Malva, Mallow

Khubbazi (Unani)
Picture Gart der Gesundheit, Cuba, 1485

Picture New Kreuterbuch, Matthiolus, 1563

Picture Malva sylvestris
Koehler’s Medizinal Pflanzen, 1887

Picture Picture
Left: Musk Mallow   Right: Low Mallow
Flora von Deutschland (21), Kohler, 1885

Picture Members CLICK HERE for the PRO VERSION

Botanical name:


Malva sylvestris (syn. M. vulgaris)
A number of related Malva species are used similarly:
  1. Musk Mallow (M. verticillata syn. M. moschata, M. pulchella) is used the same, but is weaker. Seed is used in TCM
  2. M. neglecta (Dwarf Mallow) is also used, and is said to be stronger.
  3. M. rotundifolia (Low Mallow)

Parts used:


Leaf, flower,, Root
See also Mallow Seed

Temperature & Taste:


Cool, moist. Sweet. Leaf is Warmer, Seed is more Moist.
‘The Seed and Root have the same vertues’. (Schroder)

Classifications:


2A APERIENT.    2E LENITIVE.    2J. RAREFYING.    2L. EMOLLIENT.    2Q. ANODYNE.    2T. GLUTINATE.    2U. SUPPURATIVE
3H. LACTAGOGUE.    3K. EXPECTORANT.    3L. ANTI-TUSSIVE.    3M. ARTHRITICS.
4d. PECTORAL.    4f. SPLENETIC.    4h. NEPHRITIC
Preparers and Purgers of Bile
TCM:
C. Clear Damp, Promote Urine

Uses:


1. Clears Heat, Soothes the Stomach and Bowels:
-Loosens the Belly, benefits the Bowels

2. Clears Heat, Moistens the Lungs, Stops Cough:
-Cough, Bronchitis, Hoarseness

3. Clears Heat, Promotes Urine:
-burning Urine

4. Moves the Blood, Resolves Masses:
-Softens hardness

5. Resists Poison:
-Poisons

6. Externally:
-Eczema, dry or rough skin conditions


Dose:


Herb or Root in Powder: 2–4 grams
Flower is used in Conserves. In a tea, a pinch or teaspoonful can be used

Comment:


1. Mallow is one of the Five Emollient Herbs
2. Mallow herb and seed are used similarly

Correctives:


 … available in PRO version

Substitutes:


 … available in PRO version
Picture

Main Combinations:


Combined with the Emollient herbs Marshmallow, Beet, Mercury, Pellitory of the Wall, and Violet leaf. This combination is useful in any case that needs cooling, soothing and softening.

1. Cough:
i. Mallow flower,  … available in PRO version
ii. Mallow flower,  … available in PRO version
2. Constipation, Mallow  … available in PRO version
3. Heat of the Urine, combine Mallow,  … available in PRO version
4. Bladder Abscess, Mallow,  … available in PRO version
5. Water retention, Edema, Mallow seed with  … available in PRO version
6. Enemas:
i. Mallow leaf,  … available in PRO version
ii. Mallow leaf,  … available in PRO version
7. Fomentation for Hemorrhoids: Mallow,  … available in PRO version
8. Fomentation for Pleurisy, boil Wild Mallow leaf in oil, then put them in linen cloth and apply warm to the part. (The Secrets of Alexis, 1615)

Major Formulas


Infusion of Seven Flowers
Decoction to Cool the Blood (Wirtzung)
Syrup of Marshmallow (Fernel)
Powder for Bladder Abscess of Alexander Benedictus

Cautions:


Generally Safe.

Main Preparations used:


Distilled Water of the Leaves, less commonly a Conserve of the Flowers