mallow

Common names
High mallow, common mallow
Botanical name
Malva sylvestris
Parts used and where grown
Mallow originates from southern Europe and Asia but has spread all over the world as a common weed. Its cousin, the dwarf mallow (Malva neglecta), is another Eurasian plant that has spread far and wide. Other similar plants in the same family (Malvaceae) are hibiscus and marshmallow. The dried or fresh flowers and leaves of high mallow and dwarf mallow are used as food and medicine.
Mallow has been used in connection with the following conditions (refer to the individual health concern for complete information):
Science Ratings - Health Concerns
* - Cough (dry)
* - Dermatitis (atopic)
* - Sore throat
*** - Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
** - Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
* - For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support and/or minimal health benefit.
Historical or traditional use (may or may not be supported by scientific studies)
Mallow has been used as food and medicine in Europe since the time of ancient Greece and Rome. Traditional herbal medicine continues to regard the plant as a useful anti-inflammatory agent for the respiratory tract, the skin, and the gastrointestinal tract.1 The esteemed German physician and herbal authority, Rudolf Weiss, MD, recommended mallow primarily for irritations of the mouth and throat, as well as for dry, irritating coughs.2 He also mentions its use topically for mild cases of eczema.
Active constituents
Like its close relative marshmallow (Althea officinalis), mallow leaves and flowers contain high amounts of mucilage.3 Mucilage, made up of complex carbohydrates, gives mallow most of its soothing activity, though flavonoids and anthocyanidins may also contribute. In herbal medicine, mallow is classified as a demulcent—a soothing agent that counters irritation and mild inflammation. Both mallow leaf and flower preparations are approved by the German Commission E for relief of sore throats and dry coughs.4 Mallow is typically used as a tea or gargle for these indications.
In test tube studies, one carbohydrate in mallow has been shown to inhibit a component of the immune system known as the complement cascade.5 Excessive activation of the complement cascade has been implicated in chronic inflammation and autoimmune disorders, suggesting that further research on mallow in these areas is warranted. A polysaccharide from the seeds of a related mallow (Malva verticillata) stimulated white blood cells known as macrophages in a test tube study.6 Crude powder of one mallow species showed anticancer effects in another test tube study.7
How much is usually taken?
Mallow leaf and flower preparations are most commonly consumed as teas.8 Boil 2 to 4 teaspoons of the dried leaves or flowers in 150 ml of boiling water for 10 to 15 minutes. One cup of the tea can be drunk three times per day. For topical use, a cloth can be dipped in the hot tea, allowed to cool, and then applied to inflamed skin. Alternatively, a cold infusion can be made, by soaking 6 teaspoons of the dry herb in a quart of cold water overnight, and then applied topically. According to some herbalists, the cold infusion likely extracts the plant’s mucilage (a soothing, gelatinous substance) most effectively and may work best for both internal and topical use.
Are there any side effects or interactions?
There are no known adverse effects from mallow when used in the amounts suggested above.
At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions with mallow.
Source: www.cncahealth.com