Most people know mallow tea as a component of various fruit teas. The tea is also available in its pure form, prepared only from the blossoms of the wild mallow (Malva sylvestris). FITBOOK reveals what healing agents are in mallow tea, where the tea helps and how to prepare it.
Even in ancient times, the wild mallow from the mallow family was considered a medicinal plant. Prepared as mallow tea, the drink not only pampers our taste buds, but also helps with a variety of ailments due to its health-promoting effect.
What ailments can mallow tea help with?
Mallow tea is particularly helpful for inflammation. It is considered a proven remedy for dry coughs, sore throats and diseases in the mouth and throat such as gum or oral mucosa inflammation. Inflammation in the gastrointestinal area or in the bladder can also be alleviated by the healing effect of mallow tea. Especially in the case of diarrhea, the active ingredients in mallow cause the mucous membranes in the intestine to contract, which alleviates the diarrhea.
What active ingredients are in mallow tea?
The substances contained in mallow tea have an anti-inflammatory and astringent effect. Astringent means contracting and means that the protein structure changes due to the active ingredients and the tissue contracts as a result. Mallow tea also has a positive effect on the skin. The mucous membrane-friendly effect of mallow tea is due to the mucilage contained in the flowers, which are composed of long-chain sugar molecules from glucose. In addition, the mallow blossoms contain a large amount of flavonoids, which have been shown to have an anti-cancer effect and strengthen the body’s own defences.
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Is the effect of mallow tea scientifically proven?
The health-promoting effect of plant-based mucilage and flavonoids on the immune system and the mucous membranes has been scientifically proven in numerous studies.1,2 In addition, studies on animals came to results that indicate that the consumption of mallow flower extract combats oxidative stress in the body and the Promotes heart health.3.4
However, the effect of mallow blossoms on humans and in tea form has not yet been sufficiently researched to be able to assume a health-promoting effect with certainty. Nevertheless, mallow tea and its healing properties have been used as a home remedy and in naturopathy for centuries.
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Are there any possible risks and side effects from consumption?
The consumption of mallow tea is generally considered safe. There are no known risks or side effects, although you should of course pay attention to your own sensitivities when consuming it. If you don’t like the tea or don’t seem to get it, you should refrain from further consumption.
Where do you get the tea from and how is it prepared?
Mallow tea is available in every pharmacy, in numerous supermarkets and in the online shop. Alternatively, you can collect mallow blossoms yourself and prepare them as tea. The mallow tree blooms between June and August and often grows between roadsides, on scree slopes or in walls.
For the preparation you need two dried teaspoons of mallow flowers. They are infused with 250 milliliters of lukewarm – not hot, since the mucilage in the tea is very heat-sensitive – water and left to steep for at least five hours, turning occasionally. After the tea has steeped for at least five hours, it can be warmed up again for consumption.
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How does mallow tea taste?
Mallow tea has a pleasantly sour taste that can be refined with honey or other sweeteners, depending on personal preferences. Due to its strong individual note, the tea is often drunk pure and rarely mixed with other varieties. You can enjoy it hot and cold.