Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 3

Mallow (Malva sylvestris) has a long history of traditional use in herbal medicine, particularly for supporting the health of mucus membranes. Historically, herbalists in Europe and the Mediterranean regions have used mallow leaves and flowers as demulcents—agents that soothe and protect irritated or inflamed internal tissues. This is largely attributed to the plant’s high mucilage content, a gelatinous substance that can coat the mucous membranes of the mouth, throat, stomach, and intestines, providing relief from irritation and dryness. Traditional applications include soothing sore throats, coughs, digestive tract irritation, and mild inflammation of the oral and pharyngeal mucosa. While there is some preclinical evidence indicating that mallow’s mucilage can have a protective effect on tissues, robust clinical trials in humans are limited. Most of the support for its use comes from ethnobotanical records and historical texts rather than modern scientific validation. Therefore, while the traditional use is well documented and biologically plausible, the scientific evidence base is not strong enough to warrant a higher rating.

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