Mallow is a medicinal plant of the Malva sylvestris species that can be used to relieve nasal congestion, treat and prevent infections, especially in the mouth, or relieve symptoms of skin conditions. It is rich in phenolic compounds and flavonoids that have naturally antioxidant, antimicrobial and antimicrobial properties.
The parts of this medicinal plant that are most commonly used to prepare teas, infusions or poultices are the flowers and leaves.
Mallow can be purchased at herbal stores, health food stores or compounding pharmacies, and should be used as directed by a doctor or medicinal plant specialist.
Health benefits
Mallow is indicated for the treatment of:
- Productive cough
- Oral candidiasis, stomatitis or thrush
- Pharyngitis, laryngitis or sore throat
- Constipation or colitis
- Gastritis
- Stomach ulcers
- Abscesses, skin ulcers or boils
- Insect bites
- Dermatitis or burn
Although it can offer many health benefits, mallow should not replace medical treatment or be used without the guidance from a doctor or medicinal plant specialist.
How to use mallow
The parts of mallow that are most commonly used are the leaves and flowers from which actives substances with medicinal properties are extracted. Mallow leaves and flowers are used to make teas, infusions or poultices, with each form being used for different purposes.
1. Mallow tea
Mallow tea can be used to help treat respiratory problems, such as coughs, bronchitis, sore throat, pharyngitis, laryngitis, gastritis, stomach ulcers or constipation.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon of dried mallow flowers or leaves
- 1 cup of boiling water
Directions
Place the mallow flowers or leaves in a cup of boiling water, and let them soak for 10 minutes. Then strain and drink up to 3 times a day or as directed by your doctor or herbalist.
2. Mallow infusion
A mallow infusion can be used as a gargle or mouthwash for gum inflammation, cold sores or sore throat.
Ingredients
- 30 g of dried mallow flowers and/or leaves;
- 1 liter of boiling water.
Directions
Add the dried mallow flowers and/or leaves to the boiling water, let them soak for 10 minutes, then strain. Use the mallow infusion in the form of mouthwash or gargle, and spit out the solution.
3. Mallow poultice
A mallow poultice can be used to apply directly on the skin to treat abscesses, skin ulcers, boils, insect bites or dermatitis.
Ingredients
- Dried mallow leaves and flowers
Directions
Mash the dried mallow leaves and flowers and add a small amount of water. Then apply to the affected region.
Possible side effects
The side effects of mallow are not fully known, however it can be toxic when used in excessively high doses.
For this reason, mallow should only be used as approved by a doctor or medicinal plant specialist to achieve specific health goals.
Contraindications for use
Mallow should not be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding, nor by people who have high blood pressure.
Mallow can also interfere with the absorption of other medications that contain mucilages. When consuming mallow tea, you should wait about an hour between ingesting it with other medications.