Botanical
Marshmallow
Also known as: Althaea officinalis, Marshmallow, Althea, Marshmallow Root Extract
Marshmallow root is a traditional herbal remedy rich in mucilage polysaccharides that may support respiratory and digestive tract health by forming a protective coating. Limited modern clinical evidence exists, though traditional use and preliminary in vitro studies suggest potential demulcent properties.
Last reviewed June 2026 · Evidence graded from peer-reviewed research, not editorial opinion. Educational only — not medical advice.
Every Marshmallow product we have scored
| # | Product | Score | Per serving |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Thorne GI Relief | 88 A | $0.46 |
| 2 | Nutricost Marshmallow Root Capsules | 86 A- | $0.12 |
| 3 | Pure Encapsulations DGL Plus | 83 A- | $0.44 |
| 4 | Terra Origin Healthy Gut Reset PM | 79 B+ | $0.83 |
| 5 | Terra Origin Healthy Gut Capsules with Vitamin D | 79 B+ | $0.83 |
| 6 | Pure Encapsulations G.I. Fortify | 77 B+ | $1.20 |
| 7 | Nature's Way Marshmallow Root | 76 B+ | $0.34 |
| 8 | Pure Encapsulations Heartburn Essentials | 75 B+ | $0.41 |
| 9 | Vital Nutrients Whole Fiber Fusion | 75 B+ | $1.00 |
| 10 | Herb Pharm Marshmallow | 74 B+ | $0.10 |
| 11 | Integrative Therapeutics Similase Sensitive Stomach | 72 B | $0.58 |
| 12 | Nature's Way Acid-Ease | 70 B | $0.49 |
Scored on dose accuracy, form, label transparency and third-party testing. Per-serving cost is list price divided by servings per container. No brand pays to be listed or ranked.
Common questions
How much Marshmallow should I take?
The typical range is 2-5g dried root as cold infusion, or 500-1500mg capsules daily. As needed, generally safe long-term
When should I take Marshmallow?
Away from meals and medications. Away from food for coating effect.
Which form of Marshmallow is best?
Cold infusion — Best mucilage extraction. Other forms in the catalog: Capsules, Powder, Powder extract, Dried root, Tea/decoction, Tincture.
Is Marshmallow safe?
Commonly reported: May slow medication absorption. Serious warnings: Separate from medications. Safe
Which Marshmallow supplement scores highest?
Thorne GI Relief, at 88/100. Scored on dose accuracy, form, label transparency and third-party testing — no brand pays to be listed or ranked.
Primary uses
- GI soothing
- GERD
- Dry cough
- Mucous membrane support
- Respiratory support
- Cough relief
- Sore throat soothing
- Digestive tract protection
How it works
- Creates mucilage coating
- Protects irritated tissues
- Soothes entire GI tract
- Traditional for dry cough
Dosage
- Typical range
- 2-5g dried root as cold infusion, or 500-1500mg capsules daily
- Timing
- Away from meals and medications
- With food
- Away from food for coating effect
- Duration
- As needed, generally safe long-term
- Special populations
- GERD, IBD, throat irritation
Forms
- Cold infusion
- Capsules
- Powder
- Dried root· 70/100
- Tea/decoction· 70/100
- Tincture· 70/100
Safety
Common side effects
- May slow medication absorption
Contraindications
- None significant
Products containing Marshmallow
Top-scoring supplements in our catalog that list Marshmallow on the label. Each product is graded on Formulate's ingredient-level rubric — dose accuracy, form, transparency, and third-party testing.
Evidence notes
Traditional demulcent, limited clinical research
Grade C: Mostly observational or small trials; mechanism is plausible but unproven at scale.
Related in Botanical
Check a full stack
Formulate's free interaction checker lets you paste in any combination of supplements and medications at once — every pairing flags severity, timing, and cited evidence.
Open the checkerWhere does Marshmallow fit in your stack?
Answer two questions and get a stack graded on research — every ingredient scored on the evidence behind it, not the marketing.
Build my stack2 questions · free · no account needed to start
Also on iPhone — get the free app
Evidence-based supplement guides, no spam
We send a short digest when new guides drop — nothing else. No affiliate pushes, no sponsored content, unsubscribe anytime.
Medical disclaimer. This page is educational and does not replace advice from a qualified healthcare provider. Individual needs and risks vary — consult a professional before starting, stopping, or combining supplements, especially if you are pregnant or nursing, taking medication, or managing a health condition.