MALLOW
(Malva neglecta)
low mallow, dwarf mallow, cheese plant, Malva rotundifolia
Description:
An annual or perennial weedy herb. Creeping, branching stems are
6-24 in. long. Leaves, rounded, crenate, slightly 5-7 lobed, downy,
on long petioles. Sessile purplish pink, trumpet-shaped flowers
are small, solitary or clustered in the axils along the stems.
Fruit round, flattened, resembling wheels of cheese. Whole plant
has a slimy sap when crushed. Throughout U.S. in old disturbed
earth, yards, roadsides, gardens, vacant lots.
Edible,
Medicinal: Leaves are edible and highly nutritious. High in
vitamin A, B, C. Young flowers used in salads, leaves and new
shoots boiled as a vegetable, plant used to thicken soup. Demulcent
and emollient properties make it useful in reducing inflammation,
pain, soothing to sore throats, tonsillitis, indigestion and a
soothing poultice, Used also as an expectorant and diuretic. Use
1-2 tsp herb to 1/2 cup cold water. Let stand 8 hrs. Take warm
to lukewarm.
(do not boil or steep in hot water)
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