Evidence supporting the use of: Marshmallow
For the health condition: Incontinence

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, primarily valued for its soothing, demulcent properties. Traditionally, the root and leaves have been used to calm irritation and inflammation of the mucous membranes, including the urinary tract. In historical European and Middle Eastern herbalism, marshmallow was sometimes recommended to relieve symptoms of urinary tract irritation, which could be indirectly related to some causes of incontinence, such as cystitis or bladder irritation. However, direct references to marshmallow being used specifically to treat incontinence are sparse in the traditional literature. Most references relate to its ability to soothe inflamed tissues rather than exert any direct action on bladder control or sphincter function.

There is very little scientific research supporting marshmallow for incontinence. The scant evidence available focuses on its general anti-inflammatory and mucilaginous effects, which may provide some symptomatic relief in cases where incontinence is caused by irritation or inflammation of the urinary tract. No clinical trials have specifically assessed its efficacy for incontinence, and there is no robust pharmacological basis for expecting marshmallow to improve bladder control. Therefore, while some traditional use exists in the context of urinary irritation, the evidence is weak and not directly relevant to the treatment of incontinence itself.

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