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

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Synopsis

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

Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) root has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine for oral and gum health. Traditionally, marshmallow root was employed to soothe inflamed mucous membranes, including those in the mouth and gums. Its demulcent properties—meaning it forms a soothing film over mucous membranes—were believed to help alleviate irritation, swelling, and discomfort associated with gingivitis and other gum issues. Some herbalists have recommended marshmallow root teas or mouth rinses for this purpose, and it has found occasional use in natural oral care products.

From a scientific perspective, there is limited direct evidence supporting marshmallow for gum health. The root contains mucilage, which can provide a protective barrier and mild anti-inflammatory effects in vitro. However, clinical trials specifically evaluating marshmallow root for gum disease or oral health are lacking. The evidence for its efficacy is primarily anecdotal and based on traditional use rather than modern scientific validation. Therefore, while marshmallow continues to be included in some traditional remedies for oral health, its use for supporting the gums is not strongly substantiated by current clinical research.

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