Mallow: all the magical properties of this plant!
Mallow is a plant rich in magical properties. The properties of mallow, in fact, have been known since ancient times: the Greeks - who called it "malachè", or "soften" - used to consume it as a meal, while Hippocrates recommended it as a cure for its emollient and laxative properties. the Latins to give it the name of mallow, from the Latin "mollire", that is - once again - "to make soft".
Mallow, whose scientific name is "Malva sylvestris", belongs to the Malvaceae family, native to North Africa. It is a perennial plant that produces flowers with a typical pink-purple color, which has become a reference in the classification of colors (so much so that we speak of "mauve" color).
The truly magical properties of mallow derive from its richness in mucilage, a gelatinous fiber found in both leaves and flowers, and which has a high content of vitamins A, C, niancina, thiamin and riboflavin. It also contains essential oils and flavonoids. These substances all combine to determine the incredible wealth of properties of the mallow that we will now explore.
Properties of mallow for the well-being of the digestive, respiratory and immune systems
As anticipated, the mucilages of mallow are full of emollient and anti-inflammatory properties capable of acting on all the soft tissues of our body, protecting the mucous membranes from irritating agents. For this reason, mallow has an extraordinary action on the digestive system: it covers the stomach and intestines with a thin film that helps improve digestion and avoid gastritis and intestinal ulcers. Furthermore, its richness in fibers facilitates evacuation and represents a real panacea in case of styspsis problems.
The anti-inflammatory properties of mallow, then, are used to stop diarrhea, moisturize the colon and purify it, regulating its functions and reducing inflammation. If you suffer from constipation, mallow can be really useful in a completely natural way: therefore, it is recommended in case of pregnancy.
The magical properties of mallow also affect the respiratory system: mallow has the ability to reduce inflammation of the airways, treating laryngitis, bronchitis, pharyngitis, but also asthma, pulmonary emphysema and simple colds, reducing the amount of mucus. It can also be a valuable help in case of cough and sore throat.
Mallow also helps the immune system thanks to the high quantity of vitamins it contains, capable of keeping viruses and infections at bay. By taking it regularly you can prevent seasonal ills!
Mallow: the magical properties in the field of dermatology
The soothing properties of mallow are excellent for treating dermatitis, hives, pimples, but also sunburn or flaking. Wraps of this flower help our skin heal from eczema and prevent the formation of pimples and blackheads. In fact, mallow has the ability to disinfect the skin, even soothing itching. A real panacea in the field of dermatology and cosmetics!
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Mallow is also often used in case of insect bites, to soothe itching and burning.Just rub a few leaves of mallow on the bites to immediately contain their swelling! Here is a video for you to learn how to distinguish the different insect bites on which you can then apply the mallow:
All the other properties of mallow
The magical properties of mallow don't end there! This miraculous plant also works as a pain reliever: it can help relieve pain in case of gout, arthritis, rheumatism, muscle aches due to the "flu. The mallow infusion, if used to rinse, is excellent in case of gingivitis. abscesses or pyorrhea. Seeing is believing!
Mallow, then, has a calming power, so it helps relaxation if added to the bath tub, perhaps in the form of a decoction. A good herbal tea can help cure insomnia by inducing a state of drowsiness.
Finally, mallow can even help you improve the beauty of your hair: its essential oils help the hair grow faster, make it stronger and even more shiny! Here are other foods that are good for your hair:
How to take mallow and its magical properties
To benefit from the magical properties of mallow, we can consume it in the form of herbal tea (2 teaspoons of mallow will be enough for 250 ml of boiling water), infusion (5 grams of flowers or 10 grams of leaves to be left to infuse for ten minutes) or of decoction (30 grams of leaves for 3 liters of water to boil for 20 minutes before filtering).
Mallow, however, can also be used for cooking: added to salads, for example, or used as an ingredient in soups or risottos. It is also sold in the form of supplements.
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Mallow: contraindications
Mallow, as a natural ingredient, has many beneficial properties and few contraindications, which however should not be taken lightly. First of all, be careful if you suffer from diabetes: mallow lowers blood sugar and its intake, in these cases, must be kept under control. So check with your doctor before consuming it!
Its high fiber content can also interfere with the intake of other medications if taken in large quantities, as can its toxic properties. If you take several medications regularly, ask your doctor for advice as well.
Contact him even if you are pregnant: there is no evidence that mallow can be harmful, but it is always better to discuss it on a case-by-case basis because of its potential toxicity, also to understand in what doses it is recommended to take it.
For more useful information on mallow, you can visit the Humanitas website.
