Evidence supporting the use of: Mallow
For the health condition: Colds (with fever)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Mallow (Malva sylvestris) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, particularly in European and Middle Eastern cultures, for the treatment of respiratory ailments, including colds with fever. The plant is valued for its mucilaginous properties, which are believed to soothe irritated mucous membranes in the throat and respiratory tract. Traditionally, mallow has been administered as a tea, syrup, or infusion to alleviate cough, sore throat, and mild bronchial irritation associated with colds. Historical texts, such as those from medieval herbalists and ancient Greek physicians, reference mallow's use as a demulcent and mild anti-inflammatory agent.
Modern scientific evidence supporting mallow's efficacy for colds with fever is limited. Some in vitro studies indicate that extracts of Malva sylvestris possess mild anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and may have a soothing effect on mucous membranes due to their mucilage content. However, robust clinical trials in humans specifically evaluating mallow for the treatment of colds or fever are lacking. As such, while its use is grounded in tradition and supported by plausible mechanisms, scientific validation remains weak. Thus, mallow continues to be employed in folk remedies for upper respiratory tract symptoms, but should not be considered a primary or evidence-based treatment for colds with fever.
Other ingredients used for Colds (with fever)
aloe veragreen chiretta
anthocyanins
basil
bilberry
black cumin
black currant
blueberry
capsaicinoids
chamomile
citrus oil
clove
coconut milk
cowage seed
turmeric
elderberry
forsythia
garlic bulb
ginger
grape
green tea
lemon
licorice root
pear
plantain
pomegranate
quercetin
rhizome
rosemary
sage
sphaeranthus indicus
thyme
vitamin C
vitamin D
zinc
xanthium (cockleburs)
mugwort
nut grass
alpinia galangal
pistacia integerrima gall
blackboard tree
boxthorne
buckthorn
yerba santa
sweet flag
hyacinth bean
trichosanthes
aster root
indigo leaves
Avens
Agastache
Ardisia
acacia
Amomum
Asarum heterotropoides
Aconite
Ajuga
Andrographolide
Aerva lanata
Asam gelugor
Andrographis
Asteracea
Amor seco
Arani
Atractylone
Bermuda Grass
Baikal Skullcap
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bishop's Weed
Bayleaf
Black galingale
Bitter Grass
Bael
Baccharoides anthelmintica
Bur-Reed
Bee products
Black Nightshade
Bassia scoparia
Capillary Artemisia
Chinese Raisintree
Cowherb
Cistus
Common madia
Cinnamaldehyde
Celosia
Chrysophanics
Dragonhead
Eclipta
Little ironweed
Mallow
Vervain
Other health conditions supported by Mallow
Abdominal PainAbscesses
Acid Indigestion
Asthma
Backache
Belching
Boils
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Canker Sores
Chest Pain
Colds (general)
Colds (with fever)
Congestion
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Cuts
Dermatitis
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Ear Infection or Earache
Eczema
Emotional Sensitivity
Eye Infections
Eyes (red or itching)
Fever
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Glands (swollen lymph)
Headache (general)
Headache (sinus)
Headache (tension)
Inflammation
Insomnia
Itching
Kidney Infection
Labor and Delivery
Laryngitis
Leucorrhea