Mallow: medicinal properties and contraindications, benefits and harms of the plant

Mallow is a herbaceous plant that contains many useful substances. Thanks to the latest researchers, the medicinal properties of the herb mallow were found, which leads to its use in medicine. In addition, the plant is also used in cooking. What is the use of mallow, and how to use it correctly.

Composition and medicinal properties of stock roses

The healing properties of mallow are due to its constituent components. The flowers of the plant contain mucus, fructose, glucose, vitamin C (ascorbic acid). The chemical composition provides the expectorant effect of mallow products.In addition, the components of flowers are effective in the development of diseases of the epidermis and have a softening and regenerating effect

Mallow extract is rich in many industrial cosmetics, and it is also included in the preparation of homemade face and body creams. Active ingredients help to reduce the production of sebum of the skin, creating a protective film on its upper layer. The latter prevents dryness and gives the skin a well-groomed appearance.

The extract is obtained from fresh flowers by soaking. It contains vitamins: retinol, ascorbic acid, E, which have an antioxidant effect. In this regard, the extract is used in cosmetology - to improve the condition of the skin of the face.

Relevant studies have shown that mallow contains beneficial substances that have a similar effect to retinoids that stimulate skin renewal.So, due to the presence of polyphenols in the composition, the elasticity of the dermis increases, collagen is actively synthesized.

In the composition - polysaccharides, which have a moisturizing effect and do not allow the skin to "dry out", regulating the level of moisture in its layers. This property allows you to add the plant extract to children's products (creams, gels, lotions), anti-aging cosmetics, moisturizing emulsions.

Useful properties of seeds

Mallow herb owes its healing properties not only to flowers, but also to seeds, which have no less useful composition. Among the components included in the seeds are fatty oils that are useful in diseases of the respiratory system and are used to cleanse the lungs (bronchi) of pathogens.

Today, the seeds of a herbaceous plant are used as a seasoning, food additive in tea and coffee. In addition, an infusion from the plant can be drunk instead of tea. To do this, seeds in the amount of 2 teaspoons are poured with 300 milliliters of hot water, infused for 30 minutes.

For therapeutic purposes, plant seeds are used in the treatment of cystitis, skin diseases, poisoning (as an antiemetic). In some cases, seeds in complex therapy help to reduce the severity of symptoms of pathologies such as heart failure, dropsy, sperm incontinence.

What are the benefits of leaves

The benefits of leaves in the components included in the composition. These are effective in the development of various inflammatory processes, to relieve symptoms, including diseases of the respiratory system (bronchitis, pneumonia). Mallow leaves are used to prepare decoctions and infusions that have a diaphoretic and anti-spastic effect.

In addition, leaf-based products have an enveloping effect. For this reason, they are taken to treat colitis, gastritis, dysentery. In combination with other components, the leaves are used in the preparation of infusions and decoctions, which have anti-inflammatory and softening effects.

How the root is used

A plant growing in a garden is also effective due to its root, which is also used in the treatment of many pathologies. It contains more beneficial mucus than flowers and leaves. A decoction and infusion are prepared from the root for internal and external use. When applied externally, decoction and infusion help to stop inflammation in the dermis.

The root is also beneficial in the development of bronchitis, colds, is effective in the inflammatory process in the lungs, in diseases in the gastrointestinal tract. On its basis, diuretic agents are prepared.

Procurement and storage of mallow

For medicinal use, the leaves, roots and flowers of the herbaceous plant are harvested. Flowering occurs in July-August. It is during this period that the collection of the plant and its preparation for the winter is required. The flowers are plucked along with the bowl.

Drying is carried out in the open sun, and after the flowers wither, they must be transferred to the shade. Storage of finished raw materials - in a bag made of natural material. It is important to place it in a dry place where ultraviolet rays do not penetrate. Shelf life - up to 12 months.

The roots of the plant are recommended to be collected in the autumn, after the death of the ground part of the mallow. They must be carefully dug up, washed, removing the remnants of the earth, then cut into pieces and dried in an electric dryer. The shelf life of the roots is up to 3 years. Place them in cloth bags in a dry, ventilated place.

Recipes of traditional medicine

Infusion and decoction are prepared from medicinal herbs:

• take 1 tablespoon of dried root, leaves or flowers;
• fill raw materials with hot water in the volume of a glass;
• put the container on the fire and stand for 15 minutes or cover with a lid and insist for an hour;
• after - filter and use as intended.

The finished product is taken up to 4 times a day, 2 tablespoons. For the purpose of external use, they take not 1, but 2 tablespoons of raw materials per 200 milliliters of liquid.

Use in cooking

Herbaceous mallow is also used in the field of cooking. Food coloring is made from it. These are used to decorate desserts and cakes. In addition, the plant can be added to salads, stews, to give a sweet taste.

Contraindications for use

Means prepared on the basis of the herbaceous mallow plant are absolutely safe. The exception is cases when a person has individual tolerance to the components that make up the composition.Hypersensitivity is the only contraindication to taking infusion and decoction.

Before using mallow, consult your doctor. This will eliminate restrictions on receiving funds and negative reactions.

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