Malvaceae
High Mallow
Malva sylvestris
✓ Generally Safe
Safe in Pregnancy
Native to: Europe, Asia, North Africa
Also known as: Common Mallow, Blue Mallow, Wild Mallow, Cheeses Plant
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
Parts Used
LeafFlower
Therapeutic Uses
Respiratory catarrh (demulcent expectorant), GI inflammation (gastritis, IBS, constipation), sore throat (gargle), skin conditions (topical wash), urinary catarrh.
Herbal Actions
Demulcent, emollient, anti-inflammatory, expectorant, laxative (mild — mucilage)
Active Constituents
Mucilage (polysaccharides — arabinogalactans), flavonoids (malvidin, delphinidin — flower blue colour, quercetin, luteolin, gossypetin), tannins, vitamins A and C
Preparation Methods
☕ Herbal Tea🏺 Tincture🧴 Salve/Balm
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | 2 tsp dried leaf/flower per 250ml, cold infusion 8h — cold preserves mucilage, 3x daily |
| Tincture | 4–6 ml (1:5, 25% ethanol), 3x daily |
| Notes | Beautiful blue flower tea. Cold infusion essential for mucilage. Fresh flowers produce intensely blue-coloured tea. Mild laxative from mucilage. Traditional European throat and chest herb. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
✓ Generally Safe
Pregnancy
Safe in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
Possible — consult doctor
Contraindications: Delays drug absorption. Otherwise extremely safe.
Side Effects: Mild laxative. Very well tolerated. Safe even for infants.