Nowadays, more people have started using medicinal herbs, due to the increasing the public knowledge, awareness and their tendency to use organic and healthy food. One of the reasons for this issue is that the medicinal herbs and the medicines that have used these herbs in their compositions have very few and limited side effects and also remove the effects of the disease from the body in a shorter period of time. Medicinal herbs such as thyme, rose, and mallow have countless properties and are very useful for the health of the body. The use of these herbs has become very popular among people and every day more people are attracted to use these types of herbs.
A short introduction of mallow
mallow with scientific name (Althaea officinalis) is known by different names. Althea, Angel, Khabazi Shajari and Panirek are some of the famous names of this herb. Mallow is a two-year flowering plant that grows in Europe, South and West Asia, and hot and dry regions of North Africa. Its fruits are obtained in summer. The height of this plant sometimes grows up to 3 meters and its flowers are in colors such as purple, red, pink, yellow and white. Three parts of the root, flower and fruit of this plant can be consume. Mallow has bright green leaves and a cylindrical stem with a light green color. In many countries, this plant is used to treat or prevent various diseases.
Forms of using mallows
- Using mallow seeds
mallow plant seeds have special fibers that are suitable for improving the digestive system. These seeds are used in the preparation of various medicines such as tablets, syrups and edible capsules. - Using dried flowers
After drying the flowers and petals of mallow, it can be used to prepare herbal teas. Mallow tea has a very unique properties. Also, the petals of this plant can be used in the preparation of various salads, stews and soups. - Use of essential oil and herbal Essence of mallow flower
The extract obtained from the root and stem of the mallow flower can be mixed with some water or tea as a medicinal drink. This drink is very useful for reducing all types of body inflammation and infections, as well as general strengthening of the body's immune system. - Use as food coloring
A kind of edible color is obtained from mallow, which can be used to decorate all kinds of food and drinks due to its attractive color.
Properties of mallow
Treatment of fever
In the past, people used mallow to reduce body fever and eliminate it. Mallow, with its rich compounds, helps the body against penetrating factors and removes the effect and inflammations caused by the presence of disease in the body. A cup of mallow tea insures you against many diseases such as colds and flu.
Wound and scar healing
One of the interesting properties of mallow is healing wounds and scars. This plant is used in the preparation of various ointments and creams that are used to heal wounds. Mallow petals can be pounded after soaking and then used as a salve on wounds or all kinds of wounds.
Strengthen the respiratory system
Respiratory problems such as asthma, nasal congestion, shortness of breath and bronchitis can be treated by grinding mallow root. The grind root can be poured into tea and consumed.
Digestive health
Mallow flowers and roots have a large amount of fibers that are very effective for the functioning of the intestine and stomach. Eating mallow prevents inflammation and diseases related to the digestive system and helps to digest food as much as possible. This plant plays an important role in the treatment of constipation, intestinal and stomach swelling, preventing bloating and stomach ulcers.
Burn treatment
Due to the hydrating properties of mallow, the petals of this plant can be used to treat all types of superficial burns and blisters.
Sore throat treatment
Herbal teas made from mallow plant are effective in improving sore throat and chest phlegm. Different parts of this plant, such as its root, stem and flower, can be used to make a medicine with excellent results for cough and sore throat.
Increase appetite
The presence of large amounts of starch in the mallow plant and especially its root has led to an increase in appetite, so mallow will be a suitable option for people who are interested in increasing their appetite.
hair health
Mallow has unique properties for hair, including preventing hair buzzing, creating more softness, more shine, and reducing dandruff and scalp dermatitis. There are many shampoos in the market that have used mallow in their ingredients.
Anti fungal, anti virus and anti bacteria
mallow has antibacterial properties to treat various infections such as respiratory and urinary tract infections. It can also be used to treat viral diseases such as colds and flu. This flower is also used to cure fungal diseases of the skin and hair.
Hydration
Mallow can help in hydrating and moisturizing the skin of the face and body, and in this way, it helps the freshness of the skin as much as possible and makes the skin soft and shiny.
women's health
Mallow can be used to treat some women's diseases that are related to menstruation and genital infections. The root and flower of this plant are effective for relieving menstrual pains and uterine infections.
Improve heart health
Research shows that the consumption of the extract of this plant can be effective in preventing the accumulation of fat in the walls of the vessels and reducing blood cholesterol levels. In fact, mallow has positive and significant effects in improving the function of the heart and blood vessels and blood flow in the body.
Treatment of urinary tract problems
Mallow is effective for soothing the kidney and bladder and cleaning it from waste materials. This valuable plant helps to remove excess fluids and toxins from the kidney and liver. Also, with the previously mentioned antibacterial properties, it reduces inflammation of the urinary tract and prostate in men and increases the health of the urinary tract.
Fight against free radicals
During the chemical interactions resulting from the decomposition of substances in the body, a large amount of free radicals are produced, which are harmful to the body. Due to its antioxidant properties, mallow destroys free and destructive radicals and thus prevents the destruction of body tissues.
Improvement of dry mouth
Dry mouth is a disease caused by decreased saliva secretion. In the long period, this can cause tooth decay, gum damage, and bad breath. Taking some autoimmune, anti-depressant and blood pressure medications can aggravate the problem of dry mouth. The use of mallow tea can increase the moisture in the mouth and the amount of saliva secretion and prevent diseases related to the mouth and teeth.
Anti-anxiety and sedative
Mallows increase the release of serotonin and endorphins in the body, thereby reducing stress and anxiety. Mallow tea is also suitable for people who do not have good sleep and wake up constantly during rest. It gives them a deep and comfortable sleep. This tea is also effective in reducing the effects of depression and mood disorders.
