What is Indian Mallow? What are the health benefits of the Indian Abutilon ? How to use Atibala? Side Effects of the Abutilon Indicum

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

The Indian Mallow, also known as Abutilon Indicum or Atibala, is a plant commonly found in India, Sri Lanka, and other parts of Southeast Asia. Its leaves, flowers, and roots have been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including respiratory issues, inflammation, and digestive problems.

But what exactly are the benefits of Indian Mallow, and how can it be used? In this article, we'll explore the many potential health benefits of Atibala, including its ability to boost immunity, improve respiratory health, and soothe inflammation. We'll also discuss how to use Indian Mallow in various forms, from teas to poultices. However, as with any herbal remedy, it's important to be aware of potential side effects, which we'll also cover in this article. So, whether you're a fan of natural remedies or simply curious about the healing properties of plants, read on to discover the many benefits - and potential risks - of the Indian Mallow.

2. 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.

3. Morphology

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.

4. Ayurvedic properties of Indian Mallow (Atibala)

Atibala or Abutilon indicum, is a medicinal plant highly valued in Ayurveda for its various therapeutic properties. Different parts of the plant, including its roots, leaves, and seeds, are used for their medicinal benefits.

Ayurvedic properties of Indian Mallow (Atibala):

1. Rasa (Taste): Indian Mallow is believed to have a sweet (Madhura) taste.

2. Virya (Potency): It is cooling in nature (Sheeta Virya).

3. Vipaka (Post-digestive taste): The post-digestive taste is sweet (Madhura Vipaka).

4. Dosha Effects: Indian Mallow primarily balances Pitta dosha and Vata dosha. However, in excess, it may increase Kapha dosha due to its cooling nature.

Ayurvedic Uses:

1. Muscle Strength: Indian Mallow is known for its benefits in promoting muscle strength and stamina. It is used to support overall muscle health.

2. Respiratory Health: Atibala is used to manage respiratory conditions like cough, bronchitis, and asthma due to its cooling and soothing effects on the respiratory system.

3. Immune Support: It is considered to have immunomodulatory properties, helping to strengthen the immune system and support overall health.

4. Digestive Support: Indian Mallow is used to support healthy digestion and manage digestive disorders like acidity and indigestion.

5. Anti-inflammatory: It possesses anti-inflammatory properties and can be used to manage inflammatory conditions.

6. Nervous System Support: Atibala is believed to have a calming effect on the nervous system, helping to reduce stress and anxiety.

7. Urinary Health: Indian Mallow is used to support urinary health and manage conditions like urinary tract infections.

5. 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 Indian 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.

Buy Indian Mallow Powder

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. Frequently Asked Question

Q - What is Indian Mallow used for?

Indian Mallow has been traditionally used for its medicinal properties, including treating respiratory issues like coughs and bronchitis, improving digestion, reducing inflammation, and boosting the immune system. It has also been used topically to treat skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.

Q - How do you prepare Indian Mallow tea?

To make Indian Mallow tea, you can use either fresh or dried leaves and flowers of the plant. Add 1-2 teaspoons of the plant material to a cup of hot water, cover and steep for 5-10 minutes. Strain and drink the tea, optionally adding honey or other natural sweeteners to taste.

Q - Can Indian Mallow help with respiratory issues like asthma and bronchitis?

Indian Mallow has been traditionally used for respiratory issues, including asthma and bronchitis, due to its anti-inflammatory properties. However, scientific research is still limited in this regard.

Q - What are the potential side effects of using Indian Mallow?

While Indian Mallow is generally considered safe for most people when used in recommended doses, some people may experience side effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and skin rash. It is also not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women and people with certain medical conditions.

Q - Is Indian Mallow safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women?

No, Indian Mallow is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women due to the lack of scientific evidence about its safety in such cases.

Q - How long does it take to see results from using Indian Mallow?

The time taken to see the results of Indian Mallow may vary depending on the individual and the condition being treated. It is recommended to consult a healthcare professional before using Indian Mallow for any health concern.

Q - Can Indian Mallow be used to treat skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis?

Indian Mallow has been traditionally used topically to treat skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis, due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.

Q - What are the active compounds in Indian Mallow that give it its medicinal properties?

Indian Mallow contains various active compounds, including flavonoids, saponins, alkaloids, and tannins, which are responsible for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and immunomodulatory properties.

Q - Are there any drug interactions with Indian Mallow?

Indian Mallow may interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners and diabetes medications. It is important to consult a healthcare professional before using Indian Mallow along with any medication.