Evidence supporting the use of: Marshmallow
For the health condition: Bladder (ulcerated)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine for urinary tract conditions, including ulcerated bladder and cystitis. The root contains high levels of mucilage—a gel-like substance—that is thought to coat and soothe irritated mucosal linings, such as those found in the bladder. In traditional European and Western herbal medicine, marshmallow root was used internally as a demulcent to relieve irritation and inflammation in the urinary tract. Historical texts from the 19th and early 20th centuries frequently mention its use for such purposes, and it remains included in some modern herbal pharmacopeias for urinary irritation.
Scientific validation for marshmallow root’s use in ulcerated bladder is limited. Some in vitro studies indicate that marshmallow extract can have anti-inflammatory effects and may help promote tissue healing, but these studies are not specific to bladder ulcers and are generally preliminary. Most of the available evidence remains anecdotal or based on traditional usage patterns, rather than robust clinical trials. Therefore, while marshmallow is still used in herbal traditions for this purpose, the evidence supporting its efficacy is relatively weak by modern scientific standards, justifying a moderate evidence rating.
Other health conditions supported by marshmallow
Abdominal PainAcid Indigestion
Anal Fistula or Fissure
Appetite (deficient)
Asthma
Bladder (irritable)
Bladder (ulcerated)
Bronchitis
Burns and Scalds
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Cuts
Duodenal Ulcers
Dysentery
Dyspepsia
Eczema
Enteritis
Eye Infections
Eyes (red or itching)
Gastritis
Hiatal Hernia
Incontinence
Indigestion
Inflammation
Inflammatory Bowel Disorders
Interstitial Cystitis
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Itching
Itching (rectal)
Itching Ears
Kidney Infection
Kidney Stones
Laryngitis
Leaky Gut Syndrome
Lesions
Leucorrhea
Overacidity
Pertussis
Pets (supplements for)
Phlebitis
Pleurisy
Pneumonia
Poison Ivy or Oak
Prolapsed Uterus
Psoriasis
Rashes and Hives
Sinus Infection
Sore Throat
Ulcerations (external)
Ulcers
Wounds and Sores
Products containing marshmallow
Integrative Therapeutics
Blue Heron
Pure Encapsulations
DGL Plus®
Pure Encapsulations
DGL Plus®
Pure Encapsulations
G.I. Fortify
Thorne
GI Relief GI-Encap
Designs For Health
GI Revive®
Designs For Health
GI Revive®
Pure Encapsulations
Heartburn Essentials
Pure Encapsulations
Heartburn Essentials
Vitabase
Prostate Complex (Formerly Prostate Complete)
Douglas Laboratories
Pylori-Plex
Integrative Therapeutics
Similase Sensitive Stomach
Integrative Therapeutics
Similase Sensitive Stomach