Let me introduce you to this grand little plant that grow all over our yard. It has a nice, long taproot and is a booger to pull from the garden. For years I fought it. I had absolutely no idea that it had value as a medicinal herb and as a food plant! Sheesh. I struggled for nothing (like usual, my real struggle is against my ignorance. The Lord put this neat little gem right where I could see it and I didn't recognize it's true value).
There are a few types of mallow that are found. I have common mallow in my yard (our yard is dry). But you can also find marsh mallow near wetlands and ditches. No mallow in your yard? Well, do you have hollyhocks? They are closely related and can be used interchangeably! (I love learning things like that!)
Mallow:
Marsh Mallow (Althaea officinalis)
Common Mallow (Malva neglecta)
Parts used: leaves, flowers, roots (leaves and flowers can be harvested now. you need to wait until the fall to harvest the roots... right now all the plant energy is going to the flowers and leaves.)
Action (remember, this is the action the herb has on your body):
demulcent: soothing to irritated and inflamed body tissues (demulcent herbs will soothe your irritated digestive, urinary, or respiratory tract) (internal)
expectorant: helps break up mucus and get it up and out
emollient (Marsh variety): soothing and softens your skin (eternal)
Preparation/Dosage: Decoction: chopped root, in boiling water. Combines well with coltsfoot or comfrey for cough. With dandelion for digestive. I've used it for digestion, but not for cough. I'll be pulling a lot of roots this fall for in hopes to comfort little ones when they get those winter coughs.
Poultice of the leaves can be used for skin inflammation.
I came across this neat use for the flowers while doing my research: An old peasant remedy: flowers boiled in water and oil with honey and salt as a gargle for sore throats.
The ancient Romans ate Marsh Mallow Root as a delicacy. (seriously!) It's been used as a food plant for people and animals for centuries (not strictly a medicinal herb). So, it's considered very safe to consume it in large quantities without any dangers or side effects (but, use common sense) The fiber in the root helps control blood sugar spikes after eating.
So, can you see yourself putting mallow root to use in your home?
There are a few types of mallow that are found. I have common mallow in my yard (our yard is dry). But you can also find marsh mallow near wetlands and ditches. No mallow in your yard? Well, do you have hollyhocks? They are closely related and can be used interchangeably! (I love learning things like that!)
Mallow:
Marsh Mallow (Althaea officinalis)
Common Mallow (Malva neglecta)
Parts used: leaves, flowers, roots (leaves and flowers can be harvested now. you need to wait until the fall to harvest the roots... right now all the plant energy is going to the flowers and leaves.)
Action (remember, this is the action the herb has on your body):
demulcent: soothing to irritated and inflamed body tissues (demulcent herbs will soothe your irritated digestive, urinary, or respiratory tract) (internal)
expectorant: helps break up mucus and get it up and out
emollient (Marsh variety): soothing and softens your skin (eternal)
Preparation/Dosage: Decoction: chopped root, in boiling water. Combines well with coltsfoot or comfrey for cough. With dandelion for digestive. I've used it for digestion, but not for cough. I'll be pulling a lot of roots this fall for in hopes to comfort little ones when they get those winter coughs.
Poultice of the leaves can be used for skin inflammation.
I came across this neat use for the flowers while doing my research: An old peasant remedy: flowers boiled in water and oil with honey and salt as a gargle for sore throats.
The ancient Romans ate Marsh Mallow Root as a delicacy. (seriously!) It's been used as a food plant for people and animals for centuries (not strictly a medicinal herb). So, it's considered very safe to consume it in large quantities without any dangers or side effects (but, use common sense) The fiber in the root helps control blood sugar spikes after eating.
So, can you see yourself putting mallow root to use in your home?
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