My first post on this blog for herbs. The first of many, many posts on herbs (I hope!)

First, Latin binomials (genus species names) are important, and this herb is a very good reason why. Common mallow refers to several different plants, like Sida cordifolia or Malva neglecta. To state the obvious, different plants have different constituents (active ingredients) and different uses. I will always list the common name, but also the Latin binomial, so you know that you are referring to the same plant I am. If you google image both Latin binomials above, you’ll see that the plants are entirely separate plants (although they are in the same family).

This is mallow growing in my front flower bed. It grows, well, like a weed. The roots are very long, and once it is established, it is very hard to get rid of. I still (kinda unintentionally) grow it because it is hardy and can work as an herbal substitute for marshmallow (Altheae officinalis). It is also edible – the leaves will substitute for spinach in a pinch (which I can’t seem to grow this year).

To identify mallow, notice that the leaves are lobed and round. It has very small pink or white flowers that as the season progresses, will tun into little buds that look like wheels of cheese.

The wheels are edible, too. Mallow can be used as a green in salads, stir fried with onion and olive oil, or thrown in a soup. Big chunks of it (raw) remind me of okra with that ‘slime’ feel to it – but I think mallow tastes better!

Malva neglecta is a very good skin herb – and as such a good herb for the stomach as well. It is usually used as a water extraction (tea) as the desired constituents come out better in water than in alcohol or oils.

This herb contains a lot of mucilage (slimy stuff that has immunomodulating properties). What this means for you is that if you made mallow tea 3 days ago, it is probably developing strands of mucus while it’s hanging out in the fridge. Mallow tea goes bad quickly (just like marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) tea), so it’s best to consume it within 24-36 hours of brewing it. The mucilage is great for sore throat and stomach issues, though. It also can coat medications and make them pass thru your system unchanged, so if you are on any pharmaceuticals, it’s best not to drink the tea or eat the herb within a couple hours of taking them to avoid issues with absorption.

Per Holmes, to use medicinally, it’s 8-16 grams a day as an infusion (tea) or 2-4 mL of tincture (1:5 in 25% alcohol). I have had made marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) tincture once as a special order, but I have never used it myself. Honestly, I drink marshmallow (I could substitute mallow) tea every day because I live in a very dry climate. It helps me not look so much like the Crypt Keeper.