Marshmallow Root, a medicinal herb that evolved into a popular confection
Most of us are familiar with Marshmallows as a candy, but did you know that the delicious fluffy confection originated as a versatile medicinal syrup and ointment; which was made from root sap of the Marshmallow herb, combined with other ingredients?
Marshmallow Root (scientific name; Althaea officinalis) is a perennial herb native to Northern Africa, Western Asia, and Europe. It is a mucilage containing Malvaceae family member. You can also find these growing along seas, marshes, riverbanks, and other damp areas.
Marshmallow Root has been used for thousands of years as a folk remedy. It can provide benefits when treating skin conditions, as well as respiratory and digestive problems. The scientific name of this herb came from the Greek word “altho,”. The meaning of this is “to cure.” So, the name itself is enough to vouch for the powers of Marshmallow Root.
Even though the leaves, roots, and flowers of marshmallow plants are edible, the medicinal characteristics of its root powder are due to a sap-like substance or mucilage that the marshmallow plant produces. This mucilage has antioxidants. According to research, this substance can coat your digestive tract and skin. This way, it can help treat the digestive tract and skin-related problems.
Marshmallow Root Powder is safe for both pets and humans. It provides a natural solution to heal digestive or skin problems your pet is experiencing. Moreover, it can have many different properties. For instance, a) Diuretic to remove excess water from the body, anti-inflammatory to reduce redness, swelling, and itchiness caused by inflammation; b) Antimicrobial to stop viruses, fungi, and bacterial growth; c) Expectorant to expel mucus from your pet’s respiratory tract; d) Immunostimulant to boost the ability of the immune system to fight diseases, and more.
Marshmallow Root Powder can also help in healing your pet’s leaky gut. The gut lining in dogs is essential to keep toxins, harmful bacteria, and other substances. In some cases, the epithelial cells layer gets damaged, which can cause the toxins and undigested food to travel through your pet’s bloodstream. The condition is referred to as leaky gut. Fortunately, Marshmallow Root Powder can reduce and soothe the inflammation caused by a leaky gut, and in some cases, heal the problem altogether.
Marshmallow Root Powder can also ease inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in pets. Common symptoms of this condition include blood or mucus in stool, diarrhea, vomiting, gastric distention, and more. Adding a daily dose of it into your pet’s routine will take a little while to heal the IBD symptoms in pets.
Marshmallow Root Powder can also help with constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, heartburn, and even urinary tract infections. Most amazingly, this medicinal herb can also help ease respiratory problems and treat skin and joint problems in pets.
Fortunately, Marshmallow Root Powder is not difficult to find. It is widely available as a supplement on its own, as a tea or dry herb powder and also combined with other ingredients in more complex nutritional supplement products for pets. It is always better to follow the instructions given on the label. Or you can also start small to find the adequate quantity per your pet’s needs.
Seatarra Ingredient Alliance offers a complete line of Botanical Powders and Extracts, including Marshmallow Root Powder. Click here for our product listing or contact us to find out more about the commercial and nutritional benefits of including this ingredient in your formulations.
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