What is it
Mallow (Malva officinalis) is a herbaceous plant with pink flowers with lilac hues native to Europe and Asia, also present in America and Australia
It grows in uncultivated spaces, in hedges and along the walls of courtyards. The leaves are collected in spring, the flowers in summer.
Activities
During the Renaissance it gained the reputation of “omnimorbia”, that is, healer of all ills.
The merit goes to the mucilages of which it is rich that with their strong expectorant and anti-inflammatory properties make it effective in the treatment of diseases of the respiratory tract: it fluidifies bronchial catarrh favoring expectoration and calms cough.
Mucilages, thanks to their ability to swell in the intestine and stimulate its contraction, also have a mild laxative action, useful in case of constipation associated with intestinal irritation.
The following table summarizes the many properties of mallow and its uses:
| Properties of mallow | Application |
|---|---|
| Anti-inflammatory | Recommended especially for those suffering from osteoarticular pain, but also to treat seasonal ills, urinary and respiratory inflammations |
| Gastroprotective | The substances contained in mallow are useful for appeasing gastritis and heartburn |
| Healing | Thanks to mucilage this medicinal plant has a healing effect and therefore can help accelerate wound healing |
| Soothing | Natural remedies based on mallow are excellent for treating skin redness, inflammation, insect bites and irritations |
| Emollient | Mallow has the ability to soften the skin and refresh it |
| Sedative | The infusion of mallow is recommended especially for cough, especially the fatty one, for irritated throat problems (laryngitis and pharyngitis), inflammation of the oral cavity and against colds but also to calm anxiety and agitation |
| Laxative | This medicinal plant has been known since ancient times for its laxative properties that make it ideal for treating constipation but also colitis and intestinal irritation |
| Disinfectant | Mallow can be used to disinfect mucous membranes and treat vaginitis |
| Purifying | This medicinal plant stimulates intestinal regularity and helps the colon to carry out its task of purifying the body |
Why is it used
The name Malva derives from the Latin “mollire” which means to soften; That is why this plant is used to quell cough and fight bronchial inflammation.
Its emollient, expectorant and anti-inflammatory actions are useful in the treatment of catarrh associated with various diseases of the respiratory system.
Read also the in-depth article Fat cough: when it does not want to pass.
Externally, it is used as an anti-inflammatory and soothing of irritated mucous membranes. For example, as a mouthwash after tooth extractions or in the case of particularly inflamed gums. The decoction is used to make eye compresses in the case of conjunctivitis from cooling phenomena and for washing the intimate parts.
Also listen to the opinion of our pharmacist on the best way to send away the cough.
How to use it
Mallow is used in the form of nebulized dry extract and titrated in total mucilage (minimum 10%) at a dose of 700-1,000 milligrams per day divided into two administrations, preferably between meals.
It can also be used the mother tincture prepared from the fresh and whole plant at a dose of 40 drops three times a day, or the infusion and decoction, also as a mouthwash.
Effects
No side effects were reported and no particular interactions were reported. Finally, there are no known contraindications.
Joycelyn Elders is the author and creator of EmpowerEssence, a health and wellness blog. Elders is a respected public health advocate and pediatrician dedicated to promoting general health and well-being.
The blog covers a wide range of topics related to health and wellness, with articles organized into several categories.