The question of whether marshmallows can alleviate a cough has circulated widely as a home remedy. This common query reflects a blend of traditional knowledge and modern-day misconceptions surrounding the sweet treat. Understanding the origins of this belief and the composition of current marshmallows helps clarify their role in cough relief.
The Marshmallow Plant’s Historical Use for Coughs
The historical basis for using “marshmallow” to soothe coughs stems from the Althaea officinalis plant. This plant, native to parts of Europe, North Africa, and Asia, has a long history in traditional medicine, dating back to ancient Egyptian times around 2000 BCE. Its roots and leaves were traditionally used to treat sore throats and coughs.
The plant contains a thick, gel-like substance called mucilage, which is responsible for its soothing properties. When mixed with water, this mucilage creates a protective film that coats irritated mucous membranes in the throat. This coating helps to reduce inflammation and irritation that can trigger coughing. Studies suggest that marshmallow root extract can significantly reduce throat irritation and coughing. The World Health Organization recognizes marshmallow root as a demulcent, a substance that soothes irritated internal surfaces.
Modern Marshmallows: What’s the Difference?
Modern confectionery marshmallows are significantly different from the historical marshmallow plant. The candies available today are primarily made from a combination of sugar, corn syrup, water, and gelatin. Gelatin, a protein derived from animal collagen, is whipped with these ingredients and air to achieve their characteristic light texture. Crucially, modern marshmallows do not contain any extract from the Althaea officinalis plant. The mallow root sap was replaced by gelatin in the late 1800s to streamline production, meaning the medicinal properties of the plant’s mucilage are absent in commercially produced marshmallows.
The Soothing Effect of Modern Marshmallows
While modern marshmallows lack plant-derived medicinal components, they may offer a minor, temporary soothing effect for a cough. This perceived relief comes from their physical properties. The sticky, sugary, and gelatinous consistency of a marshmallow can provide a temporary coating on the irritated throat. This physical barrier might offer momentary comfort, similar to a hard candy or a cough drop.
However, this effect is purely symptomatic and does not address the underlying cause of the cough. Any relief experienced from eating modern marshmallows is temporary and does not constitute a treatment for the cough itself.
Simple Home Remedies for Cough Relief
Beyond marshmallows, several simple home remedies can effectively soothe a cough. Honey, for instance, is a widely recognized remedy that can coat the throat and reduce irritation. It has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, and studies suggest it can be as effective as some cough suppressants for reducing nighttime coughing.
Warm liquids like tea or broth also provide a soothing effect by hydrating the throat and thinning mucus. Using a humidifier adds moisture to the air, which thins mucus and soothes irritated airways. Gargling with warm salt water is another effective method, as it can soothe throat irritation, help kill bacteria, and clear mucus.