Malva is a herbaceous annual, biennial flower, more commonly known as mallow. The genus is widespread throughout the temperate, subtropical and tropical regions of Africa, Asia and Europe. The word “mallow” is derived from old English word malwe, which was imported from the Latin malva, cognate with Ancient Greek malakhe, meaning mallow, both perhaps reflecting a Mediterranean term.

Many species of the flower are edible as leaf vegetables and commonly foraged in the West. It is commonly used as a vegetable in Turkey in various form such as stuffing the leaves with bulgur or rice or using the boiled leaves as a side dish. It is also used in both Korea and China and is grown on a limited commercial scale in China; when made as a herbal infusion, it is used for its colon cleansing properties and as a weight loss supplement. Mild tasting, young mallow leaves are used to substitute lettuce. Whereas older leaves are better cooked as a leafy green vegetable. The buds and flowers can as well be used in salads.

Mallow is one of the earliest cited plant in recorded literature. The third century BC physician Diphilus of Siphnus wrote that mallow juice lubricates the windpipe, nourishes, and is easily digested. Horaces mentions it in reference to his own diet, which always included mallow leaves.

Mallow I best know for its capacity to reduce inflammation in the body and help treat common afflictions like gastritis, sore throat, rashes, ulcerations and toothaches. It makes an outstanding antibacterial, astrigent and anri-inflammatory and is thus useful for the treatment of a wide range of medical conditions. Mallow flowers and leaves are an excellent cough soothing tea.

Mallow owes its health benefits to potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory natural compounds such as flavonoids, tannins and other polyphenols which offer significant protection against free radical damage. Also, its high mucilage content is supportive of the soothing effect it has on the pharynx, mouth and gastric mucosa.

Medicinal Applications:

Mallow is recognized as an efficient herbal remedy for colds and asthma. According to research, the leaves and flowers boast strong anti-inflammatory properties and thus effeciently reduce inflammation at the level of the throat. Moreover, mallow seeds contain mucilaginous substances which cover the inflamed tissue, forming a protective layer which allows it to recover.

Mallow appears to be highly efficient in treating inflammations and irritations of the mouth as well and provides relief in cases of dry cough, making a good natural antitussive. Rinsing the mouth or throat with a mallow gargle is said to help maintain healthy tissues and calm irritation.

Mallow is very effectively used in soothing gastritis pain and reduce inflammation at the level of the stomach and intestines. Apparently, the same mucilaginous substances that promote sore throat healing allow the stomach mucosa and intestinal walls to heal through the same mechanism.

One or two cups of mallow tea can thus help in gastritis or stomach acid. Mallow will not only calm irritation, but it will also reduce inflammation throughout the gastrointestinal tract. Studies suggest that the roots are particularly efficient at reducing inflammation.

Traditional medical practices recommend applying a poultice made from crushed flowers and seeds localy on affected areas to treat rashes, ulcerations, insect bites, burns and even eczema. The flower's poultice can reduce itching, redness, swelling and soothe the skin.

A mallow gargle used at regular intervals is said to reduce painful gum inflammations.

In traditional medicine, mallow is used to treat kidney stones, kidney inflammation and gallstones.

This is to inform you that we are not doctors. What is written above has a simple character and in no way replaces medical application. Always consult your doctor about your health issues.