Scientifically called Abelmoschus moschatus, the Musk Mallow, is an herbaceous plant that also goes by the name Hibiscus abelmoschus and also popularly known in ancient Indian medicine as Latakasturi. Every part of this plant is useful – all of its elements are edible, the flowers, seeds and leaves. The plant is known to cure a variety of disorders. Its name is derived from the Arabic ‘Abu-l-Mosk’ meaning father of musk.
Used in Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani system of medicine Latakasturi or Musk Mallow treats a variety of ailments. The entire plant comprising of the roots, seeds, fruits and leaves are used medicinally. Highly effective in addressing nervous debility, the seeds have demulcent, stomachic, and antispasmodic properties as well. The leaves and roots are used for gonorrhoea and to treat boils and swellings while the infusion of flower acts as a powerful contraceptive. Ingest the tea or tincture extracted from the seeds orally to cure intestinal disorders, cramps and loss of appetite. The decoction of the whole plant is extremely useful and if you wish to reduce excessive phlegm, then just eat its fruits.
An aromatic medicinal plant, Musk Mallow is native to India
Healing properties include antiphlogistic, astringent, demulcent, diuretic, emollient, expectorant, laxative, salve
Leaves come with demulcent properties making them valuable as a poultice for bruise, inflammations, insect bites etc
Heals respiratory problems and comes with a mild pleasant flavour
Effectively addresses fever due to its Antipyretic, antifebrile or febrifuge properties
Involuntary muscle spasms can be cured
As an antihysteric it has the ability to control uncontrollable laughter or weeping otherwise known as hysteria
Additionally, it cools the body down, calms the nerves and restores overall health and well-being
Extract the essential oil of the seeds to beget:
Farnesol
Palmitic acid
Furfurol
Aacetic acid
Ambrettol acid
Lactose
Gossypetine, an anthocyanin
Glucoside
Hibiscine, a quercetine
A pigment
The petals of the plant contain:
Beta-sitosterol
Flavonoid myricetin and its glucoside
Isolated Anthocyanins
The leaves of the plant contain beta-Dglucoside and beta-sitosterol
Overall, Musk Mallow has the ability to cure even complex skin disorders such as psoriasis. Which means, it also addresses disorders of the skin of the scalp. In many countries the oil extracted from the seeds is applied to the hair as a perfume. Besides, it also treats imbalances of the skin and has detoxifying effects.