Last month, you wrote about herbal teas, specifically marshmallow root. You shocked me when you said this herb is “soothing to the mouth, esophagus and digestive tract; great for people with heartburn.”  Suzy, I’ve been hurting for years and no one has ever mentioned marshmallow root. Please tell me how to make this tea. --J.G., Gainesville, Florida

Answer: I created a youtube video to teach people how to make it. There are millions who could benefit from this inexpensive, amazing concoction made of water and a plant root called marshmallow. I’m not referring to the fluffy white confectionary sort, I mean the ancient herb  known by herbalists as Althea officinalis. It’s sold at herbal apothecaries, online herb shops, and some health food stores.

If you have a dry, hacking cough, sore throat, mouth or tongue sores, bronchitis, reflux (GERD), heartburn, peptic ulcers, hiatal hernia, Crohn’s, Celiac, irritable bowel, indigestion, diarrhea, H. pylori infection, then my remedy can help you. The magic happens because marshmallow root contains a lot of mucilage, a gooey gelatinous substance that some plants naturally produce. It acts as a demulcent, so a soothing film coats the irritated mucus membranes, thus reducing pain and inflammation quickly. This is the primary mechanism of action, although marshmallow root also adds moisture, reduces inflammation and acts as a mild diuretic. That reminds me, if you deal with cystitis, kidney, bladder or urinary tract infections, marshmallow will soon become your best friend. My video shows you how to make a cold marshmallow root infusion. I’ll summarize it here, but if it isn’t clear, please watch my video or sign up for my free newsletter at www.DearPharmacist.com and I’ll email the video link and copies of my article.

The tea keeps for three days in the fridge. If you have belly problems, try drinking smaller doses four times a day.  Consider adding other gut soothing herbs like dried ginger root or fresh peppermint leaves. Separate administration a few hours away from your medication or it will lessen the drug’s effect.