The mallow ( Malva silvestris ) is a herbaceous plant with important healing properties . It is part of the Malvaceae family. It is used both in nutrition and for the preparation of herbal remedies.
Index
Mallow healing properties
Mallow has emollient and calming properties. It is mainly used to relieve inflammation of the mucous membranes. It also has laxative effects and is beneficial for the eyes because of its anti-redness properties.
The properties of the mallow are mainly contained in its flowers and leaves. Mallow flowers and leaves are used as food and as a natural remedy. Mallow has useful laxative properties to be exploited in case of constipation . The mallow, in fact, contains mucilages that stimulate the contractions of the intestine and facilitate the removal and expulsion of toxins from our body.
The mallow has emollient properties that work both from the inside (with particular reference to the stomach and intestines) and externally, thanks to the application of mallow infusion compresses on the eyes or skin or by adding the infusion or water-based mallow decoction for the bath or foot bath .
Mallow infusions and decoctions are used in folk medicine as an anti-inflammatory remedy for the urinary tract in case of minor problems from this point of view. Mallow also has purifying and expectorant properties, useful in case of cough and mucus accumulation in the respiratory tract . The collection of mallow for the preparation of natural remedies takes place in the spring.
Mallow has no particular contraindications , since it is among the natural remedies that can also be used in pregnancy .
How to take mallow
Of Mallow using both the flowers that the leaves as a natural remedy, for the preparation of infusions or decoctions and as ingredients in the kitchen. Usually in the kitchen we use fresh mallow while for infusions we use dried mallow, which you can find in herbal medicine and in natural products stores.
The mallow in the kitchen
If we grow mallow or have the opportunity to harvest it, we can have fresh mallow flowers and leaves to use in the kitchen as a simple addition to salad or to flavor dishes. Fresh mallow flowers and leaves together with other herbs and edible flowers can become part of light condiments for risotto or stuffing for homemade pancakes. Here you will find the recipe for mallow pancakes . Also you can add some leaves of mallow in your soups .
The benefits of mallow herbal tea
The herbal tea mallow is recommended as a calming and relaxing drink administered in the evening to relax and sleep better but also as a natural digestive after meals. To prepare the mallow herbal tea in the form of an infusion, pour 2 teaspoons of dried mallow into a cup, add 250 ml of water brought to a boil and let it cool down and let it rest for 10-15 minutes, then filter and drink the liquid obtained in doses of one or two cups a day.
Mallow supplements
Finally, the mallow herbal is used for the preparation of food supplements useful for promoting the proper functioning of the intestine. These are food supplements based on flowers and mallow leaves that take advantage of their soothing and emollient properties to promote gastrointestinal functions and to reduce swelling problems. You can find mallow-based supplements in the pharmacy or herbal medicine shop, where you can ask for more information on their use.
