The scientific name for Marshmallow is Althaea officinalis.  Althaea comes from Greek that means “associated with healing.”  The root as well as the leaves contain mucilage– a mucus-like substance that does not dissolve in water.  It is the abundance of this mucilage that makes Marshmallow and excellent demulcent and emollient making it useful in inflammation and irritation of the entire GI tract, and of the urinary and respiratory organs.(1)  Because of Marshmallow’s “healing properties, it can soothe irritated mucus membranes especially in the GI tract and Lung.(2)

Its connection to weight loss is that the mucilage swells in the stomach and thus promotes a feeling of fullness.(3)  When coupled with the resistant starch in Eiro Pur, and the timing of consuming Eiro Pur 1/2 hour before your evening meal, satiety is created and therefore smaller portions are consumed during the evening meal.  Marshmallow’s soothing effect on the GI tract, and the feeling of fullness created by the mucilage is the reason it is part of the Eiro Pur formula.

References:

1.  Monographs on the medicinal uses of plant drugs.  Exeter, UK: European Scientific Co-op Phytother, 1997.

2.  Newall CA, Anderson LA, Philpson JD. Herbal Medicine: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals. London, UK: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996.

3.  Schultz V, Hansel R, Tyler VE. Rational Phytotherapy: A Physician’s Guide to Herbal Medicine.  Terry C. Telger, transl. 3rd ed. Berlin, GER: Springer, 1998.