Evidence supporting the use of: Marshmallow
For the health condition: Pneumonia

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) root has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, particularly for soothing respiratory tract conditions, including coughs, sore throats, and bronchial irritation. The mucilage content in marshmallow root is believed to coat mucous membranes, providing a demulcent (soothing) effect. In historical herbal practices, this soothing property was sometimes employed as a supportive remedy for pneumonia, mainly to alleviate symptoms such as throat irritation and dry cough, rather than to treat the underlying infection itself.

However, there is limited scientific evidence to support its efficacy specifically for pneumonia. Modern clinical studies on marshmallow root have largely focused on its use for mild upper respiratory tract irritations, and there is a lack of robust clinical trials evaluating its direct impact on pneumonia outcomes. The use in pneumonia thus remains grounded in traditional symptom-based care rather than scientific validation. Marshmallow root is not considered a substitute for medical treatment of pneumonia, which is a serious infection commonly requiring antibiotics and medical supervision. Overall, while marshmallow may offer symptomatic relief due to its demulcent properties, evidence supporting its use for pneumonia is weak and primarily historical.

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