Mallow (Malva sylvestris and related species) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, particularly in European, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean cultures. Traditionally, the leaves and flowers of mallow have been used for their anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, commonly employed in the treatment of respiratory, urinary, and digestive tract irritations. In the context of backache, mallow was sometimes applied topically as poultices or included in herbal infusions intended to alleviate pain and inflammation, though this use was less common than for other ailments.

The rationale for its use in backache is based on the plant’s mucilaginous content, which is thought to soothe inflamed tissues. However, there is limited direct evidence—either historical or scientific—to support its efficacy specifically for back pain. While laboratory studies have shown some anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in extracts of mallow, these findings have not been translated into clinical trials or robust scientific studies validating its use for musculoskeletal pain or backache.

Therefore, mallow’s use for backache is rooted primarily in traditional practices rather than scientific validation. The overall strength of evidence supporting its efficacy for this specific condition is weak, primarily anecdotal, and not substantiated by modern clinical research.