Mallow (Malva sylvestris)

Other names: Mallow, Rabbit mallow, Cheese, Bread rolls, Homemade, God's cakes

Mallow (Malva sylvestris), also known as mallow, hare's mallow, mallow, cheese, breadfruit, hominy, or God's cakes, is a medicinal plant found almost all over Europe and southwest Asia. In the Czech Republic, this flower is very widespread. Mallow is a perennial herb that can reach up to a metre in height. It has characteristic soft, five to seven-lobed, alternate leaves and purplish-pink flowers. The plant is known for its medicinal effects on the respiratory and digestive tracts.

The forest mallow is used in many products, especially in medicine. Its main constituent is mucilage, which has the ability to soothe inflammation on mucous membranes and protect them. This is why mallow is often used in the production of syrups, cough lozenges, teas and other products designed to treat respiratory ailments. But its application is not only in medicine, you can also find it in cosmetics. It is successfully used in hair products (shampoos, conditioners), where it moisturizes and adds volume to the hair. The omega-3 fatty acids contained in the seeds of the plant are also used in skin care products. Mallow is little used as a food, but its young leaves and flowers can be added to salads or cooked like spinach.