Mallow – Malva sylvestris
From the Romans to Charlemagne and Hildegard of Bingen, they all appreciated the power of this summer bloomer. Mallow is one of the oldest useful plants in the world and was used in ancient times to treat a variety of physical ailments. Today, its main use is for colds.
Relieves tickly throats
Fields of application
Mallow contains a high proportion of mucilage, essential oils and tannins. The mucilage has a particularly soothing effect because it moistens the mouth and throat when ingested. This is why mallow is a reliable cough suppressant. Studies have also shown anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. The flowers, in particular, have a strong growth-inhibiting effect on various bacteria. As a result, mallow is used to treat inflammation of the mouth and throat, for rinsing and gargling, as well as gastroenteritis. Due to its tannins, mallow is also used to treat mild diarrhoea.
Botanical characteristics
The mallow is a native medicinal plant that grows to a height of up to one metre. Its most striking features are its pretty pink to bluish flowers, which line paths, fields, meadows, sunny slopes or walls in summer. Another distinguishing feature is its five petals with three dark vertical stripes. Its flowers and leaves are collected from June to August and then dried in the shade in a well-ventilated place. Mallow tea is particularly popular in folk medicine. As early as the 15th century, it was used to treat coughs and hoarseness, consumption and canker sores. The herb was also used in the past for poultices.