Marshmallow Root Cold Infusion for a Dry Throat
Soaking dried marshmallow root in cool water makes a mild, silky drink that is traditionally used for an irritated throat and a dry, tickly cough.
Marshmallow root comes from the marsh mallow plant, not the fluffy candy. When you soak the dried root in water, the liquid turns slightly thick and silky.
That soft, coating texture is why people have long sipped it for a dry, scratchy throat and the tickly cough that often comes with it. It is gentle and simple to make, with a few rules worth knowing.
Why people use it
In Europe, marshmallow root has a long history of use for mouth and throat irritation with a dry cough. It is also used for mild stomach and gut discomfort.
The usual home preparation is a cold infusion, also called a macerate: the cut root is simply left to soak in water, then strained. No boiling is needed.
People often reach for it when a cold has left the throat raw, after a lot of talking, or when dry indoor air makes the throat feel tight. It sits comfortably alongside other simple measures the NHS suggests for a sore throat, such as drinking plenty of water, eating cool or soft foods and resting.
Cold Marshmallow Root Infusion
You need
- dried cut marshmallow root, for an adult serving2 g (about 1 level tsp)
- cool or room-temperature drinking water150 ml (2/3 cup)
Method
- Put the marshmallow root in a clean glass or jar.
- Pour over the cool water and stir.
- Leave to soak for 30 to 60 minutes, stirring once or twice. The water will turn pale and a little thick.
- Strain through a fine sieve or a clean cloth, pressing lightly.
- Sip slowly, letting it coat your throat. Drink it straight away rather than storing it.
Tips
- For children 3 to 11, use the smaller amounts in the section above, and check with your pediatrician first.
- If you prefer it slightly warm, set the glass in a bowl of hot water for a few minutes after straining instead of boiling it.
What the evidence says
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) recognizes marshmallow root as a traditional herbal medicine for soothing mouth or throat irritation and the dry cough that goes with it. That status is based on at least 30 years of use, not on strong clinical trials. EMA judged the clinical evidence too limited for firm conclusions.
No side effects had been reported when EMA assessed it. Still, think of this drink as a comforting home remedy that may ease a dry throat, not as a cure for whatever is causing it.
How much to use
The EU herbal monograph gives these amounts for a macerate, each made in 150 ml (2/3 cup) of water. Adults and teens: 0.5 to 3 g of root, several times a day, up to 15 g a day. Children 6 to 11: 0.5 to 1.5 g, three times a day. Children 3 to 5: 0.5 to 1 g, three times a day.
It is not recommended for children under 3. The monograph also says to use the infusion right after you make it, so prepare a fresh glass each time.
If symptoms are still there after a week, or they get worse, the monograph advises seeing a doctor or qualified health practitioner rather than simply drinking more.
Questions people ask
Why soak it in cold water instead of making hot tea?
A cold soak, or macerate, is the traditional preparation described in the European herbal monograph. It is easy and needs no cooking.
Can I make a big batch for the day?
It is best not to. The monograph says to use the macerate right after preparing it, so make a fresh glass each time.
Will it help a wet, chesty cough?
Its traditional use is for a dry cough linked to throat irritation. A cough with colored phlegm, fever or breathlessness should be checked by a doctor.
Sources
- Althaeae radix - herbal medicinal product — European Medicines Agency
- European Union herbal monograph on Althaea officinalis L., radix — European Medicines Agency
- Sore throat — NHS
This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Herbs can interact with medicines and health conditions. Talk to a doctor or pharmacist before trying a herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, giving it to a child, or taking any medication.
