The cold soak
Cold infusion of the root
Steeping the root in cool water draws out the most of its soothing gel.
Good for: Colds & sore throat
What variations of marshmallow root exist?
The root of a flowering plant rich in mucilage, a gel-like fiber that coats and soothes the throat and digestive tract. It's not related to the candy you buy today. It comes in 3 forms, and they aren't all the same. Here's how they differ.
For education only. What's right for you depends on your health and your medications, so check with your provider before you start or switch. Book a consult
Our top pick
Every form, in plain words
The cold soak
Cold infusion of the root
Steeping the root in cool water draws out the most of its soothing gel.
Good for: Colds & sore throat
The grab-and-go one
Root powder or capsules
Convenient. Usually taken with plenty of water.
The cozy cup
Tea blends with marshmallow
Common for sore throat and cough, though amounts vary.
Good for: Colds & sore throat
Spotting a good one on the shelf
Look for
- Look for 'Cold infusion of the root' on the label (the cold soak)
Watch out for
- Doesn't say whether it's root or leaf (the root has more of the soothing gel)
Check with your provider first if…
- Taking any medicines or supplements. The coating can slow how well they're absorbed, so take them at a different time of day.
- Taking diabetes medicine (it may lower blood sugar, based mostly on animal studies)
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding: not enough safety information
In Dr. Lesher's store
5 products in Dr. Lesher's dispensary have marshmallow root. Here's which form, where the label says.
Check with your provider before taking any of these, especially if you're pregnant or take medications.
Integrative Therapeutics
Blue Heron
8 mg per serving
Patient One MediNutritionals
GastroOne Gut Health Formula
250 mg per serving
Nutritional Fundamentals for Health
GI Repair SAP
40 mg per serving
Nature's Way
Marshmallow Root
480 mg per serving
Integrative Therapeutics
Similase® Sensitive Stomach
40 mg per serving
Ready to find the root cause?
Dr. Lesher is a Naturopathic Doctor who focuses on autoimmune and chronic conditions in women. Since 2020, she's helped hundreds of patients stop managing symptoms and start healing.