MALVA The roots of mallow are rich in beneficial mucilage. The leaves, dark-green and coarse, are a powerhouse of minerals and vitamins (calcium, iron, vitamin C, copper traces and more) and an abundant, free source of organic nutrition. Juan decocts mallow leaves (by rubbing the leaves together in cool water) for a cough or for a cold or flu patient, or just to maintain health. He makes a drink of water and mallow mucilage which is a diuretic and soothing to the digestive system, especially the urinary tract. Congestion and chest pain can obtain relief from this drink too.
As a poultice, mallow leaves will draw out boils and pus from old infections. Rashes and burns can be successfully treated with mallow leaves, crushed or blended. Mallow mucilage is also used to treat acne.
The morning after an ayahuasca ceremony, It was normal and encouraged to drink the cold water mucilage drink in order to cleanse the digestive system from any toxins left over from the previous night's purge.