Marshmallow Root Tea Recipes for Dry Cough
How to Use Marshmallow Root Tea for Dry Cough
Marshmallow root (Althaea officinalis) boasts many medicinal benefits, but it may be best known its demulcent and emollient properties. These benefits, as well as the mild taste of marshmallow root, make it an ideal ally in alleviating dry cough. The mucilage found in marshmallow offers both immediate throat-soothing relief and long-term healing, making it an invaluable addition to the repertoire of any seasoned herbalist.
Phytochemistry and Mechanisms of Action
The efficacy of marshmallow root in treating dry cough can be attributed to its rich composition of mucilage, as well as polysaccharides such as pectin. These compounds form a soothing, protective layer over mucous membranes, soothing irritation and relaxing the cough reflex. Additionally, the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of marshmallow root can help to calm the underlying inflammatory responses in respiratory tissues.
Synergistic Formulations
Marshmallow root can be combined with other synergistic herbs to make an herbal tea blend for dry cough:
Marshmallow Root and Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) Tea:
Combining marshmallow root with licorice root provides even more demulcent and throat soothing benefits. Licorice root is an adaptogen that can help enhance energy and immune function, making it a great choice for persistent dry coughs. This herbal tea combination has a sweet licorice flavor that most people will find pleasant.
Recipe:
1 tablespoon of dried marshmallow root
1 tablespoon of dried licorice root
Instructions:
In a teapot, pour 500ml of very hot (not boiling) water over both the marshmallow root and licorice root.
Strain and sip throughout the day.
Marshmallow Root and Slippery Elm Bark (Ulmus rubra) Tea:
Slippery elm bark and marshmallow root both have similar mucilaginous qualities, and they complement each other to produce a smooth and mild tasting tea for soothing a sore throat.
Recipe:
1 tablespoon dried marshmallow root
1 tablespoon slippery elm bark
Instructions:
Steep in 500ml of hot (not boiling) water for 30 minutes.
Strain and drink warm throughout the day
Marshmallow Root and Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) Tea:
Thyme’s antiviral and antibacterial actions can be helpful during a cold. For dry coughs where infection is present, this tea is a great choice.
Recipe:
1 tablespoon dried marshmallow root
1 tablespoon dried thyme
Instructions:
Combine in 500ml of hot (not boiling) water, steep for 20 minutes.
Strain and drink throughout the day.
Hot Water and Marshmallow Root
The mucilage found in marshmallow root is delicate, and may be damaged or destroyed by preparing marshmallow root tea with water that is too hot. We recommend using water that is just below boiling temperature or colder to ensure that you receive the maximum benefits possible.
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References
This blog post has been compiled from reliable sources to ensure the veracity of the mentioned details. Any reference to scientific studies, historical data, or culinary information has been thoroughly cross verified.
Fink, C., Schmidt, M., & Kraft, K. (2018). Marshmallow root extract for the treatment of irritative cough: Two surveys on users' view on effectiveness and tolerability. Complementary medicine research, 25(5), 299-305.
Shah, S. A., Akhtar, N., Akram, M., Shah, P. A., Saeed, T., Ahmed, K., & Asif, H. M. (2011). Pharmacological activity of Althaea officinalis L. J Med Plants Res, 5(24), 5662-5666.