The ancient herb known as hollyhock (Alcea rosea) has been used for many years to promote health. The leaves, roots, and flowers are all edible, as with all other parts. So, during the Middle Ages, this plant enjoyed great popularity. A herbalist gave it the name Hollyhock in the fifteenth century. Because of their vivid hues, Alcea rosea flowers are more well-known than other components of the plant. Due to its beautiful flowers, Alcea rosea is widely planted in gardens. In addition to their aesthetic appeal, they also have a wide range of therapeutic characteristics that can be used to cure a variety of illnesses. Another name for it is peony, along with common mellow. It can live for an entire year or for a season because it is present in both biennial and perennial plant species. Due to their lovely blossoms and simplicity of growth, these plants are among gardeners' favorites.

Common name - Hollyhock

Botanical name - Alcea Rosea

Family - Malvaceae

General Description

This plant can reach a height of 8 feet. Flowers come in a variety of hues, including dark red, orange, pink, and yellow. This plant may thrive in a variety of soil conditions. Since different flowers favor different soils, there is variety in the hues of the blossoms as well. Darker red colors are preferable on sandy soil whereas lighter colors are favored on clay soil. It thrives in soil with full sun, average drainage, and medium moisture levels. This plant can thrive in a variety of soil types, however, it cannot grow in cold, rainy winter climates. The seeds of this plant can be used to grow Alcea rosea with ease. These plants are delicate, and slugs and snails can decimate new seedlings. This plant has huge, coarse, heart-shaped foliage. It blooms for a lengthy period of time, from June to August. However, the foliage of this plant has a weakness—it is readily uprooted.

Medicinal Properties of Alcea rosea

• Demulcent
• Diuretic
• Emollient
• Anti-inflammatory
• Anti rheumatic
• Analgesic
• Febrifuge
• Digestive
• Decongestant
• Antibacterial
• Antimicrobial
• Healing
• Antipyretic
• Antispasmodic

Health Benefits

• Its calming impact on the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and urinary tracts aids in the treatment of illnesses in each system.
• Because of its diuretic effects, it encourages urination and guards against urinary tract infections. All the poisons and germs are eliminated from the tract by normal urination, which eliminates the infection.
• This herb's cold infusion aids in the healing of sore throats since it has anti-inflammatory effects.
• Hollyhock can provide relief for splinters, chapped skin, edema, and unpleasant inflammation of any part. The plant's anti-inflammatory properties are what causes this effect. For this benefit, apply a poultice made from this plant's leaves.
• Alacea rosea helps treat respiratory problems and makes breathing easier because it has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial qualities.
• It facilitates digestion and guards against heartburn, indigestion, and other digestive issues. This herb also stimulates appetite and can be used to relieve bloating.
• When applied externally or eaten internally, the therapeutic properties of Alacea rosea promote quicker healing of wounds and ulcers. The healing activity on ulcers and wounds is caused by the astringent and demulcent qualities of Alacea rosea.
• The herb's antispasmodic activity alleviates the patient's suffering from unpleasant menstrual spasms. Due to the herb's medicinal qualities, dysmenorrhea can be treated with it.
• According to certain research, the plant's branches may be able to lessen the excruciating labor pains.
• This plant can be used to treat dysentery since it has digestive qualities that help with digestion and alleviate symptoms.
• Its roots, which stimulate the digestive system and speed up the pace of metabolism, can be used to cure loss of appetite.
• This plant can also lower high fevers because it causes sweating, which lowers body temperature.
• Due to its emollient properties, it can also be utilized as a natural moisturizing agent.
• Alacea rosea enhances blood flow and guards against all ailments brought on by decreased blood flow.
• Due to the digestive and purifying qualities of Alacea rosea, this herb can also relieve constipation.