Common Mallow

Botanical Name: Malva neglecta

In bloom

In bloom

Fun Facts:

  • Also know as Mallow
  • One of its nicknames is cheeseweed, because the seeds look like a cheese wheel and taste like cheese
  • Were used in garlands and other decorations on May Day

Location found:  Found in lawns, gardens, along roads, waste areas and barnyards.

Identification: Stem is round and thick.  Leaves are dark green, heart-shaped and tiny hairs on underside.  Flowers are pink/purple with five petals and dark veins.

Edible Parts: Roots, leaves and flowers.

Harvesting:

  • Do not pick near roads, walkways or other areas where there is potential of the area having been sprayed with chemicals.

Culinary Uses:

  •  Tea made from the root acts as a very good diuretic

Medicinal Uses:

  •  As a diuretic, is a blood purifier and helps eliminate toxins in the body
  • Is anti-inflammatory, so good for sores, injuries, swellings and broken bones
  • It alleviates inflammations and mouth irritations
  • Very useful in treatment of different sorts of respiratory complaints
  • Has astringent properties, aiding to stop bleeding or secretions
  • Helpful in cases of irritations produced by dry coughs, forming protective layers on the inflamed mucous membranes
  • Can be used as a laxative
  • Useful in treatment of gastroenteritis and constipation
  • Is a demulcent and a emollient
  • Can use the gooey juice of root or crushed leaves on burns or sunburns (like aloe vera)

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