It may help with digestion. Marshmallow root may also be used to treat a variety of digestive issues, such as constipation, heartburn, and intestinal colic. It can be taken in supplement form or as a tea made from the plant's leaves. Marshmallow root is found in many grocery stores. It usually grows in moist soil in full sunlight. When you buy it, make sure you get the real thing-not ginger! The roots of ginger look like marshmallow roots but are not toxic. People have used marshmallow root for thousands of years. It has been mentioned in ancient Chinese texts and was popular among Europeans before the advent of pharmaceutical drugs. Today, it is still used in some countries as a food flavoring and preservative. There are several species of marshmallow plants. They are all poisonous if eaten raw or unprocessed. The most common one in North America is Aloe vera, which is neither edible nor medicinal. Another species, Rumex acetosa, is found in Europe and Asia and contains irritants that can cause skin burns if touched or ingested. Raw marshmallow root can be toxic to dogs due to its high mucilage content. The seeds contain acetic acid, phosphates, and potassium nitrate.