Marshmallow Root Tea
Marshmallow Root Tea for Sore Throats
This is where marshmallow root truly shines! The mucilage is incredibly soothing for inflamed throat tissue.
The key to extract maximum healing is through a cold Infusion.
Heat destroys some of the mucilage and beneficial compounds. Cold extraction gives you that thick, slippery coating that's so healing.
Recipe:
1 tablespoon dried marshmallow root
1 cup cold filtered water
Steep 4-8 hours (or overnight)
Strain and drink cold or gently warmed
Tips:
Don’t strain too much. You want the slime! That thick, sticky texture is exactly what you want coating your throat- to protect any irritated tissue.
Sip slowly. Let it coat your throat rather than gulping. Hold each sip in your mouth for a second before swallowing.
Drink on a somewhat empty stomach between meals or before bed, so the mucilage can really coat your throat without interference from food.
Multiple small doses: 1/4 to 1/2 cup every 2-3 hours works better than one big dose. (like most herbal remedies, consistency is often better)
Enhanced Sore Throat Blend:
You can add (after straining the marshmallow):
Raw honey (antimicrobial)
Fresh lemon juice (vitamin C, cuts mucus)
Fresh ginger (anti-inflammatory) - just a small piece grated
A pinch of cayenne (increases circulation, surprisingly soothing)
My favorite preparation for acute sore throat:
Make a strong overnight infusion (2 tablespoons root to 1 cup water)
Strain in the morning
Gently warm to comfortable drinking temperature (not hot!)
Add 1 teaspoon raw honey and a squeeze of lemon
Sip slowly, letting it coat your throat
Storage: Make a batch and keep refrigerated for up to 3 days. The mucilage stays stable when cold.
Bonus tip: You can also use the same root 2-3 times - just add fresh cold water and let it sit again. The second extraction will be lighter but still beneficial.
This is genuinely one of the most effective herbal remedies for sore throats. The mucilage creates a physical barrier that protects inflamed tissue while it heals.
And if you’re feeling up for it, make some beneficial marshmallows with some of that luxurious liquid!