Marshmallow Syrup: A Gentle Touch for Your Throat’s Comfort

Cough: Dry cough¹

A dry cough is a cough where no phlegm or mucus is produced (also known as non-productive). A condition such as dry cough is very irritating and can be associated with a tickly throat. The causes of dry coughs can often be casual viral illnesses such as flu and colds, but sometimes they can be caused by allergies or the irritant’s throat. Specific treatments for the dry cough will depend on the cause of the cough.

How long does a cough normally last?²

Coughs that are associated with a cold or flu tend to last for a week or 2 weeks and are mostly cleared up within about 3 weeks. A post-viral cough may persist for several weeks (to about 8 weeks) after a viral illness; some can persist for longer.

In adults and children, a cough is described as acute (short-term) if one has been coughing for up to 2 weeks.

In adults, a cough that lasts for more than 8 weeks can be described as a chronic (ongoing) persistent cough.

In children, a cough that   lasts 2 to 4 weeks is called a prolonged acute cough. A cough that lasts more than 4 weeks is considered to be a chronic cough.

Natural Remedies³

Extracts from the roots, flowers and leaves of the plant have various health benefits and are used to treat various ailments, such as cough, ulcers, sore throat.

Marshmallow extract- Althea officinalis is one of the most natural key ingredients used in cough syrup. The root contains high quantities of a gelatinous substance, mucilage, that can soothe the inflammation. The plant contains several components that have significant biological activity. It could be considered as one of the best nutraceutical products offered for dry and irritant coughs.

BLM- Phytoheal

A natural, plant-based remedy for dry cough that contains marshmallow root. Marshmallow does not just alleviate the symptoms but has an anti-inflammatory and wound healing effect on the throat. The key content, i.e. mucilage   forms a protective layer on the throat. It also helps to shorten the duration of the illness in dry cough.

Composition: 

Each 10 ml Syrup Contains:

Althaea officinalis……. 54.6mg

Dosage form: 

Syrup

Recommended dosage: 

10 ml thrice a day

Clinical data:⁴ 

• Study: A double-blind randomized placebo controlled trial.
• Objective: Changes in the symptoms of cough after treatment with a combined herbal preparation containing marshmallow root as a main active ingredient.
• Subjects: 62 patients with a mean age of 50 years (range 16-89).
• Observed for changes in symptom scores for cough and expectoration.
• Safety was evaluated by means of an analysis of adverse events, and efficacy and tolerability were analysed.
• Results: All the symptom scores showed improvement as compared to baseline.
• Efficacy was assessed as good or very good in 86% and 90% of the cases, and tolerability was assessed as good or very good by 97% of the patients.

Product features:⁵

• Natural source
• Immediate relief in cough
• Non-drowsy
• Safe in children and adults
• Anti-inflammatory and healing action

Reference: 

1. Spanevello A, Beghé B, Visca D, Fabbri LM, Papi A. Chronic cough in adults. Eur J Intern Med. 2020 Aug;78:8-16. doi: 10.1016/j.ejim.2020.03.018. Epub 2020 May 17. PMID: 32434660.
2. https://www.clinicaladvisor.com/home/features/alternative-meds-update/soothing-coughs-and-sore-throats-with-marshmallow/
3. Mahboubi M. Marsh Mallow (Althaea officinalis L.) and Its Potency in the Treatment of Cough. Complement Med Res. 2020;27(3):174-183. English. doi: 10.1159/000503747. Epub 2019 Nov 26. PMID: 31770755.
4. Büechi S, Vögelin R, von Eiff MM, Ramos M, Melzer J. Open trial to assess aspects of safety and efficacy of a combined herbal cough syrup with ivy and thyme. Complementary Medicine Research. 2005 Dec 22;12(6):328-32.
5. https://www.hackneyherbal.com/blog/2016/12/28/soothing-ourself-with-marshmallow