The Soothing Herb · 2026

Marshmallow Root — benefits & uses

The mucilage herb that coats and calms — what it does for sore throats and digestion, and how to grow it.

Marshmallow root and pale pink marshmallow flowers with a soothing tea on a wooden table
Traditional use

Sore throat & cough

Its mucilage coats and soothes a raw, scratchy throat and calms a dry cough.

Also for

Digestive lining

Gently soothes an irritated digestive tract — a classic demulcent herb.

Grows like

A tall perennial

A pretty, back-of-the-bed plant with soft pink flowers; the root is harvested in fall.

Best prepared

Cold infusion

Steep the root in cool water for the most soothing mucilage — heat breaks it down.

Simple soothing drink: steep 1 tbsp dried marshmallow root in cool water 4+ hours, strain, add honey. Not medical advice — take it apart from medications, as it can slow their absorption.

Grown & used, on video

Grow your own marshmallow

Marshmallow is one of the ten non-GMO seed varieties in Nicole Apelian's Medicinal Garden Kit, with her remedy guide covering its uses.

Herbs for coughs & sore throat →

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