Marshmallow

Also Known As:

  • Althea officinalis, sweet weed, mortification root

Benefit:

  • Improves GERD, gastric, and duodenal ulcer healing

Mechanism of Action:

  • Demulcent, offers mucoprotection of esophagus and stomach

Side Effects:

  • May lower blood sugar in diabetics, may decrease iron absorption, may decrease absorption of various pharmaceuticals

  • Available forms: 1tsp. (5-6g) added to 8oz. of boiling water, steeped for 10 minutes, up to three times daily. Also available in tincture form.

(Nathaniel Lord Britton, 1859-1934, and A. Brown, Althaea officinalis [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons.)