Mallow: what it is for (and how to make tea)

Malva is a medicinal plant of the species Malva sylvestristo relieve nasal congestion, fight and prevent infections, especially in the mouth, and alleviate the symptoms of skin diseases, as it is rich in phenolic and flavonoid compounds, with antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.

The normally used parts of this medicinal plant, which is also known as scented mallow, botanical mallow, wild mallow, house mallow, rose mallow or scented rose, are the flowers or leaves, for the preparation of tea, infusion or poultice.

Mallow can be purchased at herbalists, health food stores or compounding pharmacies, and should be used under the guidance of a doctor or other health professional who has experience with the use of medicinal plants.

What is it for

Mallow is indicated for:

• Cough with phlegm or bronchitis;
• Oral candidiasis, stomatitis or thrush;
• Pharyngitis, laryngitis or sore throat;
• Constipation or colitis;
• Gastritis, stomach ulcers;
• Stomach ulcers;
• Abscesses and skin ulcers or boils;
• Insect bites;
• Dermatitis or burn.

Although it has many benefits, mallow should not replace medical treatment or be used without guidance from a doctor or healthcare professional with experience in the use of medicinal plants.

The normally used parts of mallow are both the leaves and the mallow flowers, from which active substances with medicinal properties are extracted for the preparation of teas, infusions or poultices. Therefore, the way in which mallow is used may vary according to the objective.

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, for example.

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon of dried mallow flowers or leaves;
• 1 cup of boiling water.

Preparation mode

Place the mallow flowers or leaves in a cup of boiling water, let it rest for 10 minutes. Strain and drink up to 3 times a day or as directed by your doctor or herbalist.

2. Mallow infusion

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.

Preparation mode

Add the dried mallow flowers and/or leaves to the boiling water, let it rest for 10 minutes and strain. Use the mallow infusion in the form of mouthwash or gargle, then spit out the solution.

3. Mallow poultice

The mallow poultice can be used to apply to the skin, in cases of abscesses and skin ulcers, boils, insect bites or dermatitis, for example.

Ingredients

• Dried mallow leaves and flowers.

Preparation mode

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 yet known, but it can cause poisoning when used in doses greater than those recommended.

Therefore, its use should only be done with medical advice or from a healthcare professional with experience in medicinal plants.

Who shouldn’t use

Mallow should not be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding, or by people who have high blood pressure.

Mallow can also compromise the absorption of other medications that contain mucilages and, therefore, an interval of at least 1 hour must be left between ingesting mallow tea and using other medications.