Originally published Sept 12, 2013

5 out of 5 leaves

 Marshmallows are confectionery treats that trace their roots back to ancient Egypt.  The Egyptians, and other Africans used the root of the marshmallow plant as a sore throat remedy, and to treat other maladies.  Today’s modern marshmallows no longer contain any marshmallow root (not even the homemade, all natural ones like these), and are made mainly of sugar, gelatin and water.  Even so, some still claim that marshmallows can soothe a sore throat.  Can marshmallows really soothe a raw and painful throat, even though they have no medicinal qualities left to them?

The Good

• Better for you – better than drugs and syrups of dubious ingredients, anyway
• No known side effects – marshmallows are just sugar, water and gelatin – no real nutritional value, but nothing there to hurt you
• Easy – if going with store-bought, the only thing between you and relief is opening the bag
• Saves money – basic marshmallows are super cheap
• All natural – if you make your own at home

The Bad

• It’s hard to convince the kids that “this is mama’s medicine”, and they don’t need any

My Experience

Yummy Marshmallows (hint: you don’t HAVE to have a sore throat to enjoy!)

Last year, I found myself with a summer cold.  I started fighting it with my Neti Pot as soon as I felt the first sinus tickle and managed to avoid most of the congestion.  Unfortunately, I still got the post nasal drip which made my throat raw and angry and very painful.  One evening my throat was so sore that I could barely talk or swallow.  I had been saving an all natural hot beverage sore throat remedy for just such an occasion, but it was a hot summer night.  In the sweaty stuffiness of our un-air conditioned house, I couldn’t stand the thought of a hot beverage, even to soothe my fiery throat.  I started searching Pinterest to see if there was anything else that might help.

I was shocked to find that several pinners suggested eating marshmallows to soothe a sore throat!  I had never heard of such a thing!  Honestly, it didn’t make any sense to me, and I really didn’t think it would work.  But it was way too warm for a hot beverage that night, and I figured I had nothing to lose.  So I sent my wonderful husband off to the store for a late night marshmallow run (note: late night food requests from a sick and also pregnant woman should always be honored!).  I also had him pick up the ingredients to make the hot throat soothing beverage.  I planned to make it in the morning, as I didn’t believe the marshmallows would have any real effect.

I took a small bowl of big marshmallows into bed with me and tucked in for a little sick time.  I noticed that the first marshmallow was easy to swallow – for once something didn’t hurt my throat on the way down.  “This might work”, I said to my husband.  “You’re crazy”, was his reply.  After eating the second marshmallow I noticed that it didn’t hurt to swallow even my saliva.  Also talking no longer hurt.  My voice was still super hoarse, but it didn’t hurt any more!  I popped a third, and then even coughing was painless again.  OMG!!  The marshmallows WORKED!!

So, friends, it turns out that marshmallows are a great natural sore throat remedy!  I’m not sure what it is in them that does the trick, (the gelatin, perhaps?) but they soothed my throat almost instantly!  The pain was gone and my throat did not bother me at all even through the night.  This will definitely be my go-to trick the next time the kids have a scratchy throat.  So simple, and easy – this one gets five leaves for sure!

Have you ever tried marshmallows for a sore throat?  What’s your favorite remedy for a scratchy, raw throat?

PS – You know I’m not a doctor, right? This information is based on my experience only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any medical condition. Your experience may vary. Please remember to speak with your healthcare professional about any medical concerns you have, and follow their recommended course of treatment. You can read additional fine print details here.