(un)Common Mallow

Disclaimer: This information is in no way intended to be a substitute for modern medical care. Do not self-treat any medical complaint without the guidance of a licensed health care provider.

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 family 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.

Parts Used
The flowers, leaves and roots of common mallow can all be harvested for medicinal purposes, while only the leaves, flowers and fruit are used as edibles.. Gather the leaves in spring and the flowers from early summer to autumn. After drying, keep the plant parts protected from light and moisture for a shelf life of one year.

Components
Common mallow derives its healing abilities from the mucilage and flavonoid glycosides found in its leaves and flowers. The plant also contains malvin, vitamin A and tannins, though its tannin action is considered to be mild.

Indications
Common mallow is used to combat colds accompanied by a sore throat, a dry, hacking cough and bronchitis. Its anti-irritant properties make it helpful as well for treating hoarseness and tonsillitis. As an anti-inflammatory, it is a gentle and effective remedy for cystitis and diarrhea. Externally, compresses made from the common mallow root can reduce swelling. The rich mucilage content in common mallow softens the skin and helps to heal topical wounds.

Methods of Administration

Tea
For cystitis and diarrhea, pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1-2 tsp. of dried mallow leaves or 1-2 tbsp. of fresh leaves. Steep for 10-15 minutes; strain. Or place the leaves in 1 cup of cold water for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally. Strain and drink 1 cup of tea several times daily. This tea will also help to alleviate gastroenteritis, bladder infections, coughs and bronchial congestion. Used as a gargle, the tea can soothe inflamed gums and sore throats.

Tea blend
For bronchitis, mix 1/3 tsp. each of mallow leaves, marsh mallow root and licorice root ². Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 heaping tsp. of the tea mixture and steep for 10 minutes; strain. Drink 1 cup of the tea 4 times a day.

Compress
For cuts or minor burns, use 1/2 cup each of fresh or dried mallow root, chamomile and marsh mallow root with 1/4 cup of crushed flaxseed. Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 tsp. of the mixture, let soak for 10 minutes; strain. Soak a clean cotton cloth in the brew, wring out and apply the cloth to the affected area.

Kitchen Hints

Sauteed in oil, the young leaves make a delicate vegetable side dish and can also be added to salads.
Its fruit can be pickled in vinegar and used as a substitute for capers.
The flowers were once used to tint cotton candy.

Guide to Cultivation
You can purchase common mallow seeds and plants from specialized herb nurseries and through catalogs. The plant is also extremely winter hardy, so you do not need to mulch it for protection from cold weather.

Seeding and planting

In March or April, prepare a small tray with seed-growing medium or soil.
Scatter the seeds in the tray. Cover them well with soil and mist them with water from a plant sprayer.
Maintain a temperature of about 68°F. Keep the seeds continuously moist until they start to germinate.
The seeds will germinate after 14-20 days. Once they have sprouted, they should be kept in a sunny, moderately warm location, such as a windowsill.
When the seedlings have reached a height of 1-2 inches, transplant them to their own individual pots.
After mid May, plant the young mallow seedlings 12-15 inches apart in deep pots or directly in the ground outdoors. For more vigorous growth, plant them in soil enriched with compost.

Propagation
Common mallow can be propagated by root division in the spring or fall. Water the plant well 2-3 hours before digging it up. Carefully dig up the plant and use a knife to divide the clump into 2 or 3 pieces. Plant each new clump in well prepared soil. Or take cuttings from shoots that are growing from the plant. Put them in water until they have rooted; then plant them.

Mallow rust is a fungal disease that affects common mallow. If the leaves turn yellow with orange spots, cut them off and destroy them; clean any tools with alcohol.

Magickal Uses

Gender: Feminine
Planet: Moon
Element: Water
Powers: Love, Protection, Exorcism
Magickal Uses:

If your love has left you, gather a bouquet of mallow and place in a vase outside your door (or window). This will cause him or her to think of you, and after that they may return.
Mallow is carried to attract love.
To make an effective protective magickal ointment, steep mallow leaves and stems in vegetable shortening, then strain. This ointment rubbed onto the skin casts out devils as well as protects against the harmful effects of black magic.

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Sources:
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; Teach Yourself Herbs, Susie White; Natural Beauty from the Garden, Janice Cox; Nature's Prescriptions, Editors of FC&A Medical Publishing, and The People's Pharmacy Guide to Home and Herbal Remedies, Joe Graedon and Theresa Graedon, Ph.D