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

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine for soothing digestive complaints, including indigestion. The roots and leaves of the marshmallow plant contain mucilage, a gelatinous substance that is believed to coat the lining of the digestive tract, providing a protective barrier and alleviating irritation. Historically, marshmallow preparations were administered as teas, tinctures, or lozenges to calm gastric discomfort, heartburn, and mild inflammation of the mucosa. The use of marshmallow for indigestion is documented in traditional European and Middle Eastern medicine texts.

However, while traditional use is well-established, scientific evidence supporting its efficacy for indigestion is limited. Some laboratory and animal studies suggest marshmallow's mucilage content may help reduce irritation and inflammation in mucosal tissues, but high-quality clinical trials in humans are lacking. Most modern reviews cite traditional use and pharmacological plausibility (soothing, demulcent effects) rather than robust clinical data. Therefore, while marshmallow is widely used in herbal traditions for indigestion, its effectiveness has not been conclusively proven by contemporary scientific research.

More about Marshmallow
More about Indigestion

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alpha-galactosidase
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anemarrhena asphodeloides
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Asarum sieboldii
atractylodes
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bamboo
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cape aloe
capsicum
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cascara sagrada
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chen pi
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chloride
Chlorophytum
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citron
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