Edible Parts: Flowers  Leaves  Seed
Edible Uses: Tea

Leaves - raw or cooked[2, 4, 7, 9, 94, 183]. Mucilaginous with a mild pleasant flavour, they are nice in soups where they act as a thickener[5]. The young leaves also make a very acceptable substitute for lettuce in a salad[K]. Immature seed - raw[183]. Used as a nibble[183], the seeds have a nice nutty flavour[12] but are too fiddly for most people to want to gather in quantity[K]. Flowers - raw. Added to salads or used as a garnish[183]. A pleasant mild flavour, with a similar texture to the leaves, they make a pleasant and pretty addition to the salad bowl[K]. The leaves are a tea substitute[46, 183].

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Antiphlogistic  Astringent  Demulcent  Diuretic  Emollient  Expectorant  Laxative  Salve


All parts of the plant are antiphlogistic, astringent, demulcent, diuretic, emollient, expectorant, laxative, salve[4, 7, 9, 21, 46, 222, 238]. The leaves and flowers can be eaten as part of the diet, or a tea can be made from the leaves, flowers or roots[222]. The leaves and flowers are the main part used, their demulcent properties making them valuable as a poultice for bruise, inflammations, insect bites etc, or they can be taken internally in the treatment of respiratory system diseases and problems with the digestive tract[4, 238, 254]. When combined with eucalyptus it makes a god remedy for coughs and other chest ailments[254]. Mallow has similar properties, but is considered to be inferior to the marsh mallow (Althaea officinalis) and are seldom used internally[4]. The plant is an excellent laxative for young children[7]. The leaves can be used fresh whenever they are available or can be harvested in the spring and dried for later use[254]. The flowers are harvested in the summer and can be dried for later use[254]. The German Commission E Monographs, a therapeutic guide to herbal medicine, approve Malva sylvestris for cough, bronchitis, inflammation of the mouth and pharynx (see [302] for critics of commission E).

Dye  Fibre  Litmus

Cream, yellow and green dyes can be obtained from the plant and the seed heads[168]. A tincture of the flowers forms a very delicate test for alkalis[4, 115]. The leaves are used to relieve insect bites and stings[53]. A fibre obtained from the stems is useful for cordage, textiles and paper making[115].

Special Uses

Dynamic accumulator  Food Forest