Marshmallow (Unknown)

Properties

Mucilage forms a soothing gel that coats and protects tissues., Anti-inflammatory effects due to flavonoids and phenolic acids.

Dosage

1-2 teaspoons of powder twice daily, or as directed by a healthcare professional.

Classical attributes

• Rasa: Sweet
• Virya: ["Cooling"]
• Vipaka: ["Sweet"]

Benefits

• Soothing
• Anti-inflammatory
• Demulcent

Traditional uses

• Coughs
• Colds
• Skin Irritation
• Digestive Issues
• Urinary Tract Infections

Dosha effects

• vata: balancing
• kapha: balancing
• pitta: balancing

Preparation methods

• Powder (Churna): Dried and powdered roots are consumed directly or mixed with warm water, milk, or ghee.
• Decoction (Kwath): Roots are boiled in water until the volume reduces by half. The liquid is strained and consumed.
• Tonic (Avaleha): Prepared with root extract, sugar, and other ingredients, forming a jam-like consistency.

Contraindications

• Individuals with known allergies to asparagus or related plants.
• May not be suitable for individuals with excessive kapha accumulation.

Side effects

• Generally well-tolerated. In rare cases, mild allergic reactions may occur.

Interactions

• May potentially interact with diuretics, potentially increasing their effect. Caution is advised when used concurrently with medications that affect blood sugar levels.

Clinical evidence

Limited clinical studies suggest that marshmallow root may help relieve dry cough, skin irritation, and gastrointestinal issues. A review in 2013 found that an ointment containing 20% marshmallow root extract reduced skin irritation. Clinical trials have explored marshmallow root to treat coughs in children and babies.

Ayurvedic karmas

• Soothing
• Anti-inflammatory
• Demulcent

Classical clinical indications

• Coughs
• Colds
• Skin Irritation
• Digestive Issues
• Urinary Tract Infections