ARROWROOT: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews (2024)

Overview

Arrowroot is a plant. People use the root and rhizome (underground stem) of arrowroot as a source of starch. It is also sometimes used to make medicine.

Arrowroot is used for a long-term disorder of the large intestines that causes stomach pain (irritable bowel syndrome or IBS), diarrhea, other stomach and intestinal disorders, painful gums, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support many of these uses.

Arrowroot is used in foods, such as cookies. It is also used as an ingredient in cooking. However, arrowroot is often replaced with cheaper starches, including potato, corn, wheat, or rice starch.

How does it work ?

There is some scientific evidence that arrowroot may help get rid of cholesterol in the body. There isn't enough information to know how it works for stomach and intestinal problems or for other uses.

There is some scientific evidence that arrowroot may help get rid of cholesterol in the body. There isn't enough information to know how it works for stomach and intestinal problems or for other uses.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

Insufficient Evidence for

  • A long-term disorder of the large intestines that causes stomach pain (irritable bowel syndrome or IBS). Early research suggests that taking powdered arrowroot with meals for one month reduces stomach pain and diarrhea in people with IBS.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Soothing mucous membranes, such as the mouth and gum linings.
  • Other conditions.

More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of arrowroot for these uses.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Arrowroot is LIKELY SAFE when the starch is used in foods. There isn't enough reliable information to know if it safe when used in the larger amounts found in medicine. It might cause constipation and stomach discomfort.

When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if arrowroot is safe or what the side effects might be.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Arrowroot is LIKELY SAFE when the starch is used in foods. There isn't enough reliable information to know if it safe when used in the larger amounts found in medicine. It might cause constipation and stomach discomfort.

When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if arrowroot is safe or what the side effects might be. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Arrowroot is POSSIBLY SAFE for pregnant and breast-feeding women when taken by mouth in food amounts. There isn't enough reliable information to know if arrowroot is safe to use in the larger amounts found in medicine. Stay on the safe side and stick to food amounts.

Interactions ?

We currently have no information for ARROWROOT overview.

Dosing

The appropriate dose of arrowroot depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for arrowroot. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circ*mstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.

ARROWROOT: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews (2024)

FAQs

What are the side effects of arrowroot? ›

It might cause constipation and stomach discomfort. When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if arrowroot is safe or what the side effects might be. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Arrowroot is POSSIBLY SAFE for pregnant and breast-feeding women when taken by mouth in food amounts.

What does arrowroot do to your body? ›

Arrowroot has been used as a home remedy for digestive disorders for years. Recent research has indicated that there may be a medical basis for using arrowroot to combat diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome. One preliminary study showed that arrowroot helped reduce diarrhea and ease stomach cramps.

Can I eat arrowroot everyday? ›

Compared to some other tuberous vegetables, arrowroot contains fewer calories and more protein. It is also suitable for gluten-free diets and may help people with diabetes to balance their blood sugar and manage their weight. People should not consume large quantities of arrowroot without consulting a doctor.

How many times a day should you take arrowroot powder? ›

Early research suggests that taking powdered arrowroot three times per day with meals for one month reduces stomach pain and diarrhea in people with IBS. Soothing mucous membranes, such as the mouth and gum linings.

Is arrowroot good for the liver? ›

Arrowroot promotes bile production in the liver. According to a study, increased bile synthesis helps to catabolise the cholesterol in the blood, therefore reducing its levels. It also has many bioactive compounds like phenolic compounds, flavonoids, alkaloids and saponins.

Is arrowroot good for kidneys? ›

Good For Kidneys

The potassium content in arrowroot helps remove toxins and stressors from the kidney. This helps control blood pressure and improves the functioning of the urinary system.

What is arrowroot best used for? ›

Arrowroot powder is a type of starch that can be used in place of cornflour. It is often used in baking, but is best used to thicken liquids – it's ideal for making clear jellies. Victorians credited arrowroot as having many health benefits, noting that it was very easily digested.

Is arrowroot an inflammatory? ›

A noteworthy amount of potassium present in arrowroot aids in clearing waste and toxins from the kidney. This is crucial to regulate blood pressure and ensure optimal kidney function. Beside these, the anti-inflammatory properties of arrowroot powder help in treating bladder and urinary tract infections.

Is arrowroot good for the heart? ›

Arrowroot might be good for the heart and studies showed that it may improve the heart rate and may boost immunity. Arrowroot may improve blood circulation and prevent heart diseases such as congestive heart failure.

Is arrowroot good for hair? ›

Additionally, arrowroot powder contains nutrients that can nourish and strengthen your hair. It is rich in vitamins and minerals that promote hair growth and prevent breakage. Regular use of arrowroot powder can help improve the overall health and appearance of your hair, making it softer, shinier, and more manageable.

Which is healthier arrowroot or cornstarch? ›

Arrowroot flour is a nutritious substitute for cornstarch because it acts similarly to cornstarch but contains more dietary fiber. Arrowroot flour also contains a more calcium than cornstarch.

Can arrowroot be eaten raw? ›

Arrowroot can be eaten raw, or steamed, roasted, barbecued, diced finely and added to stir-fries, casseroles, stews, soups, in fact in any meat or savoury dish. Arrowroot does not have a lot of flavour on its own, but added to other ingredients; it makes a useful mealextender.

What are two health benefits of arrowroot? ›

Arrowroot is a root vegetable often sold as a powder. It's used as a thickening agent and gluten-free flour. Many of its health benefits are associated with its starch content, which may promote weight loss, treat diarrhea, and stimulate your immune system.

Can I mix arrowroot powder with water? ›

When adding this starch to your favorite liquid meal, we suggest first making a "slurry." To do so, begin by mixing the arrowroot into a cold liquid such as water or plant-based milk and whisk until it's smooth. Once your slurry is thoroughly mixed, pour it into your prepared dish to thicken it.

How to take arrowroot? ›

To use arrowroot powder, you can mix it into juice or other beverages and drink it straight, although it's important to follow recommended guidelines for consumption. For relief of mouth and gum pain (as noted above), you may apply the powder directly to the gums.

Is arrowroot good for the stomach? ›

Arrowroot powder acts as a potent digestive stimulant and is effective in regulating bowel movement. The natural demulcent effect and high starch content work as a mild laxative that eases irritable bowel syndrome and celiac diseases.

Does arrowroot cause inflammation? ›

Studies have shown that the consumption of Arrowroot powder may relieve Urinary Tract Infections. Arrowroot powder is known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties that may aid in infections.

Is arrowroot powder a laxative? ›

Arrowroot powder has 25% starch which acts as a mild laxative thus helps digestion and regulates the bowel movement. This powder also has a demulcent effect that can soothe the bowel movements in patients with the irritancy to defecate.

Does arrowroot spike blood sugar? ›

100-gram arrowroot contains about 454 milligrams of potassium and only 26 milligrams of sodium. Arrowroot is a potent source of B-complex vitamins. All these qualities are proven effective to control blood sugar levels. A higher GI value and high carb content make arrowroot flour an over high glycemic food.

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