Mallow in Herbalist: Property of Mallow

Scientific name

Malva sylvestris

Family

Malvaceae

Origin

Europe

Used Parts

Drug consisting of leaves, flowers and roots

Chemical constituents

Flavonoids;
Tannins;
mucilage;
Anthocyanins;
Mineral salts;
Vitamins (A, C, B1).

Mallow in Herbalist: Property of Mallow

Mallow has an anti-inflammatory action on the mucous membranes with which it comes into direct contact. Therefore, being used mainly in infusion, it acts on the digestive system (oral cavity, esophagus, stomach and intestine), soothing local inflammatory phenomena.

Biological activity

Malva is given anti-inflammatory, soothing and emollient properties. More precisely, these properties are ascribed to the mucilages present in the leaves and flowers of the same plant.

These mucilages, as mentioned above, have been shown to possess the ability to exert anti-inflammatory activities against the mucous membranes with which they come into contact. For this reason, the use of mallow has been officially approved for the treatment of inflammation of the oropharyngeal cavity, as well as in the case of coughs and bronchitis; but it is not uncommon to find this plant even in preparations with an emollient and soothing action on the gastrointestinal tract and on the urinary tract (this last use of mallow is quite widespread, although it is not officially approved).

Finally, mildly laxative, bechic and expectorant properties are also attributed to mallow.

Mallow against inflammation of the oropharyngeal cavity

As mentioned, the use of mallow has been officially approved for the treatment of inflammation of the oropharyngeal cavity and to give relief in case of cough and bronchitis, thanks to the anti-inflammatory, soothing and emollient properties that are conferred by the mucilages contained in it.

The preparations based on mallow are different and can be found in the form of capsules, syrups, solutions, etc. Usually, the dosage of the product to be taken is indicated directly on the label or on the packaging of the product to be used. Therefore, it is advisable to follow these instructions.

However, often the mallow is also taken in the form of an infusion. In this case, it is recommended to prepare the drink using 1.5-2 grams of drug. Generally, the infusion can be taken two or three times a day.

If, on the other hand, the mother tincture of mallow is used, the recommended dose is about 35-40 drops to be taken 2-3 times a day.

Mallow in folk medicine and homeopathy

In folk medicine, mallow flowers are used internally to counteract bronchial catarrh and to treat gastroenteritis and bladder disorders. Externally, however, folk medicine uses both flowers and mallow leaves as adjuvants in the treatment of wounds.

Mallow is also used in homeopathy, especially as a remedy for pharyngitis, bronchitis and eye irritation.