The healing properties and contraindications of mallow, the benefits and harms of the plant
Mallow is a herb that contains many useful substances. Thanks to the latest researchers, the medicinal properties of the mallow herb have been found, which determines 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-rose
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 the 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..
Many industrial cosmetics are rich in mallow extract, and it is also included in the preparation of homemade face and body creams. The active ingredients help to reduce the production of sebum of the skin, create 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 proven that mallow contains beneficial substances that have a similar effect with retinoids, which stimulate the renewal of the skin. So, due to the presence of polyphenols in the composition, the elasticity of the dermis increases, collagen is actively synthesized.
The composition contains polysaccharides, which have a moisturizing effect and do not allow the skin to "dry out" by regulating the level of moisture in its layers. This property allows you to add plant extract to baby products (creams, gels, lotions), anti-aging cosmetics, moisturizing emulsions.
Useful properties of seeds
The mallow herb owes its medicinal properties not only to flowers, but also to seeds, which have an equally useful composition. Among the components included in the seeds are fatty oils, which are useful in diseases of the respiratory system and are used to cleanse the lungs (bronchi) from pathogenic microorganisms.
Today herb seeds are used as a seasoning, food additive in tea and coffee. In addition, the infusion from the plant can be drunk instead of tea.For this, seeds in the amount of 2 teaspoons are poured with 300 milliliters of hot water, infused for 30 minutes.
For medicinal purposes, the seeds of the plant 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, and sperm incontinence.
Why leaves are useful
The benefits of the leaves in the components that make up the composition. They are effective in the development of various inflammatory processes, to relieve symptoms, including diseases of the respiratory system (bronchitis, pneumonia). Mallow leaves are used for the preparation of decoctions and infusions, which 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 infusion and decoction, which have an anti-inflammatory and softening effect.
How the root is used
A plant growing in a garden is effective due to its root, which is also used in the treatment of many pathologies. It contains more useful mucus than flowers and leaves. A decoction and infusion are prepared from the root for internal and external use. When used externally, the decoction and infusion help to stop inflammation in the dermis.
The root is also beneficial for the development of bronchitis, colds, is effective in the inflammatory process in the lungs, in diseases in the gastrointestinal tract. On its basis, agents with a diuretic effect are prepared.
Procurement and storage of mallow
For medicinal use, the leaves, roots and flowers of the herb 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. They pick the flowers together 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 cannot penetrate. Storage duration is up to 12 months.
It is recommended to harvest the roots of the plant in the autumn, after the ground part of the mallow dies off. They must be carefully dug, 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.
Traditional medicine recipes
An infusion and decoction are prepared from a medicinal herb:
- take 1 tablespoon of dried root, leaves or flowers;
- pour raw materials with hot water in the volume of a glass;
- put the container on fire and stand for 15 minutes or cover with a lid and insist for an hour;
- after - filter and use as directed.
The finished product is taken up to 4 times a day, 2 tablespoons. For the purpose of external use, take not 1, but 2 tablespoons of raw materials per 200 milliliters of liquid.
Cooking use
Herbaceous mallow is also used in the culinary field. Food colors are prepared from it. These are used to decorate desserts and cakes. In addition, the plant can be added to salads, stews, for a sweet taste.
Contraindications for use
Means prepared on the basis of the herbaceous mallow plant are absolutely safe. The exceptions are cases when a person has an individual tolerance of the components that make up the composition. Hypersensitivity is the only contraindication to taking infusion and decoction.
Before using mallow, you need to consult a doctor.This will eliminate restrictions on the reception of funds and negative reactions..
