There\u2019s an option you probably haven\u2019t tried or wouldn\u2019t think to: marshmallows. (Well, sort of.) Ahead, doctors give more details about a helpful ingredient, what it does and other surprising options that may do the trick.<\/p>\n
How A Marshmallow Product Can Ease A Cough<\/p>\n
Here\u2019s the deal. A store-bought marshmallow won\u2019t fit the bill, unfortunately, because it\u2019s not made with the key ingredient for relieving a cough: marshmallow root extract, or Althaea officinalis<\/a>, an herb used as medicine for over 2,000 years.<\/p>\n \u201cThe natural marshmallow root or plant has been shown to decrease throat irritation and coughing,\u201d explained Dr. Bayo Curry-Winchell<\/a>, a family medicine physician, nationally recognized health equity advocate and TED Talk speaker. \u201cThe soothing effect comes from the plant\u2019s natural coating, called mucilaginous, which is a sticky gelatin substance that might help reduce a cough.\u201d <\/p>\n Multiple studies back this up: For example, surveys published in Complementary Medicine Research in 2018<\/a> justified marshmallow root extract for the symptomatic treatment of a dry cough. And a 2020 review in the same publication<\/a> said it could help with a cough, sore throat and other respiratory ailments. <\/p>\n Additionally, a 2021 study in a German journal<\/a> found that adding honey to the marshmallow root extract helped prolong the extract\u2019s coating on the throat. Last but not least, a 2013 article in the Pakistan Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences<\/a> supported lozenges as a delivery form for marshmallow root extract when treating irritated oropharyngeal mucosa (a type of inflammation) and the dry cough associated with it.<\/p>\n You can consume the root in various ways: drinking several cups of the tea, drinking a glass of water with 30 to 40 drops of the tincture or swallowing capsules that contain the equivalent of 6 grams of the powdered root, in divided doses. You can typically buy these products (and more versions) at local grocery stores or retailers like Amazon<\/a> or Walmart.<\/p>\n But don\u2019t just run out and buy it right this second; while Mount Sinai medical system states the root is generally safe to take<\/a>, you should make sure you talk to a doctor before using it (or any other medication or supplement) since interactions can occur<\/a>.<\/p>\n What Else To Know Before Trying Marshmallow Root Extract<\/p>\n So is it time to throw away the cough syrup? Not quite, doctors say. Marshmallow root extract is best when a cough or sore throat is minor and not accompanied by other major symptoms.<\/p>\n One of the great benefits of the product is that kicks in and reduces irritation fairly quickly. Curry-Winchell pointed to the 2018 study, which found most participants felt the results in roughly 10 minutes. <\/strong>So, it may be a great option before you head into a class or meeting, hoping to keep coughing to a minimum.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/67abb8441d000027003b5d68.jpeg\"\/)
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