© Meneerke bloem · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Commons
Malva sylvestris
Wilde Malve · (Malva sylvestris)
Mallow family (Malvaceae)
Description
Malva sylvestris is a species of the mallow genus Malva, of which it the type species. Known as common mallow to English-speaking Europeans, it acquired the common names of cheeses, high mallow and tall mallow as it migrated from its native home in Western Europe, North Africa and Asia through the English-speaking world.
CONTRAINDICATED for children
Per EMA, not for children under 12 years — there is insufficient data on safe use in this age group.
- GargleLeafExternalTraditional use
Soothes irritation of the mouth and throat mucosa and the associated dry tickly cough by coating the irritated areas with a fine film of mucilage.
Preparation & dosage
COLD INFUSION (important — the mucilage is heat-sensitive): Steep 1–2 g of crushed dried mallow leaves in 150–250 ml of cold water for 1–2 hours, stir occasionally, then strain. Use lukewarm to gargle and rinse the mouth 2–3 times a day. Either swallow sip by sip or spit out. If there is no time for a cold infusion, warm the water to a maximum of 40 °C and do not boil.
- Dry amount
- 1–2 g
- Liquid amount
- 150–250 ml
- Doses per day
- 3×
- Max duration
- 1 weeks
⚠ Age restriction: ≥ 12 years — Per EMA, only for adults and adolescents from 12 years onwards — insufficient data for younger children.
- TeaLeafInternalTraditional use
Soothing tea for dry cough — the mucilage forms a protective film over the irritated airways of the throat.
Preparation & dosage
COLD INFUSION (recommended): Steep 1–2 g crushed mallow leaves in 150–250 ml cold water for 1–2 hours, strain, briefly warm to drinking temperature (do not boil). Drink one cup 2–3 times a day, total daily amount about 5 g dried leaves. For dry irritating cough, drink slowly in small sips so the mucilage coats the throat.
- Dry amount
- 1–2 g
- Liquid amount
- 150–250 ml
- Doses per day
- 3×
- Max duration
- 1 weeks
⚠ Age restriction: ≥ 12 years — Per EMA, only for adults and adolescents from 12 years onwards.
- TeaLeafInternalTraditional use
Helps with mild stomach and gut discomfort by coating and soothing through the action of the mucilage.
Preparation & dosage
COLD INFUSION: Steep 1–2 g crushed mallow leaves in 150–250 ml cold water for 1–2 hours, strain. Drink one cup 2–3 times a day between meals. The mucilage soothes the irritated stomach and intestinal mucosa.
- Dry amount
- 1–2 g
- Liquid amount
- 150–250 ml
- Doses per day
- 3×
- Max duration
- 2 weeks
⚠ Age restriction: ≥ 12 years — Per EMA, only for adults and adolescents from 12 years onwards.
- TeaFlowerInternalTraditional use
Like the leaf tea — soothing for dry cough and scratchy throat. The flowers additionally contain anthocyanin pigments.
Preparation & dosage
COLD INFUSION preferred: Steep 1–2 g dried mallow flowers in 150–250 ml cold water for 1–2 hours, strain. The infusion turns a beautiful bluish-violet from the anthocyanins (malvin) and gradually shifts towards greenish over time — that is normal. Drink 2–3 times a day, total daily amount about 5 g flowers.
- Dry amount
- 1–2 g
- Liquid amount
- 150–250 ml
- Doses per day
- 3×
- Max duration
- 1 weeks
⚠ Age restriction: ≥ 12 years — Per EMA, only for adults and adolescents from 12 years onwards.
- GargleFlowerExternalTraditional use
Mouth rinse and gargle for irritation of the mouth and throat mucosa.
Preparation & dosage
COLD INFUSION: Steep 1–2 g dried mallow flowers in 150–250 ml cold water for 1–2 hours, strain. Use lukewarm 2–3 times a day to gargle or rinse the mouth. Do not prepare hot — the mucilage would be destroyed.
- Dry amount
- 1–2 g
- Liquid amount
- 150–250 ml
- Doses per day
- 3×
- Max duration
- 1 weeks
⚠ Age restriction: ≥ 12 years — Per EMA, only for adults and adolescents from 12 years onwards.