The mallow is known by various names such as: Malva isabela, hollyhock, malva de las Indias and cañamera real.
This biennial, sometimes perennial plant, 20-100 cm tall, grows on dry, nitrogen-rich vacant lots.
The ascending or erect stem is more or less woody at the base. The radical leaves have long petioles, the stem leaves shorter. They have 3 to 7 lobes and the nerves contain glands. Both the stem and the leaves are downy. The stipules are ovate-triangular.
The flowers sprout in groups of two to six in the axils of the leaves. The flower has a calculus. The petals are present in number of 5; they are obovate and deeply divided. They are pink with 3 very visible dark veins. There are many stamens, in variable number; the welded filaments form a tube. The carpels are equally numerous. When ripe, the fruit is divided into several parts, each of which contains a seed.
With the exception of the extreme north, Mallow is found in most of Europe. Its flowers and leaves are rich in mucilaginous substances and are used against coughs.
The vigorous Mauritian subspecies, which comes from the Mediterranean basin, is cultivated especially for the pharmaceutical industry. It is a plant rich in vitamins A.
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healing properties
The ancient Greeks and Romans knew mallow, since they consumed it in abundance with other vegetables and also used it to alleviate different ailments.
In this sense, Pythagoras described it as a sacred plant as it had properties anti-inflammatory and calm all kinds of skin rash. Horace indicated that he only ate olives, chicory and mallows while Cicero binged on mallows, to which he attributed the clarity of his voice.
During the Middle Ages, the mallow continued to be considered a healing plant. Santa Hildegarda advised her against the headache and kidney and urinary tract disorders.
At present, it has been possible to confirm that the mallow fights respiratory problems such as bronchitis and tonsillitis.
It can also be used in case of constipationsince it is a light laxative
Externally, it can be used to clarify age spots, the Sun and pregnancy. Also, it is used to remove boils, combat, through gargles, gingivitis and thrushand to alleviate the pains of the arthritis and the drop
The leaves and flowers are used to prepare infusions that should be taken at the first symptoms of discomfort in the belly, a product of intestinal, ovarian or bladder inflammation. It is also recommended when there are cases of hemorrhoids.
folk remedies
Remedy with mallow for tonsillitis: Pour 1 tablespoon of mallow flowers into 1 cup of boiling water. Cover, let cool and strain. Then gargle with this infusion throughout the day. Avoid drinking cold drinks
Remedy with mallow for cough Mix equal amounts of mallow flower, thyme and fennel seeds. Boil for 3 minutes a tablespoon of the mixture in a cup of water. Add a few drops of lemon juice or a pinch of honey. Consume hot, but do not burn.
Mauve remedy for blemished skin: Put several mallow leaves, previously washed, in the form of a poultice on the affected area.
Remedy with mallow for arthritis: Heat some mallow leaves, but without getting dry. Spread on a clean cotton cloth and crush until extracting its juice. Place on the area that suffers arthritis.
Remedy with mallow for vaginal infections: Boil 60 g of mallow leaves and 60 g of plantain larger in 2 liters of water until only 1 liter remains. Then, filter and drink a cup of this infusion daily for 16 days in a row and then rest for 10. This remedy is very effective in reducing inflammation caused by vaginal infections.
Remedy with mallow for constipation: Boil 150 g of mallow leaves and flowers, previously washed, in 1 liter of water for 5 minutes. Let cool, strain and drink 3 cups a day.
Also know Mallow tea: benefits and contraindications
Remedy with mallow for hemorrhoids: Calculate one or two teaspoons of the leaves, flowers and stem, per cup of hot water. Take two or three times a day.
Remedy with mallow for stye: Make a concentrated infusion of mallow and gently apply, using a cotton stick, on the stye.
Remedy with mallow for gingivitis Make a decoction with a tablespoon of mallow leaves and flowers in a liter of boiling water, and gargle two or three times a day.
Healthy recipe with mallow
mallow soup:
For this recipe you should look for spinach leaves, some chard leaves, a little radicchio, 2-3 leeks and bunches of mallow.
All the herbs must be crushed very finely and then cooked in water and sea salt. At the moment of serving it, add a little fresh cream or an egg yolk.
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