Soothing and lubricating internal tissues, soothing skin, antimicrobial, lowering blood sugar, immunostimulant

Tea, low-alcohol tinctures, fresh or dried chopped root

Marshmallow is very useful in situations where the skin or internal mucous membranes have become irritated, as well as urinary tract infections and digestive disorders. It can also help sooth upper respiratory irritation secondary to dry cough.

Topically, marshmallow can provide relief for insect bites and stings, abscesses, or inflammation caused by injury or infection.

For internal use, make a tea or tincture. Make sure that the tincture does not contain more than 20% alcohol. Glycerin tinctures are preferred. For a glycerin tincture, give 1/4 teaspoon per 20 pounds of animal’s body weight, 3 times a day or as needed. To make a tea, steep a teaspoon of the dried chopped root in 8 ounces of hot water. Cool until lukewarm. Start at a dose of 1 teaspoon per day for dogs, 1/2 teaspoon for cats.

For treating colitis, use dried or fresh root so that the herb can reach the deep digestive system.

For lower gastrointestinal problems or relieving constipation, give dried powdered root at a dose of 1/2 teaspoon for each pound of food fed (1/4 teaspoon for cats).

• Use with caution in hypoglycemic animals.
• May prevent the intestinal absorption of some drugs.

Wulff-Tilford, Mary, and Gregory L. Tilford. All You Ever Wanted to Know About Herbs for Pets. Irvine, CA: BowTie, 1999. Print.

Back to Herbs and Supplements