Meet Marshmallow Root and Slippery Elm

Let’s explore two exciting botanicals with properties to help the human body heal digestive tract conditions, strengthen immune function and stimulate and support detoxification: Marshmallow Root (Althaea officinalis) and Slippery Elm (Ulmus rubra).

Marshmallow Root

When I first heard the name marshmallow root I envisioned roasting marshmallows fireside! If you did too, then hold on to that image, as our healing ally, marshmallow root, is also gooey, slippery and soft and makes our GI tract as happy as a kiddo tasting their first roasted marshmallow treat😊 Marshmallow root is native to Europe, Asia, North America and Africa. Its roots release a slippery, soft mucilage (a gelatinous substance found in some plants) when steeped in water. This mucilage provides gentle, nutritive compounds that have been used for healing for thousands of years.[1] Early traditional uses for marshmallow root and leaves included poultices for inflammation, soothing sore throats, calming coughs, soothing the urinary tract and treating GI (gastrointestinal) tract upsets.[1] 

Marshmallow root has a high mucilage content. A primary benefit of this high mucilage content is that it coats the digestive tract and serves as protection. Mucilage from marshmallow root has an ability to calm inflammation, which can soothe ulcers, relieve constipation and reduce diarrhea. Marshmallow root has also been shown to help restore the integrity and prevent permeability of the tight junctions found along the walls of the GI tract.[2] This helps to heal leaky gut, which develops when particles leak outside tiny openings in the gut lining, allowing them to enter the bloodstream where they can trigger autoimmune reactions.[2]    

Studies show that marshmallow root has several benefits to health and healing including lowering or preventing acid reflux, GERD, stomach ulcers, diarrhea, Crohn’s and colitis. Studies are showing that the mucilage properties of marshmallow root are stable in the body all the way through the digestive system until they reach the colon. This means they don’t change form while passing through the digestive tract and therefore are useful for soothing symptoms of inflammatory digestive disorders.[3] 

Marshmallow root may also benefit the following conditions:

• Skin and Hair - Healthy cells, thanks to the antioxidant properties of marshmallow root, contribute to healthy skin and hair. [4] Marshmallow root is often included in natural shampoos and conditioners due to its antioxidant and protective qualities.

• Wound Healing and Skin Conditions - Marshmallow root is known to help reduce skin inflammation and has been used for conditions including eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis.  Further, studies have shown that marshmallow root has immune system enhancing and antibacterial properties that can kill bacteria and speed healing.[4] 

• Metabolism Boost - Marshmallow root is thought to affect hormones. Studies suggest marshmallow root extract may impact thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and may aid in metabolism (the body process that changes what is eaten into energy).[5]

• Edema and Water Retention - Marshmallow root has anti-inflammatory and diuretic (rids the body of water and sodium) properties. Researchers suggest that this may be beneficial in treating edema (water/fluid retention).[6] 

• Breastfeeding: Sore and Cracked Nipples - Marshmallow root contains L-rhamnose, d-glucuronic acid, d-galacturonic acid, and d-galactose, which are compounds believed to be beneficial in treating sore and cracked nipples during breastfeeding.[7 ]Caution that studies have not shown whether marshmallow root can be excreted through breastmilk however.

Slippery Elm

Slippery elm, native to Southern Ontario, Central and Eastern United States, is another effective herb for gut repair that has been used for centuries. Its name comes from the bark which consists of mucilage. Slippery Elm is known to stimulate nerve endings in the digestive tract to boost mucus secretion. This boost of mucus helps to neutralize excessive acidity in the gut and can also help soothe ulcers.[2] 

Slippery elm is used to treat a variety of ailments such as healing digestive distress, soothing stress and anxiety, treating symptoms of psoriasis, soothing sore throats and reducing coughs, healing bleeding lungs, nausea, wasting diseases, and more.[8] It is not only a potent source of antioxidants but also contains a variety of minerals, such as magnesium, iron, calcium, potassium, as well as vitamin C and a family of B vitamins, and more.[9] 

As a demulcent (this means it has the ability to coat mucus membranes in the esophagus, stomach and intestines), Slippery Elm is also commonly used to heal acid reflux, GERD, IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), Crohn’s and colitis, and diverticulitis. Studies show that slippery elm has the ability to soothe IBS symptoms, in part due to its high antioxidant content.[9]

Slippery Elm is high in both soluble and insoluble fiber, and is therefore considered a prebiotic and producer of beneficial short-chain fatty acids, which can help to support a healthy gut microbiome and makes it useful as a natural laxative.[10]   

Slippery elm may also benefit the following conditions:

• Detox – Slippery Elm is a natural laxative and also acts as a mild diuretic, which helps the body to flush away toxins.[10]   

  
  

• Immune Supporter - Vitamin C, bioflavonoids, anti-oxidants and other nutrients in Slippery elm may help boost the body's defense mechanisms.[10]   

  
  

• Inflammation – Slippery elm is shown to be anti-inflammatory, which is a benefit in reducing inflammation throughout the body, and is being studied for arthritis and IBD (inflammatory bowel disease).[11]   

  
  

Ready to Add to Your Health-style?

Marshmallow root is available in teas, tinctures, capsules, and other extracts, as well as in creams, balms, and salves for the skin.

Slippery Elm is available in tea, lozenges, powder, tablets, and supplements.

With both botanicals, selecting organic versions is best.

Are There Any Concerns or Cautions?

Both Marshmallow root and Slippery elm are generally considered safe for most adults.[7]  

It is important to consider the following:

• Allergies and sensitivities: 

o   Be mindful if you have allergies or sensitivities to Marshmallow root or Slippery elm, and avoid them if allergic.

• Supplements:

o   For both Marshmallow root and Slippery elm, the mucilage content could decrease medication absorption[7];

o   Marshmallow root can interact with certain drugs, including lithium, diuretics, blood pressure medications and diabetes drugs[7];

o   Slippery elm can cause mild gastrointestinal issues such as nausea or diarrhea, particularly if taken in large amounts[12];

o   Caution that both Marshmallow root and Slippery elm have not be proven safe for pregnant women, or women who are breastfeeding[12].

*It is always important to consult with your trusted healthcare practitioner prior to making any major lifestyle changes, especially if taking any medications.

References:

1.     Article: “Marshmallow Root”. Herbarium. https://herbarium.theherbalacademy.com/monograph/marshmallow-root/ 

2.     Article: “Restore Gut Health with 6 Herbs and Nutrients”. Amy Myers, MD. https://www.amymyersmd.com/article/restore-gut-health-herbs-nutrients 

3.     Article: “Gastro-Protective and Anti-Oxidant Potential of Althaea officinalis and Solanum nigrum on Pyloric Ligation/Indomethacin-Induced Ulceration in Rats”. PubMed. Authors:  Sameh S. Zaghlool, et.al.  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6912529/ 

4.     Article: “The Therapeutic Wound Healing Bioactivities of Various Medicinal Plants”. PubMed. Authors: Ghosoon Albahri, et.al. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36836674/ 

5.     Article: “Effect of Marshmallow's Root Extract on Thyroid Hormones in Broilers”. Maxwell Science. Authors: Farshid Roshangar, et.al. https://maxwellsci.com/msproof.php?doi=rjaset.7.234 

6.     Article: “Gastroprotective effects of herbal medicines (Roots)”. Research Gate. Authors: Solmaz Asnaashari, et.al. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/325459771_Gastroprotective_effects_of_herbal_medicines_Roots 

7.     Article: “Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®)”. NIH. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/ 

8.     Article: “Slippery Elm”. Herbarium. https://herbarium.theherbalacademy.com/monograph/slippery-elm/ 

9.     Article: “Slippery Elm: the Digestive Aid that May Aid Weight Loss & Skin Conditions”. DrAXE.com. Author: Jillian Levy, CHHC. https://draxe.com/nutrition/slippery-elm/ 

10.  Article: “11 Surprising Ways Slippery Elm Can Level Up Your Health”. Dr.WiilCole.com. https://drwillcole.com/gut-health/the-immune-boosting-gut-healing-herb-that-everyone-is-talking-about 

11.  Article: “Natural Product-Derived Drugs for the Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases”. PubMed. Author: Young-Eun Joo.  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4204705/ 

12. Article: “Slippery elm”. Drugs.com. https://www.drugs.com/mtm/slippery-elm.html