Chinese Mallow (Malva verticillata), known as "dong kui zi" (冬葵子) in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), has been historically used to address urinary tract issues, including bladder infections. In TCM practice, it is considered to have "diuretic" and "clearing heat" properties, which are believed to help promote urination and alleviate symptoms such as painful or difficult urination, often associated with urinary tract infections (UTIs). The seeds of Chinese Mallow are frequently included in herbal formulas designed to "drain damp heat from the lower burner," a TCM concept related to infections and inflammation in the urinary system.

However, there is limited scientific research specifically investigating the efficacy of Chinese Mallow in treating bladder infections. A few in vitro studies have reported mild antibacterial activity of Malva species extracts against certain bacteria, but these findings are preliminary and have not been translated into clinical recommendations. The use of Chinese Mallow for bladder infections remains primarily rooted in traditional practices and historical texts, rather than modern clinical evidence. Therefore, while its use is well-established in TCM, robust scientific validation is lacking, and evidence is best characterized as traditional with low to moderate support.