What is Indian Mallow?
Indian mallow botanical name is Abutilon Indicum, some other common names are country mallow, atibala, kanghi, Abutilon, Kakahi, and velvetleaf. It is mainly found in tropical regions of India’s sub-Himalayan tract and hills up to 1,200 m and hotter parts of India and Sri Lanka. It is an erect, woody plant.
Indian mallow has a velvety shrubby and greyish green in color. It is covered with an aromatic oily substance. The oil coating is less pronounced in young plants than in well-grown plants. Its roots, bark, leaves, and seeds are all used in medicine. The plant contains an alkaloid asparagine.
The main chemical constituents of Indian mallow are carbohydrates, steroids, glycosides, flavonoids, tannins, and Phenolic compounds.
Leaves – The leaf of the Indian mallow contains the presence of amino acids, glucose, fructose, and galactose. The leaves are simple and alternate and are borne by a 5-20 cm long petiole.
Seeds – The seeds are used in urinary disorders. The seeds are used as a laxative in piles and in the treatment of cough.
Root and Bark - Root and bark are used as an aphrodisiac, anti-diabetic, nervine tonic, and diuretic. Roots are prescribed in fever, chest affection, and urethritis.
What are the benefits of the Country Mallow?
The roots and the mucilaginous bark increase secretion and discharge of urine, besides proving to be pulmonary sedative. The herb is a laxative and a topic. It promotes libido and is useful in relieving feverishness and producing a feeling of coolness.
It has Anti-inflammatory, Anti-Arthritic activity, Analgesic, Sedative property, Antioxidant, Antimicrobial activity, Hepatoprotective activity, Antidiabetic, Anti-cancer, Antidiarrheal, and Anti-convulsant properties.
The main chemical constituents of Country Mallow are carbohydrates, steroids, glycosides, flavonoids, tannins, and Phenolic compounds. Traditionally, roots and bark are used as an aphrodisiac, anti-diabetic, nervine tonic, and diuretic. Seeds are used in urinary disorders. The seeds are used as laxatives in piles and in the treatment of cough.
Here are some health benefits.
For Fever
Country Mallow is beneficial in a fever; an infusion of the herb is valuable in fevers.
For Piles
Indian mallow seed has laxative properties and is very effective in the treatment of piles.
For Respiratory Disorder
This herb is beneficial in bronchitis, catarrh, and biliousness, a decoction of the herb is used in respiratory problems.
For Skin Disorders
The herb has a soothing effect on the skin and mucous membranes, a poultice of the leaves can also be applied to boils and ulcers. Indian mallow is useful in allaying skin irritation and in alleviating swelling and pain. Its decoction can be used effectively as formation on painful parts. It can also use as a mouthwash for toothache and tender gums.
For Threadworms
The seeds of Indian mallow are useful in killing threadworms, and the decoction of the herb is beneficial.
How to use Atibala?
Indian mallow is useful in gout, tuberculosis, ulcers, bleeding disorders, and worms. it can be used as a digestive, laxative, expectorant, diuretic, astringent, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anthelmintic, demulcent, and aphrodisiac. A decoction is used in toothache and tender gums. Demulcents of leaves are locally applied to boils and ulcers. Roots are prescribed in fever, chest affection, and urethritis.
Dosage and uses depend upon the health problems and conditions or as recommended by an Ayurvedic doctor. The general recommended dosage is 3-6 grams of Indian mallow daily once a day.
Here are some uses of Indian mallow
For Piles
Indian mallow seeds have laxative properties, take 4-8 grams of seed powder with water. It is very effective in curing piles.
For Fever
Root powder of Country mallow is valuable to treat fever, make a decoction of root powder and take it twice a day.
For Respiratory Disorder
Make a decoction of root powder and take it twice a day. Helps to treat bronchitis, catarrh, and biliousness.
For Skin Disorder
Take tender leaves to paste of country mallow and mixed with coconut oil, apply it on the affected part of the abscess, carbuncle, scabies, and itches.
For Oral Health
Make a decoction of tender leaves of country mallow, apply it to gums or used as a mouthwash, helps to treat gums problem, toothache.
For Threadworm
Take seed powder of Indian mallow and take it with water, helps to treat threadworm.
Side Effects Indian mallow
All Ayurveda herbs are plant-based, and they don’ have any side effects but they may react with some allopathy or homeopathy medicine. It is better to consult the doctor if you are on any medications or have special health issues.
Here are some side effects of Indian mallow
- Consult the doctor if you are breastfeeding.
- Do not take without a doctor’s prescription if you are pregnant.
- If you are on diabetes or on hypertension medication. Consult first the doctor before consuming Indian mallow.
- Indian mallow may interact with other allopathy medicines, consult the doctor before starting Indian mallow.
- The right dosage is very important for Indian mallow, overdosage may cause vomiting and diarrhea.
- Due to its laxative properties, do not take Indian mallow if someone is suffering from loose motion.
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