All information provided in this article is the result of research using (but not limited to) the following books and guides: Herbs for Health and Healing, Rodale; Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs, Scott Cunningham; Magical Herbalism, Scott Cunningham; The Complete Guide to Natural Healing, International Masters Publishers; Earthway, Mary Summer Rain; and Teach Yourself Herbs, Susie White.
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. An ancient Spanish proverb states, "A kitchen garden and mallow, sufficient medicines for a home." In fact, common mallow is valuable on two fronts; it has long been used as a food and as a medicine. The tender leaves and shoots of this plant have made quite a tasty addition to meals since the eighth century B.C. Its old German name also refers to the plant's edible properties. Once known as cheese plant, common mallow's fruit seems to resemble round farmer's cheese.
Although it is not as medicinally potent as its well-known cousin, marsh mallow, common mallow has similar therapeutic effects. Rich in mucilage, it helps to relieve bronchial congestion, coughs and sore throats. When it is applied as a poultice, its high tannin content eases swelling, alleviates skin irritation and heals boils, wounds, eczema, cuts and insect bites. In large doses, it has a laxative effect.
A woman's urine used to be poured over common mallow as a test for fertility. If the plant died, she was deemed infertile. If it lived, she was considered fertile.
Plant Facts
Common mallow, Malva silvestris , is a member of the Malvaceae family1 and can grow to a height of 5 feet. This perennial has a long taproot, five-lobed leaves with scalloped edges and its tall stems are covered in tiny hairs. Pale-pink to purple-pink flowers with dark veins will bloom from early summer to autumn.
Origin
Native to Europe, northern Africa and Asia and now naturalized in much of the Americas, common mallow is so robust that it grows easily in poor soil. It can be found along roadsides, fences and hedges, as well as in forests and meadows.
Common mallow requires very little attention. However, it is important to plant it in well drained soil that has been enriched with some organic matter, even though it will grow in poor soil. During its first year, water the plant during extended dry periods, so the roots will become firmly established.
| Here's the follow-up discussion on this article: | View all related messages |
For a complete listing of article comments, questions, and other discussions related to Ellen Lord's Herbal Lore topic, please visit the Discussions page.