What is the common name for Malva sylvestris?
Malva sylvestris, better known as common mallow, is a member of the mallow family (Malvaceae), making it a relative of hibiscus and hollyhock. Objectives: Malva sylvestris L. Europe, North Africa and Asia. In the Mediterranean region, this species has a long history of use as food, and due to its therapeutic relevance, some parts of this plant have been employed in traditional and ethnoveterinary medicines.All parts of Malva sylvestris are edible. It yields disc- shaped seeds, or ‘nutlets’, that are edible and snacked on like ‘cheeses’ with a nutty flavour. The leaves can be eaten raw (young ones for raw eating), or cooked and eaten like spinach.
What is Malva sylvestris used for?
The flower and leaf are used as medicine. Mallow flower contains a mucus-like substance that protects and soothes the throat and mouth. People use mallow for constipation, mouth and throat irritation, dry cough, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. The HMPC concluded that, on the basis of its long-standing use, this mallow flower preparation can be used to treat irritation of the mouth or throat and associated dry cough. It can also be used to relieve mild discomfort of the stomach and gut.