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What your patients are reading: Week of May 19, 2025

May 23, 2025

Keeping you a step ahead is our priority. That's why we've gathered some of the top stories your patients might be reading. Here are this week's highlights:

Coughing nonstop? This old-school remedy works fast

(Huffpost)—Marshmallow root extract is gaining attention as a fast-acting, natural remedy for dry cough and throat irritation. Unlike store-bought marshmallows, which lack the active ingredient, the root contains mucilage—a sticky, plant-based coating that soothes inflamed mucosa. Studies cited in Complementary Medicine Research and other journals support its use for dry cough, sore throat, and oropharyngeal inflammation. The extract can be taken as tea, tincture, or capsules, and lozenges may offer longer-lasting relief. One study found symptom improvement within 10 minutes of use, though effects typically last only 10 to 20 minutes. Combining marshmallow root with honey may enhance its throat-coating properties. While generally safe, clinicians should advise patients to consult a healthcare provider before use, especially those with underlying conditions or on other medications. Marshmallow root is best suited for mild, uncomplicated coughs. Persistent or severe symptoms warrant further evaluation.

‘SkinnyTok’ trend on TikTok promotes disordered eating under the guise of wellness

(CNN)—A viral TikTok trend known as “SkinnyTok” is raising alarms among eating disorder experts for glamorizing extreme dietary restriction and body shaming, often disguised as health advice. Unlike older pro-eating disorder content confined to niche forums, SkinnyTok’s reach spans millions—especially teen girls—via TikTok’s algorithm. Videos often mock hunger, glorify starvation, and echo the internal dialogue of those with eating disorders, making harmful behaviors seem normal or even aspirational. Experts warn that these messages, framed as “tough love” or self-care, can reinforce shame and disordered eating in vulnerable viewers. Clinicians are urged to screen adolescents for signs of disordered eating and educate families about the risks of social media-driven diet culture.

Vagus nerve stimulation gains momentum as a stress-relief strategy

(USA Today)—Interest is growing in vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) as a non-pharmacologic approach to reducing stress and promoting relaxation. The vagus nerve—the body’s longest cranial nerve—plays a key role in the parasympathetic nervous system, helping regulate heart rate, digestion, and inflammation. While implantable VNS devices have long been used to treat conditions like epilepsy, depression, and migraines, attention is shifting toward non-invasive methods such as deep breathing, neck massage, and auricular stimulation. These techniques are thought to activate the vagus nerve and trigger the body’s “rest and digest” response, offering short-term calming effects. Preliminary evidence suggests potential benefits for mood regulation and inflammatory conditions, though robust clinical data remain limited. As patients increasingly explore these practices for stress management, clinicians may be asked about their safety and efficacy. While generally low-risk, it’s important to guide patients toward evidence-informed use and clarify that these methods are not substitutes for medical treatment when more serious symptoms are present.

Any views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in these articles are solely that of the publication and/or author and do not reflect the views, opinions, policies, or position of epocrates and athenahealth.

Sources:

Broadwater, A. (2025, May 20). HuffPost. Doctors reveal the unexpected cough remedy that kicks in ASAP. https://www.huffpost.com/entry/doctors-reveal-the-unexpected-cough-remedy-that-kicks-in-asap-goog_l_68264c67e4b029d8a6109f59

Hanson, O. (2025, May 16). CNN. #SkinnyTok, the latest weight-loss trend, is more dangerous than you think. https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/16/health/what-is-skinnytok-wellness

Boyle, M. (2025, May 18). USA Today. Can vagus nerve stimulation help you feel less stressed? We asked an expert to weigh in. https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/health-wellness/2025/05/18/how-to-stimulate-the-vagus-nerve/83584221007/