Malva sylvestris

Mallow

Malvaceae

Evidence: InsufficientCaffeine Free EuropeDigestive ComfortThroat ComfortCold Season

Save to favorites

Identity

Common Name: Mallow
Scientific Name: Malva sylvestris
Botanical Family: Malvaceae
Native Region: Europe, western Asia, North Africa
Cultivation Regions: Europe, Asia, North Africa, North America
Plant Parts Used: Leaves, Flowers
Synonyms: Common Mallow, Cheeseweed, High Mallow
Caffeine Level: Caffeine Free

An erect perennial 30-120 cm tall with rounded lobed palmate leaves and clusters of pinkish-purple five-petalled flowers with darker vein stripes; the leaves and flowers are the part used.

Historical Background

Mallow has been a soothing herb of European and Mediterranean gardens since antiquity, praised by Dioscorides and Pliny as a gentle demulcent for throats and digestion. Its soft leaves and pink-purple flowers brew into a mild, mucilaginous cup long prized for comfort.

Earliest recorded uses: European and Mediterranean medicine since antiquity; a soothing demulcent praised by Dioscorides and Pliny.

Traditional preparations:

Leaf-flower infusion
Soothing throat tea
Cold infusion for delicate mucilage

Traditional Uses

These uses document historical traditions and do not imply proven effectiveness.

Traditional European Herbalism

Soothing demulcent for throat, chest, and digestion.

Modern Herbalism

Gentle demulcent and skin-soothing tea.

Flavor & Aroma

MildGreenSlightly SweetMucilaginous

Aroma: Mild, green, slightly sweet, mucilaginous

Tea Information

Suitable for Tea

Yes

Preparation Methods

Infusion, Cold infusion

Steeping Temperature

200°F (93°C)

Steeping Time

10 minutes (or cold overnight)

Recommended Vessel

Teapot or cold infusion jar

Blends Well With

Marshmallow Root, Slippery Elm, Licorice Root, Honey, Lemon

200°F (93°C) 10 minutes (or cold overnight)

Safety & Cautions

Contraindications

Generally very safe in tea amounts; mucilage may slow absorption of oral medications (take 2 hours apart).

Drug Interactions

Mucilage may reduce absorption of oral medications; separate by at least 2 hours; consult a clinician.

Pregnancy

Generally regarded as safe in tea amounts.

Children

Very gentle; widely accepted as a soothing tea.

Allergies

Possible in those sensitive to Malvaceae; rare.

Known Adverse Effects

Generally very well tolerated; mild GI effects or allergic reactions rare; high mucilage may slow medication absorption.

Research Summary

Evidence Level: Insufficient

Mallow has a long tradition as a soothing demulcent for throat and digestion. Clinical evidence is insufficient; its mucilage provides comfort, but it is not a treatment for cough, sore throat, GERD, or any disease, and may slow medication absorption.

Evidence levels reflect the currently available scientific literature and may change as new research emerges. Where evidence is limited or conflicting, this is stated plainly.

References & Sources

EMA HMPC · Malvae folium/flower monograph (2015)
PubMed · Malva sylvestris review (2018)

Related Herbs

Caffeine Free

Althaea officinalis

Marshmallow Root

Malvaceae

Faint, sweet, earthy

Evidence: LimitedCoughSore Throat

Caffeine Free

Tilia cordata

Linden

Malvaceae

Sweet, honeyed, floral

Evidence: LimitedRelaxationSleep Support

Caffeine Free

Ulmus rubra

Slippery Elm

Ulmaceae

Mild, earthy, slightly sweet, mucilaginous

Evidence: InsufficientDigestive ComfortCold Season