Marshmallow root extract

Latin name(s): Althaea officinalis

Geography: Europe, North Africa, Western Asia

Benefits: Soothing, anti-aging

Modern categorisation: Botanical extract, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory

Although marshmallow confectionery was initially made from the root of the "marshmallow" plant, Althaea officinalis, we're not talking about this tasty sweet treat. 

On sensitive or irritated skin, marshmallow root uniquely forms a smooth coating on top of the affected area, allowing for the healing process to proceed undisturbed. Topical application of water-soluble extracts of marshmallow root have produced significant anti-inflammatory effects on chronic and acute skin inflammation.

In fact, medical research on marshmallow root has been so successful that it has even been approved as an approved gastrointestinal herbal medication by the European Medicines Agency (2006).

Interested in reading more?

Akbar, S. 2020. "Althaea officinalis L. (Malvaceae)." In S. Akbar, Handbook of 200 Medicinal Plants. Springer Nature: Cham, 235–241.