Natural Remedies - Healing with Medicinal Herbs

Mallow

Mallow (Malva sylvestris Malvaceae)


Other Names: High Mallow, Tall Mallow

Mallow, a robust plant found across Europe along rural roads, riverbanks, embankments, and uncultivated land, features a thick stem with hairy, lobed leaves. Its attractive pale purple flowers with crimson veins bloom alongside small fruits, each containing a single seed.


Parts for Use

Leaves and Flowers

  1. Leaves are harvested in spring before blooming; flowers from July to September.
  2. Both are dried in thin layers in a dark place to preserve anthocyanin pigments.
  3. Used to prepare infusions, decoctions, and powders.

Ingredients

Mallow leaves and flowers are rich in mucus, with anthocyanin pigments providing color to the flowers. They also contain polysaccharides and flavonoids.


Use in Treatment

Mallow is renowned for its soothing effect on the bronchi, making it effective for coughs and bronchial diseases. It alleviates inflammation in the digestive tract, constipation, and catarrh of the colon (colitis). Externally, it soothes skin irritation, and as a gargle, it aids oral problems, including teething pain in children. A 1989 Japanese study attributed its anti-inflammatory properties to mucus. Recent research suggests polysaccharides in mallow and its relative, marshmallow, may boost immunity.


Cultivation

Grow mallow from seeds sown in late spring in a sunny or slightly shaded spot. It thrives in well-drained soil, even nutrient-poor ones.


Preparation and Dosage

For Internal Use (Bronchial Diseases, Cough, Digestive Issues, Constipation)

  1. Infusion for Respiratory Issues: Steep 5 grams of dried leaves and flowers in 1 liter of boiling water for 5 minutes, strain, and drink up to 3 cups daily.
  2. Capsules (250 mg powder): Take 3–5 capsules daily.
  3. Infusion for Digestive Issues: Steep 10–15 grams of dried flowers in 1 liter of boiling water, let stand, strain, and drink 3–4 cups daily.

For External Use (Skin and Oral Problems)

  1. Decoction: Boil 30 grams of dried leaves and flowers in 1 liter of water for 10 minutes, strain, and apply to itchy or dry skin several times daily; use as a gargle for mouth inflammation or loss of voice multiple times daily.

Warnings

  1. Consult a healthcare professional before use.
  2. Large amounts of mallow preparations may have a laxative effect.