Forest mallow (forest mallow) - medicinal properties

Loading…

Dry cough is one of the most unpleasant and intractable symptoms of bronchitis and tracheitis. Even in ancient Egypt, the medicinal properties of mallow and its contraindications were known. Doctors prepared unique expectorant medicines from rosewood. In addition, they used its infusions to treat patients suffering from various diseases of the genitourinary system and gastrointestinal tract. These corrugated flowers were also added to tea, and some women prepared special infusions from them for weight loss. Not much has changed since those times, as mallow still benefits millions.

The seeds of the culture are brewed with coffee/tea or added as a seasoning to meat/fish dishes. During heat treatment, essential oils are released into the liquid, which clear the human respiratory tract of mucus.

Useful properties, research

Traditional healers noted that mallow can be used to make medicines for internal and external use. Modern research proves that such use of the plant is justified. Often, studying one mechanism of mallow’s effect on the body leads to confirmation of other beneficial properties. An example is the work of a group of specialists from Canada, Brazil and Chile, the results of which were published in 2021.

Researchers studied the antioxidant effect of the plant. They confirmed the ability of mallow extract to reduce the rate of cell aging. However, its anti-inflammatory effect has also been demonstrated after internal and external use. In their conclusions, scientists recommended using mallow to create drugs for chronic pathologies.

What are the benefits of mallow:

1. Elimination of diarrhea.
2. Healing of wounds, burns of the skin.
3. Relief from cough.
4. Slowing down the aging process.
5. Stimulating the removal of fluid from the body.
6. The ability to coat mucous membranes.
7. Reduced swelling.
8. Relieving inflammation.
9. Detoxification.
10. Accelerating the weight loss process.
11. Increasing the body's ability to resist infections.

Composition and medicinal properties of rose stock

The medicinal properties of mallow are due to the components it contains. The flowers of the plant contain mucilage, fructose, glucose, and vitamin C (ascorbic acid). The chemical composition provides the expectorant effect of products with mallow. In addition, flower components are effective in the development of epidermal diseases and have a softening and regenerating effect.

Many industrial cosmetics are rich in mallow extract, and it is also included in the preparation of homemade face and body cream. Active components help reduce sebum production of the skin and create a protective film on its upper layer. The latter prevents dryness and gives the skin a well-groomed appearance.

The extract is obtained from fresh flowers by soaking. It contains vitamins: retinol, ascorbic acid, E, which have an antioxidant effect. In this regard, the extract is used in cosmetology to improve the condition of the facial skin.

Relevant studies have proven that mallow contains beneficial substances that have a similar effect to retinoids, which stimulate skin renewal. Thus, due to the presence of polyphenols in the composition, the elasticity of the dermis increases and collagen is actively synthesized.

It contains polysaccharides that have a moisturizing effect and prevent the skin from “drying out” by regulating the level of moisture in its layers. This property allows you to add the plant extract to baby products (creams, gels, lotions), anti-aging cosmetics, and moisturizing emulsions.

Beneficial properties of seeds

The mallow herb owes its medicinal properties not only to its flowers, but also to its seeds, which have an equally beneficial composition. Among the components included in the seeds are fatty oils, which are useful for diseases of the respiratory system and are used to cleanse the lungs (bronchial tubes) of pathogenic microorganisms.

Today, the seeds of the herbaceous plant are used as a seasoning and food additive in tea and coffee. In addition, the infusion from the plant can be drunk instead of tea. To do this, pour 2 teaspoons of seeds into 300 milliliters of hot water and leave for 30 minutes.

For medicinal purposes, the seeds of the plant are used in the treatment of cystitis, skin diseases, poisoning (as an antiemetic). In some cases, seeds in complex therapy help reduce the severity of symptoms of pathologies such as heart failure, dropsy, and sperm incontinence.

What are the benefits of leaves?

The benefits of leaves are in the components included in the composition. These are effective in the development of various inflammatory processes, to relieve symptoms, including diseases of the respiratory system (bronchitis, pneumonia). Mallow leaves are used to prepare decoctions and infusions that have a diaphoretic and antispastic effect.

In addition, leaf-based products have an enveloping effect. For this reason, they are taken to treat colitis, gastritis, and dysentery. In combination with other components, the leaves are used in the preparation of infusions and decoctions, which have an anti-inflammatory and softening effect.

How is the root used?

A plant growing in the garden is also effective due to its root, which is also used in the treatment of many pathologies. It contains beneficial mucus in greater quantities than flowers and leaves. A decoction and infusion are prepared from the root for internal and external use. When used externally, the decoction and infusion help relieve inflammatory processes in the dermis.

The root is also beneficial in the development of bronchitis and colds, and is effective in the inflammatory process in the lungs and diseases in the gastrointestinal tract. On its basis, preparations are prepared that have a diuretic effect.

Contraindications and possible harm

When studying the benefits of mallow for the human body, experts do not find conditions in which the plant is harmful. However, this only applies to herbs collected in ecologically clean regions. The only contraindication to taking medications is individual intolerance.

Wild mallow, unlike garden mallow, often grows near roads and accumulates toxins during its development. Field plants also receive recharge from groundwater, which may contain harmful substances. The use of a contaminated product can lead to symptoms of poisoning and the development of allergies.

Is it possible for children

Mallow can be used to treat children. It allows you to relieve your child of cold symptoms, eliminate skin rashes, and improve health without the use of synthetic products. However, it is worth considering that mallow is classified as a medicinal plant, so when treating children, you must adhere to several rules:

1. Do not start therapy without first consulting a pediatrician.
2. During the appointment, monitor changes in the child’s condition.
3. If a negative reaction occurs, stop taking the medicine and consult a doctor.

Uses of Sudanese mallow: a valuable archive of recipes

Rose stock is used in the treatment of various diseases. For each of them there is a separate recipe for preparing a healing potion.

Here are some of the recommendations from the archives of traditional medicine:

1. Pancreatitis. Mallow juice (1 tsp) is squeezed from leaves and flowers during budding. Mix with honey and add warm water (250 ml). The resulting mixture is distributed so that it is enough for 4 doses per day.
2. Colitis and constipation. For 1 liter of boiling water you will need 1 tbsp. l. The mixture is infused for 10 minutes and then filtered. The resulting infusion is drunk throughout the day, that is, in 4 doses.
3. Obesity. The unique properties of Sudanese mallow flowers are used for weight loss. The dried flowers and leaves of the plant are crushed together with the inflorescences of the plant. You will need 10 g of each ingredient. The mixture of herbs is poured with water (250 ml) and boiled for 20 minutes. Cool at room temperature and filter. Take for a month.
4. Stomatitis and skin wounds. A collection of herbs (30 g) is steamed in 1 liter of boiling water, left for 10 minutes and filtered. The resulting elixir is used to rinse the mouth several times a day or make a lotion on cuts.

Pregnant and lactating

During the first few months of bearing a child, experts recommend refraining from taking medicinal herbs. However, from the 2nd trimester, pregnant women can use mallow to eliminate external defects and take it in the form of tincture or tea. Mallow is also allowed to be treated during breastfeeding. It does not affect the quality of lactation and does not change the taste of milk.

Pregnant and lactating women are recommended to use mallow when they have problems with the intestines, to get rid of edema, relieve inflammation of the genitourinary system, and eliminate cough. However, before starting use, it is necessary to discuss with your doctor the safe dosage, duration, and regimen.

Recommendations from nutritionists for losing weight

Mallow is one of the components included in herbal preparations for weight loss. It allows you to eliminate the main factor leading to excess weight – disruption of the digestive system. Nutritionists believe that using mallow can speed up weight loss and reduce the risk of exhaustion when limiting your diet. For rapid weight loss, use teas and infusions of flowers and leaves for 30 days.

Some people are confused by the calorie content of the dry product - 250 kcal per 100 grams. However, experts remind that to prepare infusions you need no more than 10 grams of mallow, so the energy value of the product is no more than 25 kcal per day.

Chemical composition of forest mallow

The medicinal properties of forest mallow are due to its rich chemical composition. All parts of the plant contain:

• fructose;
• sucrose;
• glucose;
• vitamins B1, B4, C, A, E, PP;
• essential oils;
• tannins;
• carotenes;
• flavonoids;
• calcium;
• iron;
• phosphorus;
• amino acids;
• enveloping mucus.

However, the concentration of useful substances in the above-ground part of the plant, roots and extract differs. Features of the composition of the mallow:

1. Seeds. Rich in fatty oils – up to 18%.
2. Root. Contains bitterness, mineral salts, starch, zinc, cadmium, phytosterol, anthocyanins.
3. Leaves. Saturated with vitamins A, C, B, calcium, iron, phosphorus, amino acids.
4. Mallow extract. It is obtained by soaking flowers and leaves, so it contains concentrated substances that the above-ground part of the plant is rich in: vitamins A and C, polysaccharides, amino acids.

Medicinal properties of mallow and contraindications: a brief overview

When inflammatory processes progress in human organs, they increase in volume and swell. All this leads to painful sensations. Sudanese mallow contains a valuable viscous substance that envelops all nerve endings. The sticky suspension protects tissue fibers from irritants and relieves inflammation.

Despite the fact that the chemical composition of the culture has not been fully studied, the following were found in it:

• vitamins A and C;
• carotene;
• up to 18% essential oils (applies to seeds);
• phytoestrogens;
• iron, cadmium and zinc.

The harvesting of useful raw materials is planned for the flowering season. The buds of the plant are picked together with the calyxes, but the leaves and stems are picked separately. The roots are dug up in late autumn - October, November. Dry the raw materials under a canopy, periodically turning the petals over. The flower collection is stored for 2 years, and the leaves for 1 year.

There are practically no contraindications to the crop, except for individual intolerance to individual components of the plant. Therefore, it is quite acceptable to use mallow during pregnancy. However, it is better to consult a doctor on this issue.

Effective compresses are made from infusions of the culture, which help relieve puffiness of the eyes. In addition, such procedures are carried out in the treatment of all kinds of ulcers, as well as extensive wounds. The amazing properties of Sudanese mallow flowers help restore the mucous membrane. For this reason, hollyhock is included in complex therapy for severe diseases of the throat and oral cavity. Decoctions and infusions with the addition of dried flowers are used as medicine.

Application in folk and traditional medicine, research

In folk medicine, mallow is used to treat a wide range of pathologies: liver infarction, kidney ischemia, gastrointestinal inflammation, urinary tract diseases, bronchitis, blepharitis, problems with the spleen. However, scientists note that information about the effects of the plant is very extensive and not specified.

To explain the mechanism of mallow's influence on human health, specialists from Brazil collected data confirming the medicinal effects of the plant. In 2011, they published the results of their research. Scientists have come to the conclusion that the experience of healers can be used in official medicine, since the effects of mallow are confirmed by practical experiments. In addition, experts have found that the herbal extract is more effective in eliminating ulcers than the drug cimetidine.

Currently, when treating a number of diseases, doctors combine a course of drugs with natural remedies from mallow.

Features of the treatment of certain pathologies:

1. Ischemic damage to the liver and kidneys. For extensive organ damage, traditional healers recommend regularly using mallow extract. It helps relieve inflammation and reduces the risk of complications. The effectiveness of the folk remedy has been confirmed by scientists from Brazil. In 2021, they published the results of an experiment conducted on mice with damaged liver and kidneys. Experts noted that the plant extract protects organs from ischemia and reduces the affected area.
2. Inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. For diseases, the enveloping ability of mallow is used. Medicines can relieve pain, improve stomach function, and stop the inflammatory process.
3. Treatment of the urinary tract. Teas made from mallow flowers are considered effective. They are prescribed to drink 2 times a day, 100 ml. The product has a diuretic effect and relieves inflammation of organs.
4. For spastic colitis and constipation. To eliminate problems, an infusion from the upper part of mallow is recommended. It is taken 4 times a day.
5. Skin damage. For treatment, compresses with mallow infusion or fresh leaves are used. They are applied to the affected areas up to 3 times a day.
6. Chickenpox, measles, mumps. For infectious diseases, mallow is used as an immunostimulating agent. It is infused together with violet and lavender and drunk 3 times a day, 200 ml.
7. Bronchitis and cough. Mallow contains polysaccharides and mucus, which gently thin mucus and stimulate its release from the lungs. For treatment, infusions from the upper parts of the herb or root are used. There are also antitussive drugs based on powder from the plant.
8. Pancreatitis. During illness, juice from the leaves of the herb quickly relieves inflammation. It is mixed with water and drunk 4 times a day.
9. Conjunctivitis, blepharitis. When the mucous membranes of the eyes and eyelids are affected, lotions with mallow infusion are used. The product eliminates swelling, stops the spread of bacteria, and relieves unpleasant itching.
10. Treatment of the spleen. Inflammation of the organ is relieved using a medicinal bath with an infusion of medicinal herbs.

Growing conditions

Woodland mallow is a hardy, vigorous plant that does not require much care. It prefers to grow in the sun, but will also bloom profusely in a little shade. All types of soil are suitable for it, especially if they are dried out. It also grows well in poor soil, but fertile soil will help provide a sweeter flavor to young lettuce leaves. Needs small but regular watering.

The spread of mallow occurs through seeds, which are themselves sown and pollinated by bees. It often blooms so profusely in the first year that it literally dries out, but it is usually a biennial plant in most areas. In most cases, wood mallow tolerates the cold season well, but if the winter is too cold, it is worth replanting the seeds annually due to the long flowering period. If plants grow too tall, they need to be strengthened to support numerous flowers. If you plant mallow in a very wet area of ​​soil, it may become susceptible to fungal infection.

Application, subtleties of ancient therapy

Mallow has long been used in various areas of human life: magic, cooking, medicine, gardening. The popularity of a plant can be judged by the frequency of use of its name. For example, mallow gave its name to a sewing machine and a series of cosmetics. There is even a shade of green with this designation.

The mallow flower is popular among modern landscape designers. As you can see in the photo, it is planted along hedges and in flower beds near houses. Garden and wild plants are used to create food dyes, and Asians use the leaves of the grass to prepare salads and first courses. Mallow extract is used in the production of baby creams and cosmetics with anti-aging and regenerating properties.

However, it is the medicinal effects of mallow that are most famous. To this day, the recommendations of ancient healers are applied:

• for lotions, infuse the herb for at least 2 hours;
• squeeze out the mallow juice during flowering;
• To prevent baldness, we prepare products from mallow juice and vegetable oils;
• We drink mallow tea warm, in small sips;
• to eliminate boils, apply fresh mashed leaves to the inflamed area;
• for problems with potency in men, we use only wild mallow in the form of infusions or tea;
• when treating ulcers we use crushed seeds;
• to enhance the expectorant effect, prepare the infusion for 10 hours;
• When creating infusions, add water brought to a boil to the herb and boil the plant for at least 20 minutes.

Recipes for common diseases

During therapy we use recipes known for several centuries:

1. Pancreatitis. We collect mallow juice and dilute it with boiled water in a ratio of 1 teaspoon of raw material per 200 ml of liquid. Cool to room temperature before use.
2. Inflammation of the spleen. Mix mallow with chamomile, green oats and Chernobyl in equal parts. Fill with water at the rate of 450 grams of mixture per 5 liters of water. Place on the stove and simmer over low heat for 20 minutes. Strain and pour into a filled bath. We take water procedures 2 – 3 times a week for 15 minutes.
3. Bronchitis and other conditions accompanied by an unproductive and debilitating cough. Take 2 teaspoons of dried mallow leaves or roots. Pour 250 ml of boiling water and leave for 10 hours. Strain, drink 1-2 tbsp. spoons 3 – 4 times a day. You can also gargle with this infusion.

Botanical characteristics of wood mallow

Malva woodland

, or forest mallow, - Malva sylvestris L. is a biennial, less often perennial, herbaceous plant from the mallow family (Malvaceae). Stems ascending or ascending, rarely erect, 30-120 cm high. Leaves are alternate, round, 5-lobed, crenate-toothed along the edge, with long petioles. The stem and leaves are usually densely covered with long protruding hairs. Mallow flowers are located in the axils of the leaves in bunches of 2 - 5, less often singly. A calyx of 5 green sepals; in addition, there is a so-called subcup of 3 free green ovate leaves. The corolla is large, consisting of 5 pink petals up to 2.5 cm long, notched at the top. Each flower has many stamens and a pistil with an upper ovary. The fruit is unique; when ripe, it breaks up into numerous dry single-seeded fruits, surrounded by a calyx that persists during fruiting. It blooms and bears fruit from May to autumn, the fruits ripen accordingly at different times, starting in June. Wood mallow is a Eurasian plant. In Russia, it is found in many regions of the European part and in the Caucasus. Apparently, its main natural habitats have always been cleared forests, sparse thickets of bushes, edges, and clearings. However, now this plant is widespread in so-called secondary habitats: in gardens, parks, vegetable gardens, vacant lots, outskirts of fields, village streets. The reason for this is simple - forest mallow has long been bred as an unpretentious ornamental plant, easily runs wild and naturalizes in populated areas and along roads.

Economic use of mallow

Malva woodland

- medicinal, food and ornamental plant. Its leaves, young stems, and buds contain a lot of mucilage, vitamins and provitamin A. Mallow greens contain up to 220 mg of ascorbic acid, and up to 20 mg of carotene. It is the mucus and vitamins that determine the medicinal and nutritional value of this plant. Mainly the green parts of the plant are used for food. They have a sweetish taste and are suitable for soups and salads. The leaves are also used as a seasoning for various dishes. For long-term storage, they are dried, their powder is used to season salads and soups, and is also added to sauces. Unripe (green) fruits are pickled and placed in solyanka, rassolnik, and borscht.

Medicinal value of mallow and methods of medicinal use of mallow

The medicinal raw materials of mallow are flowers and leaves, and sometimes roots. The flowers are collected in the budding stage, when they acquire a pink color. The roots are dug up in the fall. Dry outdoors in the shade or in a warm room. Flowers and leaves are stored in glass containers, roots in wooden containers for up to 2 years. Mallow preparations have anti-inflammatory, enveloping and expectorant effects, and regulate the function of the gastrointestinal tract. In folk medicine, mallow (forest mallow) is used to treat inflammatory diseases of the digestive system, cystitis, cholecystitis, cough and pulmonary diseases accompanied by accumulation and poor secretion of sputum. An infusion of mallow flowers is used for inflammatory diseases of the upper respiratory tract, especially with hoarseness and a debilitating cough without sputum production: One teaspoon of dried flowers is poured into 1 glass of boiling water, infused ZOMIN. Take 1/3 cup 3 times a day.

Along with oral administration, the same infusion is used to gargle 5 to 8 times a day.
For persistent dry cough and laryngitis, drink an infusion of 50 flowers per 1 liter of boiling water (infuse ZOmin). A mixture that accelerates the production of abundant sputum: wild mallow flowers - 30g, veronica officinalis herb - 20 g, poppy petals - 30 g.
Take 40 g of this mixture per liter of boiling water, steam the whole night and drink 1 tablespoon every hour during the day.
For tracheitis, tracheobronchitis, 1 tablespoon of crushed leaves and stems is poured into 300 ml of boiling water. Leave for an hour, strain. Drink during the day. Mallow is included in many mixtures for the treatment of sore throat. Here is one of them: Pour one tablespoon of the mixture (scepter mullein mixed in equal parts with wild mallow flowers and coltsfoot leaves) with 200 ml of cold water, boil for 5 minutes, add chopped comfrey and valerian roots to the hot broth according to the South. Steam everything together in a closed vessel for an hour. Strain. Warm before rinsing. To care for facial skin, use a mask: 1 g of mallow root, 1 tablespoon of linden blossom, 1 tablespoon of honey. Pour 200 ml of water and boil for 10 minutes. Wipe face and neck. Article on the topic: Zharnovets paniculata - beneficial properties, description
For pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), take 3 - 4 times a day 1 teaspoon of wild mallow juice, squeezed from flowers and leaves during the flowering period in a mixture with honey 1:1 per 200 ml of water.

For anemia, take 40 g of roots, pour in 1 liter of white wine, leave in a dark, cool place for 2 weeks, shaking the contents periodically, and strain. Drink 3 times a day, 50 ml. For gastrointestinal diseases, use an infusion: 1 tablespoon of crushed leaves, pour 200 ml of cold water, leave for 6 hours. Drink 1/3 glass 3-4 times a day in small sips.

Externally, mallow is used in the form of poultices and compresses for the treatment of inflammatory eye diseases (blepharitis, conjunctivitis, etc.). To do this, use an infusion: Pour two teaspoons of raw material with 1 glass of boiling water, leave for 30 minutes, strain.

If you have a disease of the spleen, take hot baths at night from the herbs of mallow, Chernobyl, green oats and chamomile flowers. For one procedure, the raw materials are taken in equal quantities (150 g each), pour 5 liters of water, and boil for 20 minutes. and pour it into the bath. To treat internal organs, you can use an infusion of flowers and leaves: three tablespoons of crushed raw materials are poured into 1 glass of hot water, boiled for 10 minutes, cooled and filtered. Take 1/4 cup 4 times a day before meals. Odo of Mena writes about many more beneficial properties of mallow: “However, they (Dioscorides and Sextus Niger) consider mallow to be beneficial to the internal organs, since eating it will become like greens. And, they report. so the bubble is healed by it. And it serves as a defense against poisonous drinks. They both claim to have the leaves of mallow and willow. Grated in one weight, they heal bloody brine: Their leaves are better, faster than precious plasters. The authors themselves suggest that mallow is a powerful aid for crush injuries if you mix its lard with old lard. The root is the only one, if it is placed on the patient's place, the pain in the tooth is relieved. Grate mallow leaves, adding a little salt to them. You will remove growths from your eyes, and with the juice from mallow you will cure bee stings. If you combine olive oil with it. After anointing your body, don’t be afraid of a single bee.” In the Salerno Health Code we read: “Ancient physicians taught that mallow softens the stomach; Feeding scraped babies undoubtedly promotes stool II helps during childbirth, and tea) is useful for regulation.”

Avicenna in the “Canon of Medical Science” wrote about mallow: “Malva is useful for herpes and erysipelas, and the leaves of wild Mallow with Olives help against fire burns, as well as a decoction in the form of a pour... If you chew Mallow with salt and apply it to fistulas, then this will help. It is especially useful for small fistulas and fistulas in the eye. The leaves of the mallow and its entire flower soften the breasts, cause a flow of milk and soothe coughs arising from heat and dryness.” In the Botanical Dictionary of Hermetic Medicine we read: “Marshmallow (mallow). Cold and dry. Contains the powers of Venus. Our ancestors, as lovers of legends, used the smoke of this plant to ensure the virginity of their daughters.”

Mallow is a biennial plant with bright, large flowers. The length of the stem reaches approximately one meter. The plant consists of single stems. The roots are branched. The leaves are shaped like the outline of a heart, pubescent on the underside. They are arranged in a spiral. Flowers have long pedicels, numerous stamens and one pistil. The flowers are lilac or purple in color.

The fruits of mallow are dry, surrounded by a calyx and disintegrating into several achenes during ripening. Malva is popularly called forest mallow, and its scientific name is forest mallow, or marshmallow. They called it kalachik because the fruits of the plant, collected in a box, resemble kalach. And the name mallow, or proskurnik, is due to the fact that the fruits of the mallow were compared to church prosphora. Mallow seeds are kidney-shaped and dark or black in color. Flowering time – July – September.

Mallow grows in temperate climate zones in the European and Asian regions. It is considered a weed that can be found on roads, under fences, near houses and bushes, in grain fields, in sparse forests, and vegetable gardens. Mallow was cultivated in Ancient Egypt, as it was already used as a medicine.

Mallow in cosmetology

To create homemade cosmetics, we will use the following recipes:

1. For rashes on the face. Pour 30 grams of dry raw material into 1 liter of boiling water, leave for 30 minutes, filter. We wipe the skin 3 times a day.
2. Moisturizing mask. Grind 10 mallow petals into powder, add 1 tbsp. spoon of cottage cheese and cream, mix. Apply to the skin, hold for 15 minutes, rinse with warm water.
3. For strengthening and rapid hair growth. Mix equal parts of mallow flowers and leaves. Pour into a thermos, pour boiling water, leave for 30 minutes. Rinse your hair with the resulting liquid after each shampoo.

Culinary use

Plants from the mallow family have been used as a source of plant food for centuries, especially in Europe. The leaves can be boiled, fried or eaten raw. The leaves are also good to use in soups, as they give them a soft and pleasant taste. Mallow leaves can be added to tea, and the seeds have a spicy, nutty taste.

The plant can be used to produce cream, yellow or green dye. And the mallow stem can be used in the textile industry or in the production of paper and rope.

Author: Andrey Candidate of Sciences in Forestry. Author of 3 patents on the care and cultivation of plants at home. Author of more than 30 scientific articles in popular research journals. Just a nature lover.

Growing, harvesting and storage

You can grow mallow in a flowerbed near your home or in the garden between rows of vegetables. The plant is unpretentious, but it needs to be protected from strong winds and well lit by the sun.

For planting we use dried seeds. We sow in open ground in May. Water the grass only during prolonged drought. If the summer is not very hot, the mallow gets enough moisture from precipitation. To support the stems, we attach the grown bushes to a support in the form of a 1.5 m board or thick branch stuck into the ground.

Instructions for collecting and preparing medicinal raw materials:

• we tear off the above-ground part of the plant during the active formation of buds;
• we collect flowers together with the bowl;
• We dig up the roots in the fall, after the top part of the grass has dried;
• We dry the raw materials for 1 day in the sun and then transfer them to the shade;
• After the leaves begin to crumble in your hands and the roots become completely hard, put the mallow in canvas bags and put it away for storage.

Flowers and leaves retain their properties for 12 months, roots - 24 months. They do not lose their healing qualities if kept in a dry, dark place, separate from strong-smelling fruits and plants.

Descriptions and photos of the plant

Botanical name: Malva sylvestris.

It is a spreading perennial plant known for its fertility and long flowering period. Depending on the conditions, it grows from 60 to 120 cm in height, and spreads in width from 45-60 cm. In the natural environment, plants up to 3 meters are found. Mallow, also known as common mallow. The leaves are round with 3, 5, 7 or 9 lobes, rich green in color. Each leaf is 2-4 cm long and 2-5 cm wide, with raised veins throughout, and may be covered with villi on the underside. Throughout the summer, the leaves and stems become a little ragged.

The flowers grow in clusters of 2-4 around a strong, round stem, and appear at irregular intervals. Each flower has 5 purple petals with deep veins, up to 5 cm in size, the color of which deepens from the center to the edges. Mallow blooms from summer to autumn, with the first flowers opening at the base of the plant. This plant is self-pollinating, therefore it is an attractant for bees and butterflies. Fruits or nuts that contain brown seeds are called semi-fruits and resemble raw wheels.

The malvaceae plant family is quite large, with over 1,000 species, most of which are found in tropical regions of the world. Wood mallow is native to North Africa, Asia and throughout Europe and the UK, where it grows naturally in moist soil. Many of the mallow family are garden plants, including the famous pink marshmallow and hibiscus.

Throughout Europe, Malva sylvestris (forest) is often called Common Mallow and Marsh Mallow, although true Marsh Mallow has more mucilage and is different in appearance. Other common synonyms are Blue Mallow because purple flowers turn blue over time. There are other common names such as French Hollyhock, Striped Mallow, Tall Mallow and Roundleaf Mallow.

Traditionally, the flowers of the plant were used to make garlands for the May Day holidays. Each satiny flower petal resembles a purple ballgown, cinched at the waist where it meets the other four petals. Currently, the stunning color variety of this plant is highly valued by gardeners.

Research, medicinal properties after freezing

In addition to drying, another long-term storage method for mallow is often used - freezing. This method has the advantage of being able to obtain plant juice. After defrosting, the foliage releases moisture no less actively than fresh raw materials. Scientists also found that mallow does not lose its beneficial properties after cold processing. Proof of this is the experiments of specialists from the Egyptian Research Institute, conducted in the 90s of the last century.

When comparing the concentration of vitamins and microelements in frozen mallow and spinach, it was found that the former retains a set of beneficial qualities longer. During 3 months of being kept at a temperature of -18 degrees, spinach lost a lot of moisture, ash, and oxalic acid, and changes in the chemical composition of mallow were insignificant. However, scientists noted that it is impossible to defrost the product using rapid heating, since it actively loses its medicinal qualities.

Useful properties and uses of mallow

Description of mallow

Mallow is an amazing medicinal plant native to Africa, North America and Eurasia. Most often it is a biennial plant, although there are cases when mallow lives only one year. The plant is a low grass with a length of 30 to 120 cm. The stem is always pubescent at the base, and remains bare along its entire length. The root of mallow is taproot and has pronounced branching. The stem of the plant is straight along its entire length.

Leaves grow on long petioles of the plant attached to the stem. They are shaped like a round heart and have jagged edges. The leaf blade is pubescent and is divided into five or seven lobes. Mallow blooms incredibly beautifully. From June to August you can admire the beautiful large flowers. They often have five petals, colored bright pink or red. The shape of the flowers is oblong, ovoid with deep notches.

Each petal of the mallow flower has three dark stripes along its entire length. The fruit of the presented plant is usually dry. When ripe, it always breaks down into several small parts.

Beneficial properties of mallow

The chemical composition of the plant has been little studied. But it is known that mallow contains large amounts of vitamin C and A, carotene, and also secretes mucus. The seeds of the plant contain about 18% fatty oils. Mallow mucus has unique healing properties to a greater extent. It is thanks to this mucus that such a wonderful plant has an excellent enveloping effect. Mallow perfectly helps to liquefy and remove phlegm, and is also actively used in the composition of strengthening products.

Applications of mallow

For serious throat diseases and inflammation of the oral cavity, it is recommended to use special tinctures and various decoctions with the addition of mallow. Thanks to this particular healing plant, the mucous membranes are quickly restored and inflammation disappears. Mallow is often used as a compress for extensive wounds and ulcers. For puffy eyes, it is also recommended to use a special compress using such a healing plant.

Thanks to mallow phytoestrogens, compresses applied to the breasts significantly improve tissue elasticity. It should be mentioned that this medicinal plant is widely used in cosmetology. Mallow extract is used as a vitamin remedy that helps moisturize the skin and fight various purulent inflammations. You can also notice mallow in medicinal cosmetics, which helps restore the epidermis.

Growing mallow

Mallow tolerates drought well and is a very unpretentious plant. It grows well in fertile soils. The plant always needs watering, but does not tolerate stagnation of water. Mallow should be sown in mid-May, towards the beginning of June. Then in July next year it will be possible to admire its beautiful flowers. Usually, mallows are sown in their permanent place of residence immediately after cultivating the land. You can also use special seedlings. In this case, you need to sow the seeds in May and place them in a greenhouse.

After several leaves have developed, the plant can be replanted. Due to the fact that mallow grows very actively, you need to place seedlings at a distance of 40 to 60 centimeters from each other. It is also recommended to plant this unique plant along the fence or in open areas. You can place mallow as a single plant or in a group.