Mallow: Properties, Benefits, Uses, and Contraindications

Mallow: Properties, Benefits, Uses, and Contraindications

Therapeutic Properties of Mallow, Uses in Herbal Medicine and Cooking, and How to Cultivate It 

Mallow is an extraordinary plant, known and appreciated since ancient times for its numerous beneficial properties. Over the centuries, it has been used in various ways, from preparing soothing teas to creating natural remedies for various ailments. In this article, we will delve into the world of mallow: we will discover what it is, its origins and history, processing methods, nutritional values, and its countless properties. We will also analyze the benefits it can bring to our body, the most common uses, and any contraindications. Finally, we will guide you on where to buy mallow online to ensure you get high-quality products. Get ready for a fascinating journey to discover this plant with a thousand virtues!

mallow flower

What is Mallow?

Mallow, scientifically known as Malva sylvestris, belongs to the Malvaceae family, the same family to which cotton belongs.

This herbaceous plant is widespread in various temperate areas of Asia and Europe and grows spontaneously in meadows, gardens, and along roadsides.

Mallow is recognizable by its large, slightly palmate leaves and its bright purple flowers, composed of five or six petals. The parts of the plant used include leaves, flowers, and sometimes even roots, which are used both fresh and dried.

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Plant Description and Cultivation

Malva sylvestris can vary in height from 20 cm to one meter.

It is a robust plant that tolerates both heat and cold well, making it suitable for growing at altitudes up to 1200 meters.

Mallow reproduces easily and is one of the edible wild herbs that often grow in fields and along country roads.

Its seedlings are planted in the ground at the end of spring and do not require special care, adapting well to both sunny and more shaded areas.

The leaves and flowers of mallow are harvested from June to September, with the flowers needing to be picked when they have just bloomed or are still in bud to maintain their beneficial properties.

Origins and History

Mallow, probably originating from the southern regions of Europe and Asia, is a plant that has spread widely in the temperate and subtropical areas of both hemispheres.

Since ancient times, mallow has been appreciated for its emollient virtues, so much so that its name derives from the Latin term "mollire", which means "to soften". The Greeks also knew its properties and called it "malachè", with the same meaning.

In folk medicine, mallow flowers have traditionally been used to eliminate phlegm and treat ailments such as gastroenteritis and bladder problems. Externally, both the flowers and leaves were used as aids in treating wounds.

Mallow has also found application in homeopathy, especially as a remedy for pharyngitis, bronchitis, and eye irritations. Despite these traditional uses, it is important to note that many of the applications of mallow in alternative medicine are not supported by adequate experimental verification and may be ineffective or even harmful to health.

Processing of Mallow

The harvesting and processing of mallow are fundamental processes to preserve its healing properties. The leaves and flowers are usually harvested in the warmer months, from June to September, when the plant is in full bloom.

To ensure maximum effectiveness, the flowers are picked just as they bloom or while still in bud. Once harvested, the mallow must be dried. This process is relatively simple: leaves and flowers are placed in steel containers, protected from sunlight to avoid the loss of beneficial properties and the proliferation of insects.

Drying allows the plant to be preserved all year round, keeping its therapeutic virtues intact. After drying, mallow can be combined with extracting agents such as sunflower oil or vegetable glycerin.

By constantly mixing the oil with the dry component of the plant, a pure vegetable macerate rich in all the properties of mallow is obtained. This macerate is then used in the preparation of creams, shampoos, and conditioners, maximizing the emollient and soothing benefits of the plant.

Nutritional Values

Mallow is a plant rich in valuable components for our well-being. Its nutritional values derive from a combination of elements that give the plant its well-known therapeutic properties. Below are the main chemical constituents present in the leaves and flowers of mallow:

Mallow Leaves:

  • Flavonoids: known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
  • Mucilages (6-8%): substances with emollient and soothing effects, useful for the gastrointestinal tract.
  • Tannins: compounds with astringent and antibacterial properties.

Mallow Flowers:

  • Anthocyanins: pigments with powerful antioxidant properties.
  • Mucilages (6-10%): like in the leaves, these substances promote hydration and protection of the mucous membranes.
  • Flavonoids: also present in the flowers, contribute to the plant's antioxidant properties.

dried mallow flowers

Mallow: Properties

Mallow is a plant renowned for its numerous beneficial properties. Thanks to its chemical components, it offers a wide range of positive effects for health and well-being.

  • Emollient properties: Mallow is particularly valued for its emollient properties, which derive from its high mucilage content. These substances form a protective layer on the mucous membranes, helping to soothe and hydrate irritated skin and mucous membranes.
  • Anti-inflammatory properties: The leaves and flowers of mallow contain active ingredients that help reduce inflammation. This makes the plant useful in treating localized inflammations, both internal and external, such as gingivitis, styes, cough, and pharyngitis.
  • Soothing properties: Mallow is ideal for soothing skin irritations such as acne, eczema, itching, and redness. Mallow-based creams are effective in providing immediate relief to skin stressed by sunburn or insect bites. Mallow is one of the best herbs for the skin.
  • Antioxidant properties: Rich in polyphenols and anthocyanins, mallow possesses powerful antioxidant properties. These compounds help maintain skin elasticity and combat signs of aging, preventing the formation of wrinkles.
  • Laxative properties: Mallow has a mildly laxative effect due to the mucilage present in its leaves and flowers. This can be useful for promoting intestinal transit and relieving constipation.
  • Expectorant properties: The mucilage in mallow helps promote the elimination of mucus from the respiratory tract, making it an excellent natural remedy for coughs and bronchitis.

Benefits of Mallow

Mallow is a plant with multiple virtues, offering numerous health benefits thanks to its natural properties.

  • Relief for throat and oral cavity: The mucilage in mallow flowers forms a protective layer on the mucous membranes, alleviating irritations and inflammations. This makes mallow an effective remedy for dry cough, bronchitis, and mouth and throat irritations.
  • Anti-inflammatory action: Thanks to its mucilage content, mallow has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation of the gastrointestinal and urinary mucous membranes. It is useful in cases of gastritis, intestinal cramps, and is an excellent natural remedy for cystitis.
  • Emollient properties: Mallow is known for its emollient properties, making it ideal for hydrating and soothing the body's soft tissues. It is particularly indicated for treating dry eyes, skin irritations, acne, and other skin inflammations.
  • Laxative effect: The mucilage gives mallow a mildly laxative action, useful for regulating intestinal functions and relieving constipation without irritating the intestines.
  • Immune system support: Infusions of mallow flowers can help strengthen the immune system, preventing bacterial infections and seasonal illnesses.
  • Pain relief: Mallow has a moderate pain-relieving action, useful for alleviating rheumatic, menstrual pains, and vaginal disorders such as itching and irritations.
  • Eye care: The emollient properties of mallow make it useful in ophthalmology. Mallow extracts are used in eye drops to treat dry and irritated eyes, offering immediate relief thanks to their hydrating action.

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Uses of Mallow

Mallow is a versatile plant that finds numerous applications in therapeutic, cosmetic, and culinary fields. Here is a detailed overview of its multiple uses.

Therapeutic Uses 

Mallow is widely used in phytotherapy for its emollient, anti-inflammatory, and soothing properties. Mallow infusions, prepared with dried mallow leaves and flowers, are effective for relieving oropharyngeal inflammations, dry cough, bronchitis, and gastrointestinal irritations. To prepare a mallow infusion, simply use 1.5-2 grams of dried leaves or flowers in a cup of hot water, letting it steep for about 10 minutes. Mallow tea can be consumed two or three times a day to relieve symptoms.

Cosmetic Uses

Mallow extracts are highly valued in the cosmetics world for their emollient and anti-inflammatory properties. They are commonly found in face and body creams, shower gels, hair products, and ointments. These products are particularly suitable for those with dry and sensitive skin, as they help hydrate and soothe the epidermis.

Mallow leaves and flowers can also be used to make compresses that promote nail and hair growth or moisturizing lotions for the skin. The compresses can be prepared by soaking fresh or dried leaves in warm water.

Culinary Uses

In the kitchen, mallow is appreciated not only for its delicate flavor but also for its nutritional properties. Young leaves can be eaten raw in mixed salads along with lettuce, arugula, or valerian. More mature leaves can be boiled and added to soups or broths, enriching the dish with their flavor and beneficial properties.

Other Uses

Mallow flowers are also used as a natural dye for fabrics. In some countries, the flowers are diluted with warm water to make natural syrups useful against coughs and sore throats. Thanks to its versatility, mallow proves to be a valuable ally not only for health but also in body care and everyday cooking.

dried mallow flowers in a wooden spoon

Mallow: Contraindications

Although mallow is generally considered safe and free of serious contraindications, it is important to take some precautions to avoid possible side effects. In particular, excessive consumption of mallow can cause mild gastrointestinal disturbances such as diarrhea or abdominal cramps, due to its laxative properties. Therefore, it is recommended not to exceed three cups of infusion per day.

When not to take mallow?

During pregnancy and breastfeeding, it is always prudent to consult your doctor before taking mallow-based products. Although there is no evidence indicating specific risks, it is better to be cautious and seek professional advice.

Side Effects of Mallow

Mallow is generally considered a safe and well-tolerated natural remedy by most people. However, as with any substance, side effects may occur, especially in individuals with a high sensitivity to one of the plant's components.

Where to Buy Mallow Online?

If you are looking for high-quality mallow, Terzaluna is the right place for you.

Our specialized e-commerce offers a wide range of spices, teas, and herbs from around the world, always ensuring carefully selected and curated products.

At Terzaluna, you can find dried mallow, perfect for preparing soothing teas or enriching your recipes with a touch of natural wellness.

Trust Terzaluna to bring only the best that nature has to offer into your pantry.

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