Marshmallow / Althaea officinalis

The Basics

What is Marshmallow / Althaea officinalis?

Topical marshmallow preparations have been advocated for treating sore, cracked nipples and breast pain. Orally, marshmallow is a purported galactogogue, and is included in some proprietary mixtures promoted to increase milk supply; however, no scientifically valid clinical trials support this use.

Brand names for Marshmallow / Althaea officinalis

Na

How Marshmallow / Althaea officinalis is classified

Complementary Therapies, Phytotherapy, Plants, Medicinal

Marshmallow / Althaea officinalis During Pregnancy

Marshmallow / Althaea officinalis pregnancy category

Category N/ANote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.

What we know about taking Marshmallow / Althaea officinalis while pregnant

N/A

Taking Marshmallow / Althaea officinalis While Breastfeeding

What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Marshmallow / Althaea officinalis?

Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) root contains polysaccharide mucilage composed L-rhamnose, D-galactose, D-galacturonic acid, and D-glucuronic acid. Topical marshmallow preparations have been advocated for treating sore, cracked nipples[1] and breast pain.[2] Orally, marshmallow is a purported galactogogue,[3] and is included in some proprietary mixtures promoted to increase milk supply; however, no scientifically valid clinical trials support this use. Galactogogues should never replace evaluation and counseling on modifiable factors that affect milk production.[4] No data exist on the excretion of any components of marshmallow into breastmilk or on the safety and efficacy of marshmallow in nursing mothers or infants. Marshmallow is generally well tolerated in adults, with allergic reactions reported rarely. Marshmallow is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) in amounts found in foods by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Although no data exist on the safety of marshmallow root during breastfeeding, it is unlikely to be harmful to the breastfed infant. Dietary supplements do not require extensive pre-marketing approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Manufacturers are responsible to ensure the safety, but do not need to prove the safety and effectiveness of dietary supplements before they are marketed. Dietary supplements may contain multiple ingredients, and differences are often found between labeled and actual ingredients or their amounts. A manufacturer may contract with an independent organization to verify the quality of a product or its ingredients, but that does not certify the safety or effectiveness of a product. Because of the above issues, clinical testing results on one product may not be applicable to other products.

Maternal / infant drug levels

Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) root contains polysaccharide mucilage composed L-rhamnose, D-galactose, D-galacturonic acid, and D-glucuronic acid. Topical marshmallow preparations have been advocated for treating sore, cracked nipples[1] and breast pain.[2] Orally, marshmallow is a purported galactogogue,[3] and is included in some proprietary mixtures promoted to increase milk supply; however, no scientifically valid clinical trials support this use. Galactogogues should never replace evaluation and counseling on modifiable factors that affect milk production.[4] No data exist on the excretion of any components of marshmallow into breastmilk or on the safety and efficacy of marshmallow in nursing mothers or infants. Marshmallow is generally well tolerated in adults, with allergic reactions reported rarely. Marshmallow is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) in amounts found in foods by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Although no data exist on the safety of marshmallow root during breastfeeding, it is unlikely to be harmful to the breastfed infant. Dietary supplements do not require extensive pre-marketing approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Manufacturers are responsible to ensure the safety, but do not need to prove the safety and effectiveness of dietary supplements before they are marketed. Dietary supplements may contain multiple ingredients, and differences are often found between labeled and actual ingredients or their amounts. A manufacturer may contract with an independent organization to verify the quality of a product or its ingredients, but that does not certify the safety or effectiveness of a product. Because of the above issues, clinical testing results on one product may not be applicable to other products.

Possible effects of Marshmallow / Althaea officinalis on milk supply

Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Possible alternatives to Marshmallow / Althaea officinalis

None listed