What is Malva for?

Mallow is an edible floral plant commonly used for medicinal purposes, since since ancient times it has been discovered to relieve respiratory, digestive and skin conditions. Its leaves and flowers are usable from this plant, being a source of vitamin A, B1, B2 and C. It also contains mineral salts such as calcium, magnesium and iron, mucilage, antosianosides and tannins.

There are approximately more than 30 species of this floral plant, and it can be 20 to 150 cm tall. It is very abundant in Europe, grows wild in all seasons of the year and is easily propagated in empty fields. Also, it is found in western Asia and Africa. In Latin America it has a presence in temperate countries (Chile, Argentina, Uruguay).

Uses and benefits of Mallow

For human consumption it is used in Greek and Roman gastronomy, mixing it with abundant vegetables. In Moroccan cuisine it is used to stir it as a salad. In addition, it is also used as a natural coloring in some processed foods.

As if that were not enough, it is an excellent food for domestic animals, being ingested by livestock and other species due to its high nitrogen content and the other properties mentioned above, such as vitamins, or minerals such as calcium, iron and magnesium.

However, mallow not only serves as another ingredient, but also has great medicinal and healing properties that can alleviate different symptoms of various pathologies.

Medicinal properties of Mallow

As we have already mentioned, this plant can be used to treat various symptoms. The infusions and amalgams prepared with the leaves and flowers of the plant are known, being one of the oldest practices transmitted from generation to generation. The best known ways of preparing this plant are:

• The decoction: boiling its leaves or flowers for 15 to 20 minutes, resulting from this technique the well-known infusions, tea and herbal teas. To eat it, it must be left to rest, then remove the flowers and serve with a little sugar if desired.

• Gargles: infusions are used and gargles are made that spray the throat. This helps relieve aches and pains.

• Plasters: using the ground and compacted leaves and flowers, they are placed on the affected skin. This contact softens the mixture and adheres to the skin. This is used to treat inflammations on the skin.

• Ointments: when a fatty substance is added to the ground leaves and flowers, such as oils, or petroleum jelly, it can be used on bites, bumps, and bruises.

This plant can contribute to the treatment of a series of diseases that can affect the body. It is recognized that it acts effectively in the following ailments: liver diseases, as it is an excellent purifier through its diuretic action; relieves heart disease, as it contains a substance that balances cholesterol in the blood and improves blood pressure.

It also serves to improve insomnia; Relieves headaches; it serves as an anti-inflammatory and acts on diseases such as arthritis, rheumatism, and allergies; It is used as a healing agent for the skin, and also serves to improve hoarseness and hoarseness.

Mallow tea for weight loss

Mallow is given qualities that help people lose weight. Among the faculties that make this possible we find: it is an excellent diuretic, increasing the elimination of toxins from the body; it is a natural astringent, which prevents inflammation of the skin and organs, particularly those housed in the abdominal area of ​​the body; It is a natural laxative, since its high fiber content activates the intestinal movement and helps eliminate solid waste generated by the body.

The combination of these effects is ideal for weight loss. However, the consumption of mallow tea should be accompanied by a proper diet, and if possible, physical activities that help achieve the objectives. Once you have this, the mallow will help keep the body in better health.

It is always recommended that a nutritionist be consulted so that he or she builds a suitable diet in each case. The absolute consumption of mallow infusions will not do any effect if you do not maintain a good diet.

What is mallow for in hair?

This plant is used to strengthen and grow hair. The treatment applied to obtain these results is very simple and takes little time.

You only have to have two leaves of this plant and a cup of water. Both ingredients are placed in a blender, and it dissolves, leaving a homogeneous mixture. This fusion is placed on the scalp for about 15 minutes, and then removed with plenty of water.

Practicing this simple treatment at least once a week will allow the hair to grow healthily.

Mallow tea to de-inflame

Another of the properties that mallow has is that it is an excellent anti-inflammatory. To reduce inflammation of the skin, it is recommended to place a mallow tea compress on the affected part and its component, called tannin, will allow the inflammation to disappear.

In cases of stomach or intestinal inflammation, the consumption of mallow tea is indicated at least once a day, which will significantly improve this ailment. If the inflamed part is located in the throat, gums or teeth, it is advisable to gargle mallow tea in the morning and at night, which will reduce this ailment day by day until it disappears.

Mallow contraindications

Until now, no side effect is recognized that may adversely affect the body. However, it is advisable to consume it in moderation, since excessive consumption could cause sore throats or respiratory problems.

Although these cases are rare, it is recommended that if you feel any similar symptoms, stop consuming it immediately. If the symptoms are severe or persist, you should call your doctor or go to the hospital for a better check-up.