Most of the at-home remedies for sore throats are horrible. Gargling with salt water and eating honey are just two treatments that have been tried and failed. And if you’ve ever read any lifestyle blogs, you know that marshmallows are a common home remedy for sore throats. Indeed, these are the essentials for preparing s’mores, which become irresistible when doused in melted chocolate and roasted over an open fire.
What Do Marshmallows contain?
In a nutshell, marshmallows are made from sugar, corn syrup, gelatin, and air. The last word has been spoken. Making marshmallows involves first foaming a liquid sugar mixture with air and then stabilizing the froth with gelatin.
It’s safe to argue that gelatin is the essential ingredient in marshmallows since it acts as a type of scaffolding for the sugar and flavoring and gives marshmallows their trademark stretched, gooey texture. Gelatin is made from collagen, the main connective tissue protein in animals. Don’t get confused over the marshmallow ingredients and look at our blogs which cover if marshmallow contain dairy or are they dairy-free.
Collagen can best be described as a triple helix. One helix is inside another helix. Dissolving the gelatin in hot water is the first step in making marshmallows. Because heat partially unravels the helices in proteins, these strands tend to spread out in the water. The gelatin molecule’s connection zones rewind together in threes to form the helix of helices when the water begins to cool. Despite the gelatin’s best efforts, some stubbornly refuse to regain their original coil shape. Gelatin is commonly used in airy confections like marshmallows due to its elasticity, resulting from a balance between gelatin’s flexible and firm structural components.
Are Marshmallows Effective for Sore Throat? Maybe Yes! But.....
Don’t confuse marshmallow root, used for centuries in traditional medicine, with today’s confections.
Store-bought marshmallows, like those used in hot chocolate and s’mores, are made primarily of sugar, water, and gelatin and are whipped into a fluffy consistency. There is no evidence that any of these ingredients alleviate throat pain.
However, marshmallow root is a plant that has been shown to alleviate sore throat symptoms. Althea officinalis L. is the Latin synonym for “marshmallow root.” It thrives in the temperate regions of Europe, Asia, and elsewhere. It has a long history of therapeutic usage.
There was a time when marshmallows contain marshmallow root, but not anymore.
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How Do Marshmallows Work for Sore Throat?
Put some marshmallows in the fridge for a couple of hours if you have a sore throat. Grab a handful of marshmallows once they’ve cooled down. This should do the trick if you’re suffering from a sore throat.
Marshmallows can only be effective with the use of gelatine. Thanks to the gelatin that gives marshmallows their fluffy texture, they can ease the discomfort of a sore tonsil and throat lining.
Gelatine is a protein-rich substance with a unique profile of amino acids. Because of its coating effect, it soothes the throat and prevents inflammation.
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Marshmallow root for sore throat
Marshmallow root is most well-known for relieving coughs and sore throats; it is frequently included in all-natural remedies like cough syrup and lozenges. But does it function? According to certain animal studies and human experiments, the answer might be yes.
Researchers in Germany, where marshmallow has a long history of therapeutic usage, examined the efficacy of marshmallow root extract lozenges and syrup in treating dry coughing. They discovered that both approaches alleviated the cough and sore throat and did so rapidly (in most cases, within 10 minutes).
These results are supported by a recent review study that aimed to summarize the findings of numerous studies on the efficacy of marshmallows for cough. Marshmallow was effective as a cough suppressant and expectorant when used alone or in conjunction with other herbal treatments like ginger. The authors suggest that marshmallow root might help treat respiratory problems, including coughing and sore throats.
Further, marshmallow root may help soothe a child’s cough. Two studies suggest that marshmallow root-containing herbal combinations can lessen instances of coughing, waking up at night, and catching a cold.
- Drink icy liquids.
The first few sips might be unpleasant for temporary relief from the pain and irritation in your throat. The effect is analogous to how icing an injured ankle reduces pain and swelling.
- Try ice pop
Sucking on ice water for relief from a sore throat might become old fast; a popsicle can do the trick just as well. Remember that citrus flavors are linked to acid reflux and can worsen your illness.
- Take an antacid
Using drugs for acid reflux, including antacids, to ease the agony of a sore throat. You can try an over-the-counter antacid like Tums or Mylanta as the first line of defense.
- Let’s drink some herbal teas.
Eat more of the trendy new spice turmeric. For a sore throat because of its anti-inflammatory characteristics. Still, more research is needed to substantiate some of its benefits, such as its capacity to prevent cancer or brain disorders. Some individuals use it in a saltwater gargle, while others prefer to add a dash to their tea.
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Takeaway
Calling a doctor for a sore throat is only necessary for severe circumstances. This usually indicates other symptoms, including fever, rash, and sore throat.
You can get better without going to the doctor if you only try some home cures.
Get plenty of sleep and drink plenty of water to feel your best. You should contact a doctor if your sore throat doesn’t improve with over-the-counter or home treatments or if it worsens.
FAQ
Does marshmallow help with a sore throat?
While a store-bought marshmallow probably won’t help your sore throat, you can find remedies that use marshmallow root. Teas, supplements, and lozenges made from marshmallow root are famous for their ability to coat the throat and relieve pain.
Does eating marshmallows help a cough?
Marshmallow root has the potential to provide rapid relief for people with breathing problems. This is because marshmallow root promotes the development of a protective coating in the oral cavity and pharynx, reducing inflammation and irritation. Marshmallow root is effective in treating both wet and dry coughs.
Can you eat marshmallows when sick?
A 2019 study using marshmallow root found rapid relief from respiratory symptoms.
What does eating marshmallows help with?
Marshmallow is frequently applied topically and internally as a protective barrier. Its antibacterial and antitussive properties may come from its chemical composition. The flower and leaf of the plant known as Malva sylvestris (mallow) are frequently misidentified as marshmallows.
Dr. Susan Francis is a passionate medical professional with over 4.5 years of experience in the field. She received her medical degree from the University of Michigan and completed her residency at the Mayo Clinic.
In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Francis has a strong interest in medical writing and editing. She has edited numerous articles for medical journals and is a regular contributor to several healthcare publications.
Dr. Francis is committed to promoting accurate and accessible medical information to the public. In her free time, she enjoys staying up to date on the latest medical research and volunteering at local healthcare clinics.
