Natural Herbal Beauty

Description: a vigorous, hardy perennial with round, lobed leaves and purple, five-petalled flowers, appearing throughout the summer and autumn. The plant will grow to 120 cm.

Parts used: aerial parts collected during flowering Actions: anti-bacterial, anti-tussive, demulcent, possible immune stimulant, mild laxative

Common mallow with its lobed leaves and bright purple flowers is a not unattractive common garden “weed” and hedgerow plant: it will, however, self-seed enthusiastically, so needs treating with caution in the garden.The botanical name derives from both the Latin malva and the Greek malake, which mean “soft” — a reference to its medical properties rather than to any particular softness of its leaves. (more…)

Marshmallow is a soothing, healing demulcent, considered valuable for all lung ailments, including asthma. It has been used for centuries to soothe sore throats, ease a cough, and treat ulcers and diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. It is particularly useful against irritations caused by diarrhea and dysentery. Marshmallow is also an excellent anti-inflammatory that helps relieve swollenand irritated joints.

DESCRIPTION AND PARTS USED

Many varieties of the mallow species grow well in home gardens and are a valuable addition to any herbal plot. The small-leafed mallow has long, slender stems, rounded toothed leaves, and small pale pink or lavender flowers. Its round fruits are known as “cheeses.” Country-bred children sometimes eat them when serving them to their dolls as a tea-party delicacy. (more…)