best marshmallow root product for you.

You will also find answers to frequently asked questions in our guide. If available, we also offer interesting test videos. Furthermore, you will also find some important information on this page that you should definitely pay attention to if you want to buy marshmallow root.




Summary

  • Marshmallow root contains mucilages that protectively wrap around the skin and mucous membranes. This shields against external irritants and helps the body to heal.
  • The effect of the plant is intense and is mainly used for respiratory complaints and digestive problems. There it has an anti-inflammatory and calming effect.
  • The mallow plant is found in various forms. Which one is best depends on the need. The most popular, however, are teas, cough drops and cough syrup.

The Best Marshmallow Root: Our Picks

Guide: Questions you should ask yourself before buying marshmallow root

What are the effects of marshmallow root?

Marshmallow is rich in mucilage, which has a soothing and anti-inflammatory effect. These act like a protective film over irritated skin and mucous membranes. They coat the sore spots and protect them from further irritation and inflammation.

Fun Fact: In the past, marshmallow was used to make marshmallows. (Image source: pixabay / pixel2013)

This means that they not only relieve the pain you feel when you touch them, such as swallowing, but also promote the healing process at the same time.

The effect of marshmallow is very effective and intense. In processed form, the healing root is considered a herbal medicine, which is often only available on prescription.

Interesting: Marshmallow root comes from the mallow family and was already used as a medicinal plant by Hippocrates.

What do I use marshmallow root for?

The main uses of marshmallow are irritations of the mouth and throat due to its enveloping and protective effect. From colds, coughs and hoarseness, marshmallow offers you a suitable effect.

Marshmallow root is also called “Althaea officinalis” or “true marshmallow”. The mucilage is mainly found in the roots and leaves. (Image source: pixabay.com / ID 1195798)

The mucous membranes in the stomach and intestines can also be treated with the root. Therefore, you can also use marshmallow to treat stomach acidity, inflammation of the stomach and intestinal mucous membranes and even bladder infections.

Tip: In summer, you can also apply marshmallow to itchy insect bites and stings.

Not so often, but nevertheless marshmallow can also be used externally. The mucilage covers drying and damaged skin, wounds and can even put a stop to sore muscles.

How much does marshmallow root cost?

The cost of different products varies. Factors such as intensity, effect, manufacturer and other herbs have an influence on the price.

The cost of marshmallow root powder per 100g ranges from about four to ten euros. For your personal use, you can usually buy marshmallow in 50g packs and get between two and five euros.

For cough lozenges, you can expect a price range of 15 to 15 euros per 100g. You can buy different quantities of 90 to 450 pastilles, which range from 11 to 45 euros.

Product price per 100ml price per actual quantity
Powder 4 – 10 € (g) 2 – 5 €/ 50g
Cough syrup 8 – 9 € 8 – 9 €/ 100 ml
Tea 4 – 15 € (g) 10 – 38 €/ 250 g
Cough pastilles 40 – 45 € 11€/ 90 pieces

What are the alternatives to marshmallow root?

For “simple” colds, you can resort to rosehip. The red fruits not only have a healing effect but also a pleasant sweet taste – perhaps you still know them from childhood, typically in tea.

Another alternative is sage, which is a good way to combat sore throats and inflammation of the throat in the form of tea, a spice mixture and cough syrup. St. John’s wort has a similar effect and can be used especially for bronchitis and sore throats.

Another option is mallow. Mallow has a very similar effect on the skin and especially on the mucous membranes as marshmallow – which belongs to the mallow family. You are most likely to find mallow in teas, and not only because of its pink colour.

Alternative Effect Use
Rosehip Strengthens the immune system Prevention of colds
St. John’s wort Decongestant and anti-inflammatory For respiratory complaints such as: Bronchitis, sore throat,
Sage Disinfecting and astringent For respiratory complaints such as: Cold, sore throat, sore throat, cough
Mallow Soothing and protective For irritation of the mucous membranes such as: Gastritis, inflammation of the mouth and throat

Decision: What types of marshmallow root are there and which is the right one for you?

Since the healing effect of marshmallow is particularly effective on mucous membranes, you will find it in all kinds of cough suppressants. You can get the root as a pure powder, but also as a processed medicine.

Which form is best for you depends on your personal needs and the effect you want to achieve. The most popular forms are:

  • Marshmallow root tea
  • Marshmallow root cough drops
  • Marshmallow root cough syrup
  • Marshmallow root juice

What are the characteristics of marshmallow root tea and what are its advantages and disadvantages?

Tea is particularly suitable for you if you are dealing with acute sore throats and colds. Plant mucilages, such as those contained in marshmallow, dissolve in water and can then unfold their effect.

Especially in hot water, the effect of the plant unfolds within a few minutes and you can relieve your symptoms within a short time. Hot water is especially good for your body when you feel ill.

Advantages
  • Soothing warmth
  • herbs from nature
  • calming smell
  • herbal mix with different effects
Disadvantages
  • Duration until the tea can be drunk
  • Tastes are different
  • Alleviated effect compared to other products

In addition, you will only find natural herbs from nature in teas. If you like, you can buy tea spice blends with different herbs that have an additional effect and help you to get fit again even faster.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of marshmallow root cough drops?

Cough lozenges work in a similar way to cough syrup. They usually contain similar ingredients, but their effect is not as “aggressive” as cough syrup. In addition, their effect lasts longer.

Until the lozenge has completely dissolved, you continue to benefit from the healing effect of marshmallow and its mucilage. This means that the effect lasts longer.

You can take the pastilles several times a day and do not have to wait until the evening. Whether you’re in the office, at university or out on a business trip – with cough lozenges you are flexible and can help your irritated throat exactly when you need it.

Advantages
  • Herbs from nature
  • “candy”
  • long-lasting effect
Disadvantages
  • Effect not as strong
  • sugar
  • taste can be peculiar

In addition to marshmallow and other medicinal herbs, you will often find honey in the pastilles, which gives them a sweet taste. Healing and delicious – two birds with one stone.

What makes marshmallow root cough syrup special and what are its advantages and disadvantages?

Marshmallow cough syrup envelops the irritated mucous membrane and wraps itself protectively around it. This prevents further germs from getting onto your irritated mouth and throat area and allows your body to heal faster.

At the same time, the cough syrup relieves the scratching and pain you feel in your throat, which is particularly unpleasant at night. The protective layer ensures that you do not feel any pain and that you can cope with everyday life as well as possible.

In addition, the taste can be pleasant for herb lovers and give you the healthy feeling that you are doing something good for your body.

Advantages
  • Protective effect
  • Symptom relief
  • Supports the body
  • Herbal taste
Disadvantages
  • Remedy with strong effect
  • Can make you tired
  • Tastes vary
  • Often only available on prescription

Buying criteria: You can use these factors to compare and evaluate marshmallow root

Below we show you how to find the marshmallow root product that best suits your needs.

You should use the following criteria to compare the different products:

  • Ingredients
  • Use
  • Therapeutic effect
  • Side effect
  • Preparation

In the next few paragraphs we will go into more detail about the individual aspects and explain what is important.

Ingredients

Which ingredients are best for you depends on you. As a general rule, natural is usually better. You can achieve a lot against many illnesses with natur-pur herbal mixture, but sometimes you cannot avoid stronger medicines.

In most cases, marshmallow is used for acute complaints and less for prevention. Especially when your body and immune system are weakened, you should pay special attention to what you take.

The effect of marshmallow on the mouth and throat and on digestion is basically present in all products. However, other ingredients also play an important role. Certain medicinal herbs work very well in combination and help you to recover more quickly.

Important: Pay attention to the ingredients, especially with medicines, as an excess of chemically produced ingredients can harm your body.

Use

Marshmallow should not be used carelessly under any circumstances. The root has an intense effect, which is why you should only use it in appropriate situations.

Tea is ideal for treating colds, coughs and hoarseness. Not only do you benefit from the healing effect of the root, but also from the warmth, which additionally soothes your throat.

For gastrointestinal complaints such as hyperacidity, inflammation of the mucous membranes and ulcers, tea is a gentle option for treatment. However, in severe cases, your doctor will usually prescribe a stronger remedy.

This medicinal plant is perfect for runny noses and scratchy necks. (Image source: Unsplash / Kelly Sikkema)

In most cases, tea is no longer enough for severe respiratory complaints such as bronchitis or a chesty cough. Here you will probably have to resort to cough syrup and pastilles.

Marshmallow root is most commonly used for the following complaints:

  • Bronchitis
  • Irritative cough
  • Colds
  • Inflammation of the throat
  • Gastrointestinal complaints

Healing properties

What makes marshmallow so unique is its high content of natural mucilage. These protectively wrap around the affected area and protect it from new bacteria.

In a nutshell: marshmallow contains mucilage that forms a barrier against external irritants.

In addition, the herb is anti-inflammatory, which can help you with an irritated digestive system. Both cough syrup and tea soothe your mucous membranes. Marshmallow is also diuretic, as it can affect the whole body and stimulate your bladder activity.

You can find the protective mucilage from the root to the leaves. (Image source: pixabay / nanseaj)

Side effect

Marshmallow root does not have any harmful side effects. However, with medicines like certain cough syrups, you should follow the dosage. Read the package leaflet carefully.

Furthermore, you must not drink alcohol in combination with some cough syrups, which you should not do anyway when you are ill.

Here is a brief overview of the dosage:

age single dose
1 – 3 years 3 ml
3- 6 years 4ml
6 – 12 years 5ml
12 years and older 10ml

The only “side effect” of marshmallow that you will find from the tea to the pastilles is the absorption of other medicines. This means that other medicines can only be absorbed to a limited or delayed extent.

Facts worth knowing about marshmallow root

Marshmallow root during pregnancy and breastfeeding

Studies have shown that marshmallow root is not harmful during pregnancy and breastfeeding. However, you should consult your doctor before taking any product containing marshmallow.

Marshmallow root for children

Marshmallow root is not suitable for newborns. You can give marshmallow to children over the age of one, but always consult a doctor before doing so.

From the age of six, you can give the herb without a doctor, but with the recommendation on the package leaflet.

Photo source: 123rf.com / Bajramovic N.

Reviews