Hollyhock

Last Editorial Review: 6/11/2021
Other Name(s):

Alcea rosea, Alcée Rose, Althaea ficifolia, Althaea rosea, Althea Rose, Hollyhock Flower, Malva, Malva Flower, Malvae Arboreae Flos, Passerose, Rose Mallow, Rose de Mer, Rose Papale, Rose Trémière.

Overview

Hollyhock is a plant. The flower is used to make a medicinal tea.

People use hollyhock for preventing and treating breathing disorders and digestive tract problems.

Some people apply hollyhock directly to the skin for treating ulcers and painful swelling (inflammation).

How does it work?

There isn't enough information to know how hollyhock might work.

QUESTION

Next to red peppers, you can get the most vitamin C from ________________. See Answer

Uses & Effectiveness

Insufficient Evidence to Rate Effectiveness for...

  • Breathing disorders.
  • Digestive tract problems.
  • Skin pain and swelling (inflammation).
  • Skin ulcers.
  • Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of hollyhock for these uses.

Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate (detailed description of each of the ratings).

Side Effects

Hollyhock might be safe for most people, but the possible side effects aren't known.

SLIDESHOW

Vitamin D Deficiency: How Much Vitamin D Is Enough? See Slideshow

Special Precautions & Warnings

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Not enough is known about the use of hollyhock during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Dosing

The appropriate dose of hollyhock depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for hollyhock. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

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Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

References

Lust J. The herb book. New York, NY: Bantam Books, 1999.