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MALLOW, COMMON - HERBAL OVERVIEW
COMMON MALLOW / MALVA LEAF
Malva Silvestris Malva Leaf, Common Mallow, Cheese Plant, Wild Mallow, High Mallow, Mallow, Country Mallow, Cheese Flower, Blue Mallow, Tall Mallow
COMMON MALLOW / MALVA LEAF PLANT DESCRIPTION
A member of the Malvaceae family, common mallow, also known as wild or high mallow, can grow to a height of 4 to 5 feet. It is an annual or perennial that has a whitish root that puts up a round stem, bearing alternate, light green, downy, lobed leaves and pale-pink to purple-pink flowers that blossom from early summer to autumn (May to October). Native to southern Europe, northern Africa and Asia and later introduced and now naturalized in much of the Americas, common mallow is so robust that it grows easily in well-drained poor soil in sun or partial shade. It can be found growing wild in waste places, along roadsides, along fences and hedges, as well as in forests and meadows in Europe and North America.
PLANT PARTS USED
The flowers, leaves and roots of common mallow can all be harvested for medicinal use. Gather the leaves in spring and the flowers from early summer to autumn. After drying, keep the plant parts protected from light and moisture for a shelf life of one year.
COMMON MALLOW CONSTITUENTS / COMPONENTS
Common mallow derives its healing properties from the mucilage and flavonol glycosides found in its leaves and flowers. The plant also contains malvin, vitamin A and tannins, though its tannin action is considered to be mild.
COMMON MALLOW / MALVA LEAF HISTORY
Common mallow, sometimes called "cheese plant" in reference to its cheesy smell, is derived from the old English malwe, which means soft. Its leaves and flowers are rich in mucilage, which softens the skin and helps to heal topical wounds.
Malva Leaf (Common Mallow), like other mallows, is one of the oldest medicinal plants in the world. It was used in teas in China more than five thousand years ago and employed by Greek and Roman physicians to treat internal and external disorders, calling it omnimorbium, meaning "the remedy of all illnesses." Two thousand years ago, the Roman scholar Pliny recommended taking a daily sip of mallow juice to prevent illness. Today, common mallow remains a valuable natural remedy. Its high concentration of mucilage makes it a perfect prescription for sore throats and colds.
It continued as an important "cure-all" treatment throughout the Middle Ages, and like all mallows, it is principally known for its soothing qualities. There are many species of mallow that are often used inter-changeably with Malva sylvestris (high mallow), including M. Moschata (Musk mallow), M. neglecta (Dwarf or Low mallow), and M. rotundifolia (Roundleafed mallow); however, none are quite as potent as their close relative, Althaea officinalis (the Marsh Mallow). Some constituents in Malva Leaf include a high mucilage content (made up of complex carbohydrates), flavonoids, anthocyanidins, polysaccharides, volatile oil and tannin.
COMMON MALLOW / MALVA LEAF USES
Common mallow is used to combat colds accompanied by a sore throat, a dry, hacking cough and bronchitis. Its anti-irritant properties make it helpful as well for treating hoarseness and tonsillitis. As an anti-inflammatory, it is a gentle and effective remedy for cystitis and diarrhea. Externally, compresses made from the common mallow root can reduce swelling.
When bothered with the pain and inflammation of asthma, laryngitis, bronchitis, sore throat or dry, hacking cough, try Malva Leaf (Common Mallow) to help rid the lungs and respiratory tract of excess fluid and mucus, while at the same time, it helps to soothe irritation and inflammation of the mucous membranes.
Malva Leaf, like all mallows, is a demulcent, and its particular excellence involves soothing irritated tissue and relieving various forms of inflammation. The leaves contain high amounts of mucilage, made up of complex carbohydrates, which give the herb most of its soothing activity, though flavonoids and anthocyanidins may also contribute. It is effective in countering irritation and inflammation of the mucous membranes, and because it contains polysaccharides that form a protective layer on the stomach lining, it is said to lower stomach acids and is useful in relieving gastrointestinal disorders, such as gastric catarrh, enteritis, indigestion, ulcers and colitis.
As an expectorant, Malva Leaf is said to help loosen and expel phlegm and congestion from the lungs. It aids the body in expelling excess fluid and mucus, and because of its soothing, demulcent qualities, it not only removes phlegm, it also acts to soothe and relieve inflammation of the larynx and tonsils, dry coughs, sore throat, hoarseness, lung catarrh, bronchitis, asthma, emphysema and irritation of respiratory passages. The German Commission E has approved Malva Leaf preparations for the relief of sore throats and dry coughs.
Malva Leaf is considered a mild laxative when used in larger doses.
Early research in test tube studies shows one carbohydrate in mallows has been shown to inhibit a component of the immune system known as the complement cascade. Excessive activation of the complement cascade has been implicated in chronic inflammation and autoimmune disorders, suggesting that further research into Mallow Leaf in these areas is warranted.
Malva Leaf is said to have diuretic properties that increase the flow of urine. It has been used to soothe the urinary tract and relieve cystitis and bladder infection.
Used externally, Malva Leaf is an emollient and demulcent that softens tissue and soothes damaged or inflamed surfaces, including dry hands, sunburn and diaper rash. In addition to its emollient qualities, it is also mildly astringent, and when included in poultices, it is helpful for sores, psoriasis, weeping eczema, boils, abscesses, insect bites and wounds.
COMMON MALLOW / MALVA LEAF DOSAGE INFORMATION
Malva Leaf Botanical Powder - Take two (2) capsules, one (1) to two (2) times each day with water at mealtimes. Approximately 600 mg. each capsule. 1/2 teaspoon of powder is about equal to one capsule. Powder can be consumed by sprinkling it over your food or mixing it with a syrup such as maple or chocolate. You could also mix it with orange juice. The citric acid in the orange juice will help to mask any unpleasant powder tastes.
METHODS OF ADMINISTRATION
COMMON MALLOW / MALVA LEAF SAFETY & INTERACTION INFORMATION
Overuse of Malva Leaf (many times the recommended dosage) may cause nausea and vomiting.
COMMON MALLOW / MALVA LEAF SUPPLEMENTS & PRODUCTS
Shaman Shop: Malva Leaf, Herbal Extracts Plus, 90 VCaps
Shaman Shop: Malva Leaf, Herbal Extracts Plus, 360 VCaps
Shaman Shop: Malva Leaf Powder, Herbal Extracts Plus, 1/4 lb. Bulk
Shaman Shop: Malva Leaf Powder, Herbal Extracts Plus, 1/2 lb. Bulk
Shaman Shop: Malva Leaf Powder, Herbal Extracts Plus, 1 lb. Bulk
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