What is Common Mallow?
When you hear the word mallow, what may come to your mind first might be marshmallow. However, in this case, the mallow here is not the marshmallow you know. Rather, mallow here is a medicinal plant used in different parts of the world to prevent, control, treat, and cure different health conditions. The mallow plant is native to regions like North Africa, Asia, and some parts of Europe.
Today, the plant is widely known and used more than it used to be in the past. This is courtesy of the health benefits it supplies. Dried leaves and flowers of the mallow plant are used to make teas and herbs for medicinal purposes. According to research, the mallow plant has some mucus-like substance that helps in soothing the mouth and the throat, especially in cases where there are sores in the mouth or throat.
Uses of Common Mallow
In addition, due to its natural properties, other studies have shown that the mallow herb can prevent infections, speed up the healing of wounds, and improve sleep, among others.
Apart from tea, healthy oil can also be extra ted from the seed of this plant. This is proof that no part of the mallow plant is useless. Every part of it is effective in the treatment of different health conditions. The plant’s seeds, leaves, and flowers have similar nutritional makeup, and these nutritional compositions are responsible for the effectiveness of the plant in maintaining a healthy body.
In addition, it is packed with quality and healthy nutrients that can meet over half of your daily required intake value of such nutrients. Below is the nutritional profile of common mallow.
Nutritional Profile of Common Mallow
Magnesium; one glass of common mallow herb contains 63% of humans’ daily required value intake of magnesium.
Vitamin E; one cup of common mallow tea contains 34% of the required daily intake value of vitamin E.
Vitamin C; one small cup of common mallow tea contains a whopping 93% of the required daily intake value of vitamin C. Hence its ability to speed up the healing process of wounds.
Copper; one glass of common mallow herb is packed with 23% of copper’s required daily intake value.
Iron; About 45% of the required daily intake value of iron is packed within one small cup of common mallow herb.
With these, consuming common mallow tea or herbs daily can supply you with almost all of the nutrients you need in sufficient amounts. What’s more? The health benefits that this plant can offer.
This article is loaded with the health benefits of common mallow. It elaborates on these health benefits to help you understand why you need to consider taking common mallow tea of herb.
Health Benefits of Common Mallow
Eliminates Inflammation
One of the most active agents in common mallow is its anti-inflammatory properties, effectively preventing and treating all forms of inflammation both within and outside the body. Studies have shown that the anti-inflammatory properties in common mallow are more effective in treating inflammation on the skin caused by insect bites, rashes, sunburn, and bruises, among others.
Applying crushed common mallow leaves to the affected area can improve the condition of skin inflammation. In addition, studies have shown that the oil extracted from the plant’s seeds is another effective remedy for inflammation, even more effective than some over-the-counter pain medications. Thus, applying the oil to your inflamed skin can have a soothing effect. Coupled with these, the oil can also be used to massage aching joints and bones.
Reduces and Treats Headache and Pain
According to research, common mallow has little amount of analgesia. This compound is effective in the proper management of pain. When applied to affected areas or injured parts of the skin, it brings relief in a couple of minutes of application. For general body aches and headaches, studies have shown that bathing in warm water mixed with a few drops of common mallow oil can help improve your condition, relieve you, and help you relax and sleep better.
Speeds up the Healing Process of Wounds
Leaving wounds unattended can cause the condition of the wound to worsen, especially when such a wound gets infected. Apart from its analgesic properties that bring relief to injured parts of the skin, common mallow also has other natural properties and nutrients like vitamin C in high amounts, all of which work hand in hand effectively towards speeding up the healing process of wounds. In addition to this, common mallow also has antibacterial properties that protect the wounds against infections during the healing process of the wound.
Delays Age-Related Skin Wrinkles
It can be frustrating waking up one morning to notice thin wrinkle lines lying lazily on your forehead and under your eyes. For you, old age is creeping in fast. Although it is a process that cannot be stopped, its effects on your skin can be delayed a bit to buy you more time to slay before it finally comes and overwhelms you. One such way is applying natural oils and bathing with natural herbs.
These natural herbs have a great history of maintaining healthy and strong skin, rich with sufficient elasticity to hide those stubborn wrinkles. Bathing with common mallow herbs regularly can protect your skin against age-related damage.
Boosts the Immune System
The immune system is simply the body’s greatest defense against infections. When this defense is down, the body gets hit by various forms of infections. However, maintaining a healthy and strong immune system can keep you away from the doctor for a long time. One of the excellent ways to maintain a healthy immune system is by eating healthy and consuming natural compounds that can support and improve the function of the immune system.
Studies have shown that chewing common mallow leaves or drinking herbs made from the flower can supply the body with natural properties that can support the immune system’s health. Its oil is also rich in these properties, such that when it is used in the preparation of meals, it also boosts the function of the immune system.
Improves Sleep
A poor sleep pattern or habit can be dangerous to both physical and mental health. Although, sometimes, poor sleep patterns could be a result of underlying health conditions that disrupt sleep, especially at night. In this case, going to the hospital to get checked and also treat the underlying health condition to the root can eliminate sleep issues. To support your treatment, you can consume common mallow tea.
Studies showed that it is effective in improving relaxation and sleep patterns. However, before using this herb or tea alongside your medications, you should speak with your doctor first to prevent complications from drug interactions.
Improves Digestion
Indigestion can be triggered by various factors ranging from severe underlying health conditions to food contamination. Whatever the cause o the indigestion is, it comes with severe discomfort. Studies have shown that common mallow can effectively boost the function of the digestive system while protecting gut health in the process.
Thus, with a common mallow herb or tea, you will experience no case or symptom of indirection. If you notice any symptoms of indigestion, you can combat it by chewing a few leaves of the plant or drinking the herb made from the flowers or leaves of the plant. Suppose indigestion persists after 2 days of drinking common mallow herbs. In that case, you should visit the hospital and get some tests done to ensure that any underlying health condition does not cause indigestion.
Conclusion
Common mallow is a medicinal plant that has proven to be effective in treating different health conditions. It supports general health by giving the immune system a maximum boost. The plant’s seeds, flowers, and leaves can be used to make herbs, tea, and oil, respectively, all packed with health-benefiting natural properties.
While using common mallow in treating or maintaining your health, it is best to consume it in moderate doses as excessive usage of the herb over a long time can lead to severe side effects. Also, if you are on any drug or medication, you should consult your doctor first about using common mallow. This will help prevent any form of drug complications or interactions.
