Mallow forest: medicinal properties and contraindications

Mallow forest is an extremely useful herbaceous plant. Due to the content of a whole list of useful components, including many vitamins, it is widely used not only in medicine, but also in cooking and cosmetology.

Chemical composition

The chemical composition of the plant is extremely rich. It is this fact that allows you to use it for the treatment and prevention of various diseases of the human body, widely used in cosmetology and cooking.

In the mallow forest experts found the contents of the following therapeutic chemical components:

1. Phenolcarboxylic acids (including ferulic acid).
2. Terpenoid compounds (diterpenoids, monoterpenoids, norsesquiterpenoids).
3. Phenols and their derivatives (tyrosol and 4-hydroxybenzyl alcohol).
4. Coumarin (kopoletin).

Green leaves of the plant are rich in flavonoids, and flowers are rich in anthocyanins (pigments). Massive stems and leaves are full of fatty acids. Fruits contain therapeutic chemical elements, such as acids (steric, malvic and dihydrosteric) and fatty oil (up to 20%). In addition, all the aerial parts of the healing plant are rich in vitamins. Vitamins C and A are represented in greater quantities. In addition to vitamins, the ground parts have mucous and tannins, as well as sucrose.

How it looks and where it grows

Forest mallow is known worldwide for its incredible fertility. A herbaceous perennial plant has a sprawling appearance and a very long flowering period. Its dimensions depend directly on natural conditions. Thus, plant growth can vary from 50 to 130 cm, its width varies less - from 40 to 65 cm. In nature, you can easily find specimens more than 3 m high.

The plant is also known by another name. You can often hear that mallow is called common mallow. The leaves of this plant always have a round shape and a rich green color. On them you can always see an odd number of blades. There can be either 3 or 9. The size of green leaves is rather big. In height, each leaf can be from 1.5 to 4.5 cm, but in width a little more - from 3 to 6 cm. The upper part of the leaves is always covered with many branching veins, and from the inside you can often feel small fibers. Over the entire summer period, the stems and leaves of the plant begin to have a shabby appearance.

In a long flowering period, plants on large, thick, round stems form clusters of flowers. They grow in different places in heaps on average 2–5 pieces in one place. Each flower is large enough, its diameter is about 6 cm. The flower has 5 large petals, painted in a rich purple color. On each petal there are many veins, and the violet color is enhanced from the center to the edges.

The flowering season of forest mallow begins in the summer and ends in late autumn. The very first flowers appear at the very base of the stems. The plant does not attract either bees or butterflies, is self-pollinating. After the flowers fade, in their place appear fruits in the form of nuts or fruits, the so-called "semi-fruit." Inside them are the seeds of the plant, which are brown in color.

Mallow forest is a representative of a large family of Malvaceae, which includes more than 1000 different species. More plants of this family can be found in the tropical latitudes of the globe. Wild mallow in the wild is found only in North Africa, Asia, partly Europe and the UK. It is these territories that are considered the birthplace of this species. Here, the culture grows in ordinary moist forest soils. In other countries, forest mallow is perfectly cultivated and appreciated by gardeners.

Collection and storage

Traditional medicine in the preparation of various medicinal preparations from forest mallow uses absolutely all parts of the plant, from rhizomes to flowers and seeds. All green parts that are above the surface of the earth must be collected before the flowering period begins. When collecting, it is necessary to cut the leaves, including petioles, not larger than 3 cm. Thus, the green leaves of the plant can be harvested from July to October. Flowers should be harvested when they are still in the bud, their corollas and petals begin to turn bright pink. The main thing is that the stamens have not yet appeared. As for the rhizomes, they are harvested exclusively in the autumn period.

The necessary parts of the plant collected at a certain time must be dried in a special way. Only in this case will it be possible to preserve all the healing and beneficial properties of the mallow forest. First you need to grind parts of the plant, then lay out outdoors in hot weather. It is important that direct sunlight does not fall on the plant. The pallet should be in the shade, and the pieces themselves should be laid out in one layer. If it is not possible to dry on the street, then this can be done indoors, following the same instructions. After proper drying, the flowers, rhizomes and leaves collected by the banks can be stored for 2 years.

Medicinal properties of mallow forest

Such a rich history of the use of forest mallow as a medicinal plant appeared due to the content of special mucus. It is she who has the special effects of moisturizing and soothing pain. Among all its species relatives, forest mallow is far from being the species that is rich in high mucus content. However, in those areas where mucus-rich plants are not found in the wild, people actively use forest mallow. The highest content of healing mucus is noted in the fruits and its seeds. Of these, decoctions and special teas for internal use are most often prepared.

To treat various mechanical damage to the skin surface (wounds, bites, cuts, etc.) people actively use mallow leaves, making special poultices from them. From rhizomes, seeds and fruits, plants make valuable volatile oil. It is it that perfectly helps to cope with tooth pain and insomnia, and also has antibacterial, astringent and antifungal properties.

In Europe, it is customary to soften the mallow forest mucous membrane of the oral cavity if a person is tormented by a dry cough. In addition, the plant eliminates respiratory disorders. Mallow also helps with bronchial diseases. If you take it inside, you can see that the chemical elements contained in the herbaceous plant have a favorable calming effect on the central nervous system of the body. This allows you to bring a person to a calm state, relieve nervousness and stress.

The usefulness of forest mallow is also unique for a wide variety of diseases of the digestive system of the body and urinary tract and organs. The chemical constituents of the plant have a laxative and diuretic effect, which allows you to quickly and painlessly cleanse the body.

Forest mallow in folk medicine

Forest mallow has been used in folk medicine since ancient times. That is why the whole of humanity knows its many medicinal properties, and in ancient books many healing recipes with this plant are written.Infusions, decoctions, tinctures, mixtures and other variations of natural preparations with mallow are used both externally and internally. They can cure almost all diseases.

Infusion on the Mallow

To prepare such an infusion, it is necessary to prepare the leaves and flowers of the plant. Place 1 tablespoon of the finished ingredients in a glass of freshly boiled water. Cover the infusion with a lid on top and put in a dark place for at least half an hour. During this time, the raw materials will infuse and be ready for use. Use it in half a glass in the morning, at lunch and in the evening.

Cold infusion on the leaves of mallow forest

In order to prepare a cold infusion of healing herbs, you need to take 2 tablespoons of a dry plant. Pour this powder with cold water. Be sure to boil the cooled water before this. Leave the infusion for 8 hours, so that it is well saturated. When it is completely ready, filter off dry pieces of grass. You can take the mood no more than 2 times a day. Before use inside, the liquid must be warmed up.

Anti-inflammatory infusion

To prepare such a solution, it is necessary to take mallow as a basis, it will be used about 300 g. Herbs such as Chernobyl and chamomile, stock-rose grains must also be added to it. Take all these components in a volume that is 2 times less than mallow. Place the necessary raw materials in one dish and pour 1 liter of freshly boiled water on top. Now the healing elixir should be well infused, this happens throughout the whole day. After this period, carefully strain the infusion through 2 layers of medical gauze. Now the broth from the mallow is completely ready, it can be used for its intended purpose. This is done as follows. Liquid with herbs completely pour into the bath. A person needs to take such healing water procedures before going to bed. Then he will quickly be able to cope with various inflammatory diseases of the spleen.

Infusion against a strong cough

To prepare such a healing infusion, 50 flowers of forest mallow are used. They must be put in a deep bowl and pour 1 tablespoon of boiling water on top. The solution should be infused for one hour. Then it can be used for internal use.

Infusion on stems and green leaves

For people with various diseases of the bronchi, there is a good recipe using mallow. It is necessary to take the green stems and leaves of the plant, carefully chop them together. This drug will need about 40 g. Add 200 ml of boiling water here and leave everything for 3 hours for insisting. After preparation, the infusion must be filtered, after which it can be taken orally throughout the day.

Recipe from Mallow Forest Juice

This recipe will be extremely useful for those who have pancreatic inflammation (in other words, pancreatitis). Taking this medicine 4 times a day will significantly correct the situation in a short time. Here you will need a special juice of forest mallow, which was pressed in a certain way from green leaves and flowers of the plant during the period when it actively bloomed. Juice will need 1 tablespoon. Pour it into a glass of water at room temperature. There, add 1 tablespoon of good honey. Mix everything thoroughly and drink.

Anemia infusion

It is necessary to take 60 g of powder from the dry roots of plants and pour 1 tablespoon of good wine. It must be white. Next, place the infusion in a container and close the lid. Send the bank to a dry and dark place for at least 3 weeks. During this period, be sure to shake the dishes several times so that precipitation does not form. After the liquid is infused, strain it thoroughly through layers of gauze. Drink this medicine at least 3 times a day. For this, each time it is necessary to measure 60 ml of the drink.

Types of healing compounds

Forest mallow is rich in so many useful and unique chemical elements that it is widely used everywhere not only in folk, but also in industrial medicine.In the manufacture of medicinal preparations, all parts of the plant are used, from the roots to the flowers and seeds. In folk medicine, there are many different recipes, including infusions, tinctures and decoctions on the mallow forest.

Infusion

The tool perfectly helps people with various diseases of the respiratory system. If there is a terrible cough, but it does not produce phlegm, this infusion will best help. It is also extremely useful in a hoarse voice.

Tincture

Tinctures on mallow are most often prepared for external use. As a rule, they are used to wipe the skin of the face. Less often, you can find special lotions on damaged areas of the body.

Decoction

In folk medicine, decoctions of mallow are common, which are used, as a rule, inside. It is prepared from the roots of a plant and consumed when the liver solidifies. Also, root broth is used outside. Poultices for ulcers and places where tumors formed are prepared from it. A decoction in which not only the roots, but also the aerial parts of the plant are used, is used for cardiovascular ailments.

Application in cosmetology

In the cosmetology industry, mallow forest has long been considered "a genius of pure beauty." This definition is given to the plant for a reason. Everyone has long known for its excellent anti-inflammatory properties. However, a wide range of forest mallow does not end there. Many have heard that this plant is capable of great production of a special substance - melanin. That is why infusions on mallow are often used as face lotions that perfectly cleanse the skin and give it an unusual bronze tan.

Recipe for Mallow Infusion Lotion for Face
To prepare a miracle cure for your skin, you will need 80 g of dry roots of forest mallow. This raw material must be poured with white wine and cold (previously boiled) water in a ratio of 1 to 1. Now thoroughly shake the whole mixture and remove for 2 weeks in a dark place. When the infusion is ready, it must be filtered through gauze. Now it can be used to rub face skin daily.

Special extracts from the plant are also often used. They can be found among the ingredients of various therapeutic gels, creams and tonics. Such remedies containing mallow forest are extremely useful for overdried skin.

For girls who suffer from the frequent appearance of acne and facial contamination, any cosmetic preparations containing mallow forest are perfect. After all, the extracts contained in them quickly have a therapeutic effect on the affected areas.

Few people know, but the same extracts from the plant are extremely useful for hair. And that is why they are often used among protective ingredients (during straightening). To do this, apply liquid to the hair and do not rinse off anymore. Also this useful ingredient is widely used in shampoos and balms. Such drugs can quickly get rid of split ends.

Forest malva in cooking

All plants from the Malvaceous family have been actively used in cooking for millennia. They always had a rich supply of nutrients. Such practice was widely used in European countries. The leaves of this plant are great for frying and cooking, and they can also be safely consumed raw. The correct solution is to use the leaves of the plant in the preparation of various soups and liquid dishes. Mallow forest will give them an unusual pleasant taste. In addition, it is good to add leaves to tea. Seeds are rich in spicy nutty taste. Thanks to such an abundance of possibilities, there are many unusual and very tasty culinary recipes using the mallow.

Wild Green Plant Soup

Ingredients:

Green grasses (including sorrel, hogweed, plantain, sour, clover, nettle, chickweed, quinoa, Ivan tea and forest mallow) - a bunch of each species.

Potato - 3 tubers.

Process:

1. To prepare an unusual and healthy soup, start by thoroughly washing the greens. Then finely chop each bunch. Then fill all the green grass with water heated to a boiling state. You can also use hot broth cooked on mushrooms.
2. At this time, make the frying of finely chopped roots and chopped onion. All together, send to boiling oil in a pan and bring to a golden color. When the roasting is ready, send it to the pan to the greens.
3. Now peel the potatoes, rinse them well and cut into small cubes. Cubes also send to the pan. Now turn on the fire and cook the soup until the potatoes are ready.
4. 15 minutes before removing from heat, add a few leaves of laurel tree, a pinch of salt and pepper to the soup. Potion to try. If it turns out to be too acidic, then this can be easily fixed with a spoonful of sugar.

Now you can serve the soup to the table. Be sure to add fresh sour cream or yogurt to it.

Herbal Egg Omelet

Ingredients:

• Plantain Leaves - 20 g.
• Dreams - 10 g.
• Butter - 15 g.
• Hogweed - 10 g.
• Large chicken eggs - 2 pieces.
• Forest mallow - 30 g.
• Black pepper and salt - a pinch.

Cooking method:

1. Boil all green plants thoroughly in boiling water, and then send to a skillet in melted butter for 5 minutes, so that the greens are well extinguished. In this case, it is necessary to add spices, salt and pepper to taste. Further this greens prepared in a special way will be used as forcemeat.
2. Now make a special mixture for the preparation of the omelet from dairy products such as milk and eggs, be sure to add salt. Thoroughly mix all the liquid and send to the pan, where the fat was melted in advance.
3. Wait until the eggs begin to thicken slightly. At this point, put green minced meat in the middle of the dishes and wrap it on all sides with an unprepared omelet. When the dish is completely roasted, it can be served to the table, be sure to turn over the scrambled egg pie with filling, putting on the plate the side where the seam is.

Okroshka with radish and mallow forest

Ingredients:

• Green leaves of forest mallow - 300 g.
• Small radish - 2 pieces.
• Boiled potato tubers - 5 pieces.
• Small fresh cucumber - 2 pieces.
• Greens (dill and parsley) - 100 g.
• Kvass or whey - 2 liters.
• Salt and black pepper - a pinch to taste.

Cooking method:

1. Fresh, green leaves of the forest mallow should be sent to boiling water to boil them. Then cool them and then finely chop.
2. Peel and chop the boiled potatoes in advance until they are diced.
3. Next, grate a well-washed radish.
4. Now send all the ingredients in one bowl, salt and pepper well and mix thoroughly. Then put the dish in the refrigerator for at least an hour and a half.
5. After that, season the cold salad with finely chopped greens and season with kvass or whey.

The dish is ready, it can be served to the table. It is important not to forget the fresh cold sour cream.

Potato casserole with wild mallow and herbs

Ingredients:

• Fresh milk - 30 g.
• Chicken eggs - 3 pieces.
• Green Mallow - 90 g.
• Dreams - 60 g.
• Hogweed - 70 g.
• Plantain Leaves - 60 g.
• Salt and pepper - a pinch to taste.

Cooking method:

1. The first thing to do is mashed potatoes. Rinse potato tubers thoroughly under running water. Then peel them, cut into small cubes (so the potatoes will be cooked much faster and it will be easier to crush).Slices of potatoes to the pan, pour water and send to the fire. Necessarily at the beginning of cooking the future mashed potatoes are well salted. When the potatoes are cooked, add butter and warmed milk to it. Now it’s good to push it over, and then beat it with a blender to the state of sour cream.
2. At the next stage, cook all the greens. To do this, send it under running water to rinse well. Then carefully chop the leaves and stems. Ready plants to send to the pot with boiling and salted water. After the grass has boiled well, remove it from the fire, drain the water and let it cool well.
3. At this time, prepare omelette liquid from eggs and milk. Mix the two products well, beat with a fork. Then be sure to add salt, black pepper and the necessary spices.
4. Now all the ingredients are ready to cook potato casseroles with herbs. To do this, you need bulk dishes with sides. Warm it up a little and grease thoroughly. Send mashed potatoes there, followed by boiled greens. Pour omelette liquid together and season well with spices, pepper and salt. Dishes with the ingredients should be sent to the oven. Willingness to watch every few minutes. As soon as an appetizing, golden crust appears, the dish can be removed, cooled and served.

Stewed mallow with herbs

Ingredients:

• Forest mallow (greens) - 40 g.
• Hogweed green - 20 g.
• Greens Dreams - 20 g.
• Green plantain (leaves) - 30 g.
• Dandelion greens - 20 g.
• Sorrel Leaves - 15 g.
• Onion - 40 g.
• Carrot - 20 g.
• Wheat flour - 15 g.
• Salt, black pepper and spices - a pinch to taste.

Cooking method:

1. To get started, collect all the greens in one dish and rinse it thoroughly under running water. Then wipe the wet greens and finely chop with a knife.
2. All pieces of plants are immediately sent to boiling water over a fire and slowly simmer, constantly stirring.
3. Wash, peel and chop the onions and carrots during this time to the required state and send to oil. Washed and chopped sorrel are also added to onions and carrots.
4. When the grass in the bowl is almost ready, add the sautéed ingredients to it. Separately, pass the black pepper, salt, spices and flour at this time. At that moment, when the greens are completely softened, add a mixture of seasonings and flour to it. Now mix the dish thoroughly, remove from heat, cool and serve in portions to the table.

Contraindications

There are many species and subspecies in the Malvaceous family. You can often hear that different species are called the same forest mallow. This is due to the fact that all plants are very similar, and people may not understand them. That is why it is very important, choosing a plant, to make sure that it is forest mallow. Otherwise, when consumed, side effects cannot be avoided.

It is not strange, but the forest mallow is exactly the plant that has practically no contraindications. The only thing worth considering is the individual intolerance to preparations containing in the plant, to exclude allergies.

Photo of mallow forest