Marshmallow Root : What it is and What it Does

Marshmallow Root is an herb that helps the digestive tract and overall health .Although the name can confuse you , since you most likely had marshmallow's in your hot chocolate. Marshmallow root is not related to the marshmallows that you would buy at your local grocery store in the food isle.

What does Marshmallow Root Look Like?

Marshmallow Root is grown in northern Europe and western Asia . When it was first discovered in the United States , in was used the plant as a ornamental for it's velvety foliage and purple flowers . The appearance of the plant made it a conversation piece.

What Health Benefits Can Marshmallow Root Provide You With?

Marshmallow root will do a lot for you over all health . It can help you with bladder infections . It can also help with stomach cramps . If you have a dry cough sipping the tea will help control it .It is also known to help with diarrhea and other bowl disorders. An old wives tale says drinking marshmallow tea will help pass kidney stones.

Where do I buy Marshmallow Root?

You mainly buy Marshmallow Root in a Health food store. It is consider a herbal remedy for what ails you. When you purchase the root, it will be sold to you in a loose form . It has a woody chip form in looks and it has no smell. The cost is five dollars for a small bag and it may last you for months. You may also buy it in pill form and syrup . But these others forms are hard to find in your local store.

How Do I Prepare the Tea?

To prepare the tea : If you have one use a tea ball ,will make easier for straining purposes . Take a tablespoon of dry tea put in the ball then add to a cup of boiling water , ,If not use loose day tea and put in cup of hot boiling water and let stand for one minute. Then strain the tea before drinking ,May make ahead of time , but is better fresh. May use raspberry extract to enhance the flavor and won't need to add sugar or milk . It is better t o drink without either of those for the full benefits of the tea.

Are There Any Side effects?

Since it is a natural herbal remedy, there not very many known side effects. As with any type of supplement, of course, it would not hurt to ask your doctor's opinion before you decide to take marshmallow root. However, marshmallow root is known to interact with other medications. What this means is that if you are taking another medication, you should not take marshmallow root during the same time, whether it is through pill form or through tea form. If you do, it will break down the medication- which ultimately means that you might not get the results that you want or need.