Mallow leaves and flowers are harvested from June to August during dry weather flowering. The leaves are plucked with short stalks, and the flowers - one by one, without crushing - without stalks

The botanical name "malva" comes from the Greek word "malax" meaning slimy or one to soften.

The Mallow is not protected on the territory of our country. In addition to being medicinal, it is also used as a fodder and ornamental plant and it is also a honey-bearing plant.

It thrives in the sun or semi-shade, preferring average soil moisture and the possibility of draining the same. It spreads easily and self-seeds. It can be grown as an annual, perennial or perennial. The brightness of mallow colors depends on its sun exposure. The more they are illuminated by the sun's rays, the brighter they are and vice versa.

The flowers, whole stalks and leaves of the plant are often used in our folk medicine. The flowers and foliage are picked in dry weather, one at a time, and should not be crushed.

The stalks, under the same conditions, are cut with a length from the tip downwards of 20-25 cm.

The leaf mass intended for use must be young and free from rust, a disease from which the plant often suffers.

So it could be used as food and making herbal medicine.

Essential oil is also extracted from the plant, which is also used for medicinal purposes and has a tangible beneficial effect on the body.

In the past, mallow stalks were used to decorate homes, woven together as garlands. In the 19th century, in some European countries, the young leaves of the herb were used for food. This is not practiced today.

Nowadays, Mallow is the object of phytotherapy, especially thanks to the mucilaginous substances contained in its blossom 🌸

They take care of the health of the digestive and respiratory systems, as well as the urinary tract.

Mallow leaves can be consumed as a fast-acting and universal "antidote" for burns and irritation of the digestive tract.

The plant is used in the treatment of asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, cough, throat infections, oral cavity wounds, inflammation of the stomach and intestines.

It also has a cleansing and calming effect on the airways and the lungs in case of inflammation, while promoting their healing and faster recovery.

The impact that the topical application of Malva sylvestris has on the body is impressive. As an anti-aging agent you can always use a gel or cream containing the herb and keep your skin young.

The greens of the herb, in some parts of the world, are used as a substitute for spinach in soups, dishes, sauces, etc. It is also used as a thickener in some culinary works. The herb is part of an Egyptian dish called "Molokhia" and is served with chicken. In China, a soup is prepared from its roots, which is intended for consumption in case of heart failure. In 1948, when Jerusalem was under siege, mallow turned out to be a staple food in the city. Since then, the celebration of "Independence Day" there necessarily includes making a mallow dish.

Mallow has many benefits to our health. Some of them are:

• regulates metabolism;
• anti-inflammatory;
• bactericidal;
• softening and soothing the mucous membranes;
• laxative;
• astringent;
• sedative;
• antispasmodic;
• stimulates immunity.

Below are 2 recipes that could be useful to all.

Iced mallow tea:

The leaves of the herb are soaked in lukewarm water for several hours. This is how the healing properties of the substances from the "wand of God' are extracted and preserved. The resulting liquid is strained and drunk for cough, hoarseness and catarrh of the upper respiratory tract. The slimy ingredients in the tea coat and protect the inflamed tissues; It can be taken with a spoon 🥄 of honey.

Mallow infusion:

1 tablespoon of herb is soaked for 1 hour in 400 milliliters of boiling water. The liquid is filtered and taken in a dose of 1 wine glass, 3 times a day.

Shared with joy

A A

Stob, Bulgaria