Mallow (Malva sylvestris) has a long history of use in traditional medicine, particularly in European and Mediterranean cultures, for soothing skin irritations and relieving itching. The leaves and flowers of mallow contain mucilage, a gel-like substance that forms when the plant is mixed with water. This mucilage is believed to create a protective barrier on the skin, helping to reduce irritation and promote healing. Traditional herbalists have often used mallow as a poultice or in topical preparations to address minor skin ailments, such as eczema, insect bites, and general pruritus (itching).

Scientific validation, however, remains limited. Some in vitro studies have demonstrated anti-inflammatory and soothing effects of mallow extracts, which could theoretically support its use in relieving itching. However, robust clinical trials in humans are lacking, and the majority of evidence comes from case reports, traditional texts, and small-scale studies. Overall, the justification for using mallow to treat itching is primarily traditional, supported by historical use and plausible mechanisms, but not confirmed by high-quality scientific research.