Description

COMMON NAME Mallow, Black Mallow Other: high mallow, Hollyhock, cheese-cake, cheese-flower, cheese-log, common mallow, ebegumeci, groot kaasjeskruid, high mallow, malva, mallards, mauls, schloss tea, Althea zebrina, and French hollyhock

BOTANICAL NAME Alcea rosea Plant Family: Malvaceae

OVERVIEW Malva is a species of the mallow genus Malva in the family of Malvaceae and is considered to be the type species for the genus. Known as common mallow to English-speaking Europeans, it acquired the common names of cheeses, high mallow and tall mallow (mauve des bois by the French) as it migrated from its native home in Western Europe, North Africa and Asia through the English-speaking world. Malva is a vigorously healthy plant with showy flowers of bright mauve-purple, with dark veins; a handsome plant, often standing 3 or 4 feet (1 m) high and growing freely in fields, hedgerows and in fallow fields.

CONSTITUENTS Mallow contains malvin and malonylmalvin. It also contains the naphtoquinone malvone A, which is also a phytoalaxin.

PARTS USED Dried flowers

TYPICAL PREPARATIONS Mallow has been used medicinally since ancient times, and is still used in modern phytotherapy. Mucilage is present in many of the Malvaceae family including M. sylvestris, rosea, especially the fruit. The seeds are used internally in a decoction or herbal tea as a demulcent and diuretic, and the leaves made into poultices as an emollient for external applications. Mallow can also be taken internally for its laxative effect.

PRECAUTIONS Specific: Black Mallow is possibly safe but We recommend that you consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.

For educational purposes only This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.