Botanical Overview
Jew’s Mallow (Corchorus olitorius) belongs to the Tiliaceae family. Limited but reliable traditional records indicate this plant has recognized medicinal applications in one or more healing traditions. This species belongs to the Tiliaceae family, a group of flowering plants.
General Description
Together with C. capsularis it is the primary source of jute fiber. The leaves and young fruits are used as a vegetable, the dried leaves are used for tea and as a soup thickener, and the seeds are edible.
Family Context
The Tiliaceae family is widely distributed. Notable medicinal members include:
- Grewia asiatica — 9 documented uses
- Cereso — 5 documented uses
- Grewia tenax — 3 documented uses
Geographic Distribution
Jew’s Mallow has been recorded in 10 countries and territories worldwide, including Australia, Burkina Faso, Benin, Congo (DRC), Cameroon, and others.
Traditional Uses
Jew’s Mallow has been traditionally used for digestive health, urinary tract health, and fever management, among other applications.
Digestive health.
- Dysentery
- Purgative
For digestive complaints, the herb is typically prepared as a tea or decoction taken before meals. The bitter compounds stimulate digestive secretions and improve nutrient absorption. Some traditions use the powdered root or leaves in small doses as a stomachic tonic.
Urinary tract health.
- Diuretic
Urinary tract applications typically involve drinking the herb as a mild tea, which increases urine production and helps flush the urinary system. It may be combined with other demulcent herbs to soothe irritated tissues.
Fever management.
- Fever
Febrifuge preparations are typically administered as hot teas to induce perspiration, which helps the body regulate temperature. The patient is kept warm and encouraged to rest while the herb promotes sweating.
Active Compounds
Phytochemical research has identified 30 compounds in this species, including a diverse array of phytochemical classes (see the Complete Chemical Inventory below for the full list).
The identified compounds include the following categories:
- Flavonoid: antioxidant compounds that protect cells from oxidative damage
- Alkaloid: nitrogenous compounds with diverse pharmacological activities