Indian mallow is an upright, ligneous plant. It is soft and polished, bushy and greyish green in colour. It grows upto one and a half metre in height. It has single yellow blossoms that flower in the evening. The fruits are flat-topped, with diversifying points and grey, kidney-shaped seeds. The plant is shrouded with a scented oily substance. This oil coating is less marked in unripe plants, compared to the matured ones. Its bark, roots, leaves and seeds are all used up in medicinal purposes. The plant contains an alkaloid, named asparagin.
Methods of usage
Indian mallow is of exceeding use in chronic cases of secretion of urine, fevers, respiratory malfunction, piles, skin eruptions, threadworms.
Healing Power and Medicinal Properties of Indian mallow
The roots and the viscous bark augment the secretion and emission of urine, in addition to serving as a pulmonary depressant. The herb is purgative and revitalising. It arouses libido and is beneficial in alleviating feverishness and giving rise to a feel of coolness.
Fevers cured by Indian mallow
Indian mallow is dear in instances of rising body temperature. Its infusion is used precisely for this purpose.
Respiratory Disorders cured by Indian mallow
A decoction of the herb can be prescribed in cases of bronchitis, catarrh and biliousness, pertaining to respiratory malfunctions.
Piles healed by Indian mallow
Its seeds act as a purgative, and extremely efficient in mending piles, if dispensed in dosages of 4 to 8 grams.
Skin Disorders healed by Indian mallow
The ushers in a solacing effect on the skin and mucous membranes. Its paste can be administered both by itself, or mixed with coconut milk on the affected parts in case of abscess, carbuncle, scabies and itches. A poultice of the leaves can also be given on boils and ulcers.
Indian mallow is useful in assuaging discomfort of the skin and in relieving inflammation and pain. Its extraction can be applied successfully as fomentation on aching parts of the body. It can also be used as a gargle for toothache and vulnerable gums.
Threadworms cured by Indian mallow
The seeds are useful in obliterating threadworms, if the rectum of the affected child is feasible to expose to the smoke of the powderised seeds.
Methods for Uses - The leaves should be dried in the shade and pulverised for usage when needed. A decoction can also be distilled from the herb.