Medicinal Uses for Hollyhock

Most people wouldn't think that gorgeous Hollyhock is medicinal and also completely edible!

Hollyhock (Alcea rosea) is related to Marshmallow and is a milder alternative herb to use for the same soothing demulcent qualities.

Demulcent herbs like Hollyhock can be used to help soothe irritation and inflammation by creating a film over the mucosa as required and can be helpful for:

• lung congestion
• asthma
• digestive and gut inflammation
• mouth and gum inflammation
• soothing sore throat and common cold
• helping the genitourinary tract (uterus, vaginitis, kidneys)
• externally to soothe inflamed skin conditions, burns and wounds

Hollyhock can help ease the symptoms of a dry cough, hoarse throat, and tonsillitis when used as a gargle (Holmes, 1989).

Traditionally, Hollyhock has also been used for blood circulation, removing worms in children, easing labor pains and preventing miscarriage.

Externally, Hollyhock can be used a warm compress or poultice using the upper sides of the leaves directly on the skin, to soothe and calm skin infections, ulcers, wounds, bites and stings.

Adding Hollyhock to your skincare routine can ease skin redness, reduce microbial activity,  soothe and rehydrate your skin.

Hollyhock leaves and flowers have also been found to be effective against Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhy, Escherichia coli, and Streptococcus pyogenes, among other bacteria.

There is emerging research showing that compounds in Hollyhock can decrease glucose levels in the body also.

Hollyhock flower tea is best made using a cold overnight infusion, rather than a hot water infusion, then sip the infusion during the following day.

Hollyhock is entirely edible! You can easily add the flower petals to salads, quiches etc. or make a mild, refreshing, anti-inflammatory tea with the petals.  A nutritious starch can be obtained from the root and the leaves are edible also, but not as delicious as others, so perhaps stick with the flowers for this herb!