English Mallow
Description: English Mallow grows to about
36" in height. It has small but attractive pink flowers carried without
stems. As the flowers fade, round, flat seed capsules called "cheeses"
form. English Mallow is a member of the hollyhock family. The leaves and roots
have been used as vegetables and medicines since ancient times. The name comes
from the Greek word altho which means "to heal".
Medicinal Use: English Mallow is used primarily for its soothing
properties, and a cold maceration of the root will be of help in soothing
the digestive tract and ease gastric ulcers. It is also useful in chest colds
and bronchitis.
English mallow has been used to help heal ureters and urethra when there has
been damage from kidney stones. A poultice of the leaves or powdered root
can be used for boils, abscesses, ulcers and other skin conditions. An infusion
of the flowers was used historically as a mouthwash.
Culinary Use:
* The nutty cheeses can be sprinkled in salads.
* The young leaves and shoots can be shredded and added to salads and soups
* The roots can be parboiled, then fried in butter.
Cultivation: This perennial can be grown from seed sown in autumn or late winter, from cuttings taken in spring, or from offsets in autumn. English Mallow needs a sunny, moist location with rich soil. When it dies back in winter, remove the old growth.
Harvesting: Cut leaves and flowers as required. Collect the green seeds when plump.
