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Most everyone experiences occasional heartburn. It’s one of the most recognized symptoms of acid reflux. The chronic occurrence of acid reflux is referred to as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
GERD should be taken seriously. If you experience chronic acid reflux, see your doctor.
Most doctors are likely to prescribe OTC heartburn medication for the relief of acid reflux but did you know there are scientifically proven methods of naturally getting rid of occasional heartburn? Marshmallow root is one of the natural remedies that can soothe acid reflux symptoms like heartburn.
Next, let’s look at what kind of marshmallows are good for acid reflux. It might not be the kind you are used to eating.
Related Content:
- GERD: Symptoms, Causes, Prevention, Treatment
- Mega List of Natural Heartburn Remedies
- OTC Heartburn Medication: Which One Is Best?
What Is Marshmallow Root?
You might be wondering why someone would eat marshmallow for acid reflux. Well, the marshmallow we’re talking about is not the white fluffy goodness you use to make smores.
Confectionery marshmallow is where our minds first go when thinking of marshmallows and you aren’t too far off. Before their mass production, marshmallows were made from the root of the marshmallow plant (Althaea Officinalis), a perennial that likes wet marshy areas.
For centuries, marshmallow root has been used as a medicinal herb for treating digestive issues like acid reflux, heartburn, indigestion, and even ulcers but eating any type of marshmallow candy for acid reflux is a fallacy.
Marshmallow Can Improve the Following Acid Reflux Symptoms
Acid reflux can have many possible symptoms. Marshmallow can improve the following causes of acid reflux:
- Heartburn
- Sore Throat
- Hoarseness
- Laryngitis
- Cough
Let’s look at the properties of marshmallow root and how it helps with acid reflux and other digestive issues.
How Does Marshmallow Help Acid Reflux and Other Digestive Issues?
Marshmallow root contains a large percentage of mucilage, a thick, gooey substance with healing properties that have been used to treat the common cough, heartburn and acid reflux, indigestion, esophagitis, ulcers, repair gut lining, and other gastrointestinal (GI) problems.1
Even the marshmallow flower has been found to have a potential benefit in healing ulcers.
Gastrointestinal Healing Effects of Marshmallow
When used internally marshmallow has the following healing effects:
1. Demulcent
Marshmallow root helps with digestive issues by coating the lining of the gastrointestinal tract to soothe and protect the mucous membranes from irritation.2
2. Pain Reliever
Marshmallow can act as a pain reliever for relieving the irritation caused by acid reflux.3,4
3. Anti-inflammatory
Marshmallow reduces inflammation in the digestive tract.2
4. Antimicrobial
Marshmallow is an antimicrobial that helps kill microorganisms or prevents their growth.
This can be extremely helpful for healing irritated tissue and in treating bacterial and yeast overgrowth conditions like candida, small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), and Helicobacter pylori that can cause GERD.
Related Content:
- 12 Candida Symptoms & How to Treat Candida Naturally
- SIBO and Heartburn
- Helicobacter Pylori and Heartburn
4. Immunomodulatory
Marshmallow can promote healing of the digestive tract by acting as an immunomodulator modifying the immune system’s response.2
5. Regenerative
Marshmallow stimulates the cells that support tissue regeneration to help heal irritated and damaged tissue in the gastrointestinal tract.5
6. Antitussive
Marshmallow root acts as a cough suppressant. Coughing due to esophageal irritation is a symptom of acid reflux.2
Risks of Using Marshmallow Root for Acid Reflux
1. Not for Children
Marshmallow is not recommended for children.6
2. Marshmallow Root Is Not Regulated By The FDA
Marshmallow is a natural food supplement. Supplements are not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The ingredients, quality, and strength of doses often vary across manufacturers.
3. Statements Regarding Marshmallow Root Treatments Are Not Regulated By The FDA
Statements provided by supplement manufacturers and this website regarding dietary supplements like marshmallow have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition.
The FDA supports the physician-supervised treatment of acid reflux and other digestive issues through the use of FDA-regulated medications.
4. Interference with Medications
Marshmallow root supplements can interfere with the absorption of medications and other supplements you take.
5. Other Options Are Available
It may not be your best option. Prescription acid reflux medication or another natural remedy could possibly be a better option. Consult your doctor.
6. Do Not Use When Pregnant or Nursing
Like many other supplements, there is a lack of testing. Unless suggested by your doctor, do not take marshmallow when you are pregnant or nursing.
How to Eat Marshmallow for Acid Reflux
There are different marshmallow root supplements that can be taken for protecting the esophagus from the pain of acid reflux that we know as heartburn.
There are marshmallow root capsules but they don’t have the same soothing effect on the esophagus since they are washed into the stomach without contact with the esophagus. Capsules can, however, help soothe the rest of the GI tract. The following forms are more effective as a heartburn remedy than capsules.
Marshmallow Root Powder by Micro Ingredients
Marshmallow Root Powder by Micro Ingredients is certified USDA Organic and Vegan Friendly with no additives, preservatives, filler, artificial colors, flavors, sugar, yeast, GMOs, soy, or gluten.
Combine 2 scoops with boiling water for a soothing herbal drink. (A measuring scoop is provided in the bag.)
Recommended Product: Micro Ingredients – Marshmallow Root Powder
Marshmallow Leaf & Root Herbal Tea by Celebration Herbals
Marshmallow Leaf & Root Herbal Tea by Celebration Herbals is made of organically grown and prepared marshmallow leaf and root.
For best results, steep in boiling water for 7-12 minutes.
Recommended Product: Celebration Herbals – Marshmallow Leaf & Root Herbal Tea
Marshmallow Root Extract by Nature’s Answer
Marshmallow Root Extract by Nature’s Answer is a super concentrated form of marshmallow root that’s alcohol-free, gluten-free, and certified USDA organic.
Combine 1-2 mL (28-56 drops) in a small amount of water.
Recommended Product: Nature’s Answer – Marshmallow Root Extract
Throat Coat Tea by Traditional Medicinals
Throat Coat Tea by Traditional Medicinals contains marshmallow root, deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL), and slippery elm. All three of these herbals help protect against acid reflux by coating and building up the mucous membrane that lines the throat and stomach.
Throat Coat Tea is my favorite tea for relieving acid reflux symptoms.
For best results, steep in 8oz of boiling water for 10-15 minutes.
Recommended Product: Traditional Medicinals – Organic Throat Coat Tea
Related Content: Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice (DGL) for Acid Reflux
Conclusion
Is marshmallow good for acid reflux? Yes, but it isn’t the best remedy for everyone.
Marshmallow is generally considered safe and can provide a natural way of soothing acid reflux that works for some people.
This approach doesn’t work for everyone. We are all different. You may have to try different natural remedies to find one that works for you.
Consult your doctor before using supplements. With your doctor’s help, you can come up with a treatment plan that’s right for you.
If you’re pursuing an alternative route for healing, make sure your doctor is aware of the supplements you take or plan to take. Herbal supplements and other alternative forms of medicine can have negative health effects and can affect the absorption of medications.
References
- Rouba Hage-Sleiman, Mohamad Mroueh, and Costantine F. Daher. Pharmacological Evaluation of Aqueous Extract of Althaea Officinalis Flower Grown in Lebanon. Pharmaceutical Biology. Volume 49, 2011 – Issue 3, Pages 327-333.
- Ali Esmail Al-Snafi. The Pharmaceutical Importance of Althaea Officinalis and Althaea Rosea : A Review. International Journal of PharmTech Research. Vol.5, No.3, pp 1378-1385, July-Sept 2013.
- Mahmoud Bahmani, Arman Zargaran, and Mahmoud Rafieian-Kopaei. Identification of Medicinal Plants of Urmia for Treatment of Gastrointestinal Disorders. Revista Brasileira de Farmacognosia. Volume 24, Issue 4, July–August 2014, Pages 468-480.
- K. Bone. Marshmallow Soothes Cough. British Journal of Phytotherapy. 1993/1994;3:93.
- Alexandra Deters, Janina Zippel, Nils Hellenbrand, Dirk Pappai, Cathleen Possemeyer, and Andreas Hensel. Aqueous Extracts and Polysaccharides from Marshmallow Roots (Althea Officinalis L.): Cellular Internalisation and Stimulation of Cell Physiology of Human Epithelial Cells in Vitro. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. Volume 127, Issue 1, 8 January 2010, Pages 62-69.
- Shahnaz Sultana, Andleeb Khan, Mohammed M Safhi, and Hassan A. Alhazmi. Cough Suppressant Herbal Drugs: A Review. International Journal of Pharmaceutical Science Invention. Volume 5 Issue 5, August 2016, Pages 15-28.