Yahoo Lifestyle The Unexpected Cough Remedy That Starts Working Almost Immediately
Dealing with a constant cough can be downright miserable—especially if it’s at night when you’re trying to sleep. Even after all your other symptoms from an illness go away, a lingering cough can stick around for weeks.
While your first instinct may be to load up on cough drops or cough medicine, there’s one unexpected remedy you might want to try first. It only consists of one plant, marshmallow root; no artificial ingredients or anything else whatsoever. Never heard of marshmallow root? Keep reading to learn more about it, including how to use it as a holistic cough remedy.
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What Is Marshmallow Root and How Can It Help Ease Coughing?
Marshmallow root isn’t the fluffy topping you put on hot chocolate; it’s a plant that’s been used medicinally for more than 2,000 years. "Marshmallow root has been used for centuries to soothe sore throats and ease coughing, and modern research backs up its benefits," says Dr. Pamela Tambini, MD, a physician and the medical director at Engage Wellness.
Naturopathic doctor Dr. Melanie Keller, ND, explains that marshmallow root is a plant that contains mucilage, a gel-like substance that coats and soothes irritated mucous membranes.
Dr. Keller explains that there are a few reasons why marshmallow root is an effective cough remedy. First is that the gel-like mucilage helps reduce throat irritation and suppress cough reflex sensitivity. Additionally, Dr. Keller says that marshmallow root has mild anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which may further support respiratory health.
Dr. Neha Bhatt, NMD, a naturopathic medical doctor at Sonoran University of Health Sciences Medical Center, adds that marshmallow root enhances the production of mucus, which helps lubricate dry tissues. Like Dr. Keller, she says that it also has mild anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce throat swelling and discomfort, which in turn can lead to less coughing.
Marshmallow root's medicinal properties mean it can be used for more than just a cough remedy. "Because of its ability to moisturize and protect, it’s often used as a natural remedy for bronchitis, colds and even mild respiratory infections," Dr. Tambini says.
Related: Is It Normal to Have a Cough for Over 30 Days?
How to Use Marshmallow Root as a Cough Remedy
Purchase from a reputable brand.
All three experts say that the best way to use marshmallow root to alleviate coughing is to consume it as a tea. Marshmallow root can easily be found on Amazon from brands including Organic Way, Zhivana Organics and FullChea. These herbal teas are caffeine-free, so you can consume it any time of day without worrying about how it will impact your sleep (except for needing to get up to pee!).
Brew it as tea.
Dr. Bhatt says to prepare the tea by brewing one cup of hot water and placing a teabag of one tablespoon of dried marshmallow root in the water, allowing it to steep for 10 to 15 minutes. “Alternatively, marshmallow root lozenges or syrups can be useful for on-the-go relief, especially if you prefer not to prepare tea. Some people also opt for tinctures, though these may not provide as much mucilage as tea infusions,” Dr. Bhatt says.
Related: The One Type of Cough You Should Never, Ever Ignore
Have it iced or hot.
You can also consume marshmallow root tea as an iced drink; it doesn’t have to be hot, Dr. Keller says. “A cold infusion preserves the mucilage content, enhancing its soothing effects,” she says. To make a cold marshmallow root tea, Dr. Keller says to steep one to two tablespoons of dried marshmallow root in cold water for several hours or overnight, then strain and sip throughout the day.
Drink two to three cups a day.
Whether you prefer your marshmallow root tea hot or iced, Dr. Tambini recommends drinking two to three cups a day to use it as a cough remedy. How quickly can you expect it to work? All three experts say it takes about 30 minutes. “However, consistent use over several days may provide the best results, especially if the cough is due to ongoing irritation or dryness,” Dr. Bhatt adds.
Related: 20 Foods That Can Help With a Sore Throat
When to See a Doctor
Side effects are rare, but Dr. Bhatt says that some people may experience mild digestive discomfort, such as bloating or nausea. If marshmallow root isn’t alleviating your cough and you’re still dealing with it after two weeks, Dr. Bhatt says that that’s when it’s time to see your healthcare provider. If your cough is accompanied by a fever or produces thick, colored mucus, that’s another time she says to see a doc.
While all three experts say that marshmallow root is typically well-tolerated, Dr. Bhatt recommends checking with your healthcare provider before trying it, especially if you have any underlying health conditions, are pregnant, breastfeeding or taking any medications. “Those with diabetes or on medication should consult their healthcare provider because the mucilage may slow absorption of certain drugs,” Dr. Keller adds.
Also, know the best way to protect yourself from many respiratory illnesses like COVID-19 and flu, which can cause linger coughs is—you guessed it—vaccines.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for an herbal way to ease your coughing, marshmallow root just might become your new secret weapon. A cough-free night of sleep may just be a cup of tea away.
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Sources
"Marshmallow." Mount Sinai.
"Anti-inflammatory and Anti-oxidative Effects of Phytohustil® and Root Extract of Althaea officinalis L. on Macrophages in vitro." Frontiers in Pharmacology.
"Marshmallow Root Extract for the Treatment of Irritative Cough: Two Surveys on Users' View on Effectiveness and Tolerability." Complementary Medicine Research.
