Herbs & Supplements

Althea Scientific Name: Marshmallow Other Names: Althaea officinalis, Mallards, Sweet Weed, Wymote What interactions should I watch for? When mixed with water or other fluids, marshmallow forms a sticky, slippery gel. In theory, taking marshmallow by mouth could block the absorption of other drugs that are taken at the same time. Individuals who take marshmallow should not take any other drugs, including vitamins and herbal supplements, for at least 2 hours. Some interactions between herbal products and medications can be more severe than others. The best way for you to avoid harmful interactions is to tell your doctor and/or pharmacist what medications you are currently taking, including any over-the-counter products, vitamins, and herbals. For specific information on how marshmallow interacts with drugs, other herbals, and foods and the severity of those interactions, please use our Drug Interactions Checker to check for possible interactions. << Back Should I take it? >>

Note: The above information is not intended to replace the advice of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It is not meant to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you.

In general, herbal products are not subject to review or approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They are not required to be standardized, meaning that the amounts of active ingredients or contaminants they contain may vary between brands or between different batches of the same brand. Not all of the risks, side effects, or interactions associated with the use of herbal products are known because few reliable studies of their use in humans have been done.

This information is provided for your education only. Please share this information with your healthcare provider and be sure that you talk to your doctor and pharmacist about all the prescription and non-prescription medicines you take before you begin to use any herbal product.