How is Malva used in traditional medicine?
Malva sylvestris is widely used in Mediterranean and European traditional medicine and ethnoveterinary for the treatment of external and internal inflammation, as well as injuries. Moreover, its use is not only limited to therapeutic purposes; but also the species is locally regarded as a food wild herb. Malva sylvestris L. Malvaceae species and is recognized as common mallow. This amazing plant has antimicrobial, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties and is considered as one of the most promising herbal medicinal species.Malva sylvestris, commonly known as common mallow but also known as wood mallow, tree mallow and high mallow, is native to Europe, western Asia and northern Africa.
How to use Malva?
In addition to drinking a tea infusion, mallow leaves can be chewed to suppress coughing or the tea can be gargled to soothe a sore throat. Additionally, a soothing herbal syrup with mallow flowers can be made and taken as a cough syrup, especially in combination with marshmallow root. As with many wild food plants, the common mallow has also had a long history of medicinal use. Due to its high mucilage content, mallows make excellent soothing demulcent herbs, especially for cases of inflammation, either for the urinary, digestive or respiratory systems.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. Mallow is typically used as a tea or gargle for these indications.Mallow has numerous health benefits, being excellent for relieving irritation of the mucous membranes of the mouth and pharynx, mouth and pharyngeal ulcers, inflammation of the respiratory tract, and irritating, dry coughs. Additionally, this plant is also known to help treat gastritis when taken as a tea.When taken by mouth: Mallow flower extract is possibly safe when used for up to 4 weeks. It might cause stomach problems such as nausea, diarrhea, and indigestion in some people.
What are the magical properties of Malva?
Mallow flowers (Malva sylvestris), commonly known as wild mallow, are revered in herbalism for their various medicinal properties, including soothing effects on the respiratory system and gastrointestinal tract. In witchcraft traditions, mallow flowers are often associated with protection, healing, and love spells. With its calming, softening and anti-inflammatory properties, mallow soothes irritated or inflamed throats and calms dry coughs. Mallow also improves certain benign digestive disorders (inflammation of the mucous membranes of the stomach and intestine) and prevents urinary tract infections in people at risk.
What are the side effects of Malva?
It might cause stomach problems such as nausea, diarrhea, and indigestion in some people. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn’t enough reliable information to know if mallow is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use. It’s best to talk with your doctor before taking marshmallow root. They can advise on its safety and whether it may interact with any medications you’re currently taking. Marshmallow root may not be safe for people who are pregnant or nursing.When taken by mouth: Marshmallow root and leaf are likely safe when taken in the amounts found in foods. It is possibly safe to take the root and leaf in larger amounts as medicine. There isn’t enough reliable information to know if marshmallow flower is safe or what the side effects might be.Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn’t enough reliable information to know if marshmallow is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and stick to food amounts. Bleeding disorders: Taking marshmallow might increase your risk of bleeding.