Blue Malva Flower Profile
Also known as
Malva sylvestris, Alcea rosea, Althaea rosea, Althea Rose, Hollyhock Flower, Malvae arboreae flos, Malva, Malva Flower, Rose Mallow
Introduction
The blue mallow is robust plant of prairies and pastures growing 3 to 4 feet (90 to 120 cm) high and bearing bluish-purple blossoms of five petals. Grazing animals tend to avoid the plant because it becomes a gluey mass when it is chewed. Humans, however, have used blue malva leaves and flowers as thickening agents for soups and stews for hundreds of years.
Constituents
Mucilage, tannins, and antioxidant anthocyanins including delphinidin and malvidin. Malva flowers contain more mucilage than malva (mallow) leaf.
Parts Used
Dried flowers.
Typical Preparations
Traditionally used as a tea sweetened with honey; also used in herbal teas.
Summary
The mucilages in blue malva flowers soothe sore throat caused by coughs and colds. Poultices of blue mallow flowers are also used to disinfect wounds. A complex polysaccharide in the herb known as arabinogalactose may have immune-stimulant properties.
Precautions
Avoid if you have gallstones.
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
