Hollyhock

The hollyhock is a bright flowering plant in most farm gardens. Above man’s height it stretches into the sky and bears whole flocks of large, red flowers. Because of its attractive flowers, the hollyhock is a bright ornament in gardens.

Like its relatives from the mallow family, the hollyhock helps against coughing and other respiratory diseases. It can also be helpful for skin problems.

Plant description

Originally, the hollyhock comes from south-eastern Europe, but it has been native to most farm gardens for a long time. The biennial to perennial plant has large, lobed leaves near the ground, which sit on long stems. The leaves are slightly hairy.

From the second year onwards, the hollyhock grows a flower stalk that can grow to over two metres high. The large flowers grow on this stem in the leaf axils in midsummer. Originally they were black-red, but there are now cultivars in almost all shades of red.

Because the flowers can be so heavy, most hollyhocks need a stick to support them. It is possible that this is where the name hollyhock comes from. Or because the flowers grow like on a stick.

Characteristics

Scientific name
Althaea rosea.

Plant family
Malvaceae.

Other name
Commun Hollyhock.

Used plant parts
Flower, leaf & root.

Ingredients
Mucilage, anthocyanin, tannic acid, red dye, essential oils.

Harvest period
July and August.

Medicinal properties

As a relative of marshmallow, mallow and hibiscus, it also has similar healing properties to these. Its mucus is considered to be particularly important. This makes it a valued medicinal plant for diseases of the respiratory system. But also skin and digestive organs can benefit from it.

Main uses: Respiratory system & Skin.

Healing effects

Forms of preparation

Mainly the flowers of the hollyhock are used as a remedy. But leaves, roots and seeds also have healing powers. The hollyhock tea helps against coughs and sore throats. It can also be used for gargling.

Internal uses

It is better to prepare the tea from the hollyhock blossoms as a cold extract to preserve the mucilage they contain. If the hollyhock flowers are a component of tea mixtures, which is often the case for optical reasons, they can also be prepared as an infusion.

External uses

Externally, hollyhock tea can be used as a wash or compress for various skin problems. The hollyhock tea has both a softening and astringent effect. Thus it can soothe inflammations and promote the healing of wounds. As a sitz bath one can use the hollyhock tea against vaginal discharge.