Mallows Malva rotundifolia and Malva sylvestris Family: Malvaceae CTFA names: Malva Rotundafolia Flower, Malva Sylvestris Leaf Powder

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Photo © Steven Foster

Introduction

Malva rotundifolia (dwarf mallow) and M. sylvestris (high mallow) are both referred to as malva.¹  Although they share many of the same properties,²  the mallows are considered inferior to the marshmallow (Althaea officinalis),a closely related genus.³  

The dwarf mallow and high mallow are both native to Europe and Asia.^3,4  Dwarf mallow grows and is cultivated extensively in Egypt and on the banks of the Nile⁴  while high mallow grows wild in the United States.⁵  

Dwarf mallow has prostrate stems and pale lilac flowers.⁴  High mallow is a biennial, usually grown as an annual,⁵  stands erect, and grows to 3-4 feet,^2,4  The heart-shaped leaves of the dwarf mallow and the stems and colorful bright flowers of the high mallow are used for medicinal purposes.⁴  

History and Cultural Significance

Mallow was often called “cheese” by children who loved to eat mallow seeds because the unripe seed capsule had the shape of a round of cheese.^2,6  It is thought that the Latin name, Malva, represents its soothing properties.⁷  

Since Roman times, high mallow has been grown as a medicinal plant and potherb.³  

Traditionally, high mallow was taken internally for bronchitis and bladder complications.⁸  However, high mallow was mainly used externally in forms of poultices (plant materials applied to the skin, usually in warm flannel) and fomentations (a hot, wet application)⁴  for itchy skin, eye irritation, and as a protective skin treatment for cracks, abrasions, chapping, and insect bites.⁹  

In folk medicine, dwarf mallow leaves were used internally for colds, inflammation of the airways, and as a mild astringent.⁸  Externally, both mallows were used for wounds when applied as a poultice.⁶  

Mallows are mucilaginous herbs (forming a thick, gummy liquid).²  Tea prepared from the leaf or root of dwarf mallow and high mallow helps sooth irritated membranes, especially of the digestive system.⁶  Mallow tea has been used to suppress cough, bronchitis, upset stomach, and inflammation.⁶  The thick gummy substance from the peeled root has been used to help relieve teething pain and constipation in children.¹⁰  

The German Commission E approved both leaf and flower preparations of M. sylvestris as a tea or gargle for the relief of sore throat and dry cough.¹¹  The French Explanatory Note of 1998 approved the use of the flower and leaf for symptomatic treatment of constipation.⁹  

Modern Research

Currently, there are no studies available on the use of Malva rotundifolia (dwarf mallow) or M.sylvestris (high mallow).

Future Outlook

Mallows are easily cultivated.⁵  Dwarf mallow is self-fertilized,⁴  and has been seen to produce normal mature plants from a single seed that had been dormant for more than a hundred years.¹²  High mallow colonizes roadsides in most of Europe, and its cultivated flowers can double or triple in size compared to that of the wild species.⁹  No information is currently available on the commercial cultivation of either mallow.