The question of whether a soft, sugary marshmallow can soothe a cough is a common one that bridges the gap between historical herbal remedies and modern confectionery. The belief that a marshmallow can help with a cough traces its roots back thousands of years, but the answer depends entirely on which kind of marshmallow you are considering. While the original medicinal preparation provided genuine relief, the modern snack offers only a minor, temporary soothing effect due to its physical properties.
The Original Marshmallow Plant and Its Use
The original medicinal substance was derived from the root of the Marsh Mallow plant, Althaea officinalis, native to Europe and Western Asia. Ancient Egyptians and Greek physicians used its extracts to treat ailments like sore throats and coughs as far back as 2000 B.C. The plant’s genus name, Althaea, comes from the Greek word “althein,” meaning “to heal.”
The healing mechanism lies in the plant’s high concentration of mucilage, a thick, gelatinous polysaccharide substance found primarily in its roots. When consumed, this mucilage forms a protective, bioadhesive film that coats the irritated mucous membranes of the mouth and throat. This coating shields the tissues from irritants, thereby reducing the localized irritation that triggers the dry cough reflex. Modern extracts of the Althaea officinalis root are still used today in some cough syrups and lozenges for their antitussive and demulcent properties.
The Ingredients of Modern Marshmallows
In the 19th century, French confectioners simplified the labor-intensive process of extracting and whipping the Marsh Mallow root sap, eventually leading to the complete removal of the medicinal plant extract from the recipe. The modern, commercial marshmallow is a confectionery consisting primarily of sugar or corn syrup, gelatin, and air.
These ingredients give the candy its characteristic spongy texture but lack the therapeutic compounds of the original plant. Gelatin is used as a setting and aerating agent, while sweeteners provide flavor and bulk. The absence of Althaea officinalis means the modern candy contains none of the mucilage polysaccharides responsible for the historical medicinal effect. It is a calorie-dense treat, not an herbal remedy.
Why Modern Marshmallows Offer Temporary Relief
Despite lacking the active herbal ingredient, a modern marshmallow can provide temporary relief for a dry, irritated throat. This effect is purely physical and mechanical, stemming from the candy’s sticky, viscous consistency. As the marshmallow slowly dissolves, the sugar and gelatin create a thin, sugary coating that temporarily soothes the throat lining.
This demulcent action functions much like a hard candy or cough lozenge, which stimulates salivation and coats the pharynx. This brief physical barrier can momentarily dampen the nerve endings that sense irritation, thereby interrupting the cycle of throat scratching and coughing. However, this relief is fleeting and does not address any underlying respiratory inflammation or possess any expectorant properties to thin mucus.
Science-Backed Alternatives for Cough Relief
Individuals seeking evidence-based relief for a cough should turn to alternatives with demonstrated soothing effects. Honey, a recognized remedy, works similarly to the old marshmallow plant by physically coating the throat. Its viscosity has been shown to be more effective than a placebo in reducing nighttime coughing, especially in children over the age of one. The sweet taste may also suppress the cough reflex at a neurological level.
Maintaining hydration is effective, as drinking plenty of water and warm liquids helps thin mucus, making it easier to clear from the airways. Inhaling steam from a hot shower or humidifier also helps to moisturize the respiratory passages, calming the irritation that often triggers a cough.
For dry coughs, a warm saltwater gargle can moisten the throat and flush out irritants. If a cough persists for more than two weeks or is accompanied by severe symptoms, seeking medical attention is the appropriate course of action.