The claim: Marshmallows can treat sore throats
A viral memeencouragessocial media users to repurpose their leftover Peeps as a home sore throat remedy. For centuries, some have used marsh mallow plant root as an alternative way to treata sorethroat, however,marshmallows sold in stores do not have any medicinal qualities.
“Marshmallows exist because of sore throats. For centuries, juice from the marsh mallow plant has been used for pain relief,” it reads. “In the 1800s, it was mixed with egg whites and sugar for children with sore throats. The recipe was so tasty that people made it as a treat called ‘marshmallow.'”
“Keep Marshmallows on hand. Let it slowly melt in your mouth and it coats your throat,” a Facebook user captioned the meme in an April 4 post. “Believe it or not it really works!"
The post refers to marsh mallow plants, however, it includes a photo of rainbow marshmallow candies.
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USA TODAY contacted several accounts that posted the meme for comment. None responded.
Marsh mallow plant extracts have been used to treat for throat ailments
In a 2019 article, ThoughtCo. reported that ancient Egyptians first ate marsh mallow plant sap as honey candies. The plant, which is also called althaea officinalis, grew along salt marshes and on the banks of bodies of water.
By the 19th century, doctors began using extracts from the plant’s root to create a medicinal candy that children would eat to ease sore throats. Those candies were made with sap, egg whites and sugar.
Scientific support of marsh mallow treatments is lacking
Despite its historical use, scientificsupport of marsh mallow plant treatments is scarce. The Food and Drug Administration does not regulate itsince it is regarded as a form of alternative medicine.
A 2019 study in the National Library of Medicine concluded that marsh mallow plants “could be a good choice for cough, sore throat, and other respiratory ailments,” when used “in combination with other plant extracts.”
A 2020 study published in the Frontiers in Pharmacology journal found that marsh mallow plants effectively lined sore throats with a "protective film" and soothed irritation, which ultimately helped the respiratory system heal faster.
Providence Saint John’s Health Center otolaryngologist and laryngologist, Dr. Omid Mehdizadeh told Bustle in October that marsh mallow root may efficiently ease sore throats.
"Marshmallow root can soothe a sore throat by creating a protective coat on the surface of the mouth and throat," said Mehdizadeh.
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Since the remedy is not regulated by the FDA, Healthline encourages individualsto exercise care andconsult their doctors before trying marsh-mallow treatments.
Potentially beneficial plant extract is not in store-bought marshmallows
Regardless of its efficacy, the marsh mallow plant is no longer used in marshmallow recipes.
After the mid-1800s, marshmallow manufactures replaced the sap ingredient with corn syrup orsugar, gelatin, gum arabic and other flavorings.
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“Eventually, advanced manufacturing processes and improved texturing agents eliminated the need for the gooey root juice altogether. Unfortunately, that eliminated the confection's healing properties as a cough suppressant, immune system booster and wound healer,” ThoughtCo. reported,quotingthe book “Viable Herbal Solutions.”
Over time, manufacturers have developed new processes for creating and shaping the widely produced treats.
Mehdizadeh said that modern marshmallow confectioneries will not medicate sore throats.
“Unfortunately, store-bought marshmallows do not soothe a sore throat," he said.
Our rating: Missing context
Marsh mallow plant extract once used to make marshmallow confectioneries has served as an alternative medicine for sore throats for centuries. However, marsh mallow extract is no longer used in store-bought marshmallow recipes. We rate the claim that marshmallows can treat a sore throat MISSING CONTEXT because it is misleading.
Our fact-check rating:
- ThoughtCo., Feb. 13, 2019, "The History of Marshmallows"
- Food and Drug Administration, accessed April 4, "ALTHAEA OFFICINALIS ROOT"
- National Library of Medicine, Mohaddese Mahboubi, Nov. 26, 2019, "Marsh Mallow (Althaea officinalis L.) and Its Potency in the Treatment of Cough"
- Frontiers in Pharmacology, Ethnopharmacology, March 17. 2020, "Anti-inflammatory and Anti-oxidative Effects of Phytohustil® and Root Extract of Althaea officinalis L. on Macrophages in vitro"
- Bustle, Oct. 2, 2020, "Wait — Can Marshmallows Actually Help A Sore Throat?"
- Healthline, accessed April 5, "Can Marshmallows Soothe a Sore Throat? The Facts"
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As an enthusiast with a deep understanding of botanical remedies and alternative medicine, I can confidently affirm the historical use of marsh mallow plant extract as a treatment for sore throats. The claim that marshmallows can treat sore throats is grounded in the historical practice of using the juice from the marsh mallow plant for pain relief. This knowledge is not only anecdotal but also supported by ancient Egyptian practices, as reported by ThoughtCo. in 2019. The plant, scientifically known as althaea officinalis, was consumed as honey candies, and by the 19th century, its root extracts were used to create medicinal candies aimed at alleviating sore throats.
Scientific studies, while not abundant, do provide some support for the use of marsh mallow plants in treating respiratory ailments. The 2019 study mentioned in the National Library of Medicine suggests that marsh mallow plants could be a good choice for cough, sore throat, and other respiratory issues when combined with other plant extracts. Additionally, a 2020 study published in the Frontiers in Pharmacology journal found that marsh mallow plants effectively created a "protective film" that lined sore throats and soothed irritation, aiding in the healing of the respiratory system.
The article rightly notes the lack of regulation by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on marsh mallow plant treatments, classifying it as a form of alternative medicine. This emphasizes the importance of exercising caution and consulting with healthcare professionals before attempting marsh-mallow treatments, as recommended by Healthline.
However, it's crucial to highlight that the effectiveness of marshmallow treatments for sore throats may vary, and scientific support is not extensive. The article rightfully points out that the marsh mallow plant is no longer used in store-bought marshmallow recipes. Modern marshmallow confectioneries, which replaced the plant extract with ingredients like corn syrup, sugar, gelatin, and flavorings after the mid-1800s, do not retain the medicinal properties attributed to the original marsh mallow plant extract.
In conclusion, the claim that marshmallows can treat sore throats is given a "Missing Context" rating, as it is based on historical practices and scientific studies related to marsh mallow plant extract, but the context of the shift in marshmallow recipes over time is essential to understanding why store-bought marshmallows no longer offer the same medicinal benefits.
