Evidence supporting the use of: Marshmallow
For the body system: Sinuses

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Marshmallow root (Althaea officinalis) has a long history of traditional use in supporting the respiratory system, including the sinuses. In traditional herbal medicine, particularly in European and Middle Eastern practices, marshmallow root was valued for its mucilaginous properties—meaning it produces a gel-like substance when mixed with water. This mucilage was believed to soothe irritated mucous membranes throughout the respiratory tract, including those lining the sinuses, by providing a protective coating and alleviating discomfort associated with sinus irritation or dryness.

While there is some limited scientific evidence that marshmallow extract can have anti-inflammatory and soothing effects on mucous membranes, most of the support for its use in sinus health is rooted in tradition rather than in robust clinical trials. Contemporary herbal references sometimes recommend marshmallow for dry or irritated sinus passages, citing its demulcent properties, but direct, high-quality studies on its efficacy specifically for sinus health are lacking. Thus, while the traditional rationale for using marshmallow to support sinus health is clear and well-documented, scientific validation remains minimal.

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