There are so many wonderful health benefits of marshmallow root for dogs and cats, but first, what is it, exactly? 

When you hear the word 'marshmallow' you probably think of the soft spongy sweet used in hot chocolate and desserts. It's not that! Marshmallow root is a natural herbal medicine that has been used for centuries. It comes from the Althaea officinalis plant that grows in Europe, Asia and north America. 

Try PetWell DIGEST Digestion Relief supplement, it contains marshmallow root and other ingredients that support gut health and work to keep your PetWell.

Marshmallow root benefits?

Marshmallow root can contain up to 35% of a substance called mucilage. It’s the mucilage that makes it such a powerful herb for soothing and protecting irritated and inflamed tissue. Therefore it's useful for treating internal mucous membranes, including the gut lining.

Traditionally used to ease respiratory concerns and healing wounds. Other benefits of marshmallow root include killing bacteria and stimulating the immune system.

It can also be used safely for pets for many other disorders, especially digestive issues. In additions, it provides calcium, iron, pantothenic acid, sodium, and vitamins A and B-complex.

5 standout benefits of marshmallow root for your pets:

1. It's versatile

• Anti-inflammatory – reduces inflammation
• Diuretic - increases the flow of urine
• Antimicrobial – removes and reduces bacteria growth, viruses and fungi
• Expectorant - helps remove mucus from the respiratory tract
• Hypoglycemic - lowers blood sugar
• Immunostimulant – boosts the immune system 

2. Inflammatory Bowel Disease in dogs (IBD)

Marshmallow root helps ease IBD. An autoimmune disorder where your dog’s immune cells attack their digestive tract. This leads to chronic inflammation. Therefore preventing your dog from absorbing nutrients and, making it difficult to digest food. 

Some symptoms of IBD include:

• Vomiting
• Mucus or blood in the stool
• Constant flatulence
• Diarrhea
• Weight loss
• Irregular bowel movements
• Gastric distention

Marshmallow root has been shown to reduce inflammation in the gut for dogs with IBD, help ease symptoms and promote healing.

3. Leaky gut

Leaky gut in dogs is a common issue.  The lining of your dog's intestines has microscopic holes, millions of them. The function of the holes is to allow digested nutrients to enter their body. Some things such as bad diet or stress and anxiety can cause the holes to open and grow, this is referred to as leaky gut.  

Leaky gut means toxins and undigested food can pass through the gut wall causing inflammation. That can result in various diseases such as autoimmune disorders, heart disease and arthritis to name a few.  

The mucilage in marshmallow root coats the irritated gut lining and soothes and reduces inflammation. It also stimulates the cells that make up the gut lining to support tissue regeneration.

4. Respiratory problems

Study shows marshmallow root has antitussive and analgesic properties that help prevent coughing, relieve pain and provide support to dogs with respiratory problems. The mucilage soothes the respiratory tract and reduces inflammation. In addition, marshmallow root is antimicrobial which can help loosen mucus. 

All these properties make marshmallow root a great solution for dry coughs, kennel cough, bronchitis, angina and asthma.

5. Urinary tract infections

Marshmallow root can ease irritation and inflammation in the urinary tract much like the way it does in your dog's digestive tract. It also helps to protect the urinary tract lining from bacteria.

Marshmallow root also increases the acidity of urine. Research suggests this can prevent bacteria growth. 

The diuretic properties of marshmallow root makes it a perfect solution to flush out excess fluids. Aiding in cleansing the kidney and bladder to reduce bacteria, toxin and mineral build up. 

Not convinced? Want more benefits? 

The list goes on:

• Mild laxative that helps with intestinal issues
• Ease inflamed skin conditions 
• Helps ease nausea and vomiting
• Heals boils and abscesses
• Aids wound healing
• Helps ease joint issues
• Cell growth and repair 
• Used as an antispasmodic to help relax muscle spasms and tension
• Helps with the nervous system as it may be stimulating, sedating, or relaxing
• Soothes insect bites and stings
• Helps ease constipation
• Helps ease diarrhea
• Relieve heartburn
  
  

There are many ways you can include marshmallow root into your pet’s diet.  Marshmallow root is even more powerful when boosted with additional natural ingredients.  Therefore to get the optimum benefit we suggest you look at an all-natural supplement like PetWell’s DIGEST Digestion Relief.

Caution:

Marshmallow root can interfere with the absorption of some medications and can lower blood sugar in pets with diabetes. Check with your holistic Vet before use if your pet is on medication or has diabetes. 

The Science behind it

Don’t just take our word for it, here are some evidence-based studies for you to review.

Identification of medicinal plants of Urmia for treatment of gastrointestinal disorders
Aqueous extracts and polysaccharides from Marshmallow roots
Unani perspective of Khatmi (Althaea officinalis)
Medicinal plants used in treatment of inflammatory skin diseases
Improve wound healing better than antibiotics
Medicinal plants used in treatment of inflammatory skin diseases
Marshmallow root loosen mucus

Developed by a pet naturopath, PetWell have all-natural, Australian made supplements for your pets.  

DIGEST Digestion Relief contains marshmallow root as well as other all-natural ingredients that work to treat digestive issues and maintain a healthy digestive system.

Disclaimer: The entire contents of this email and website are not to be taken as medical advice. The team at Pet Squad Pty Ltd trading as PetWell encourages you to make your own pet healthcare decisions based on your research and in partnership with a qualified pet healthcare professional.