Lady’s Mantle or Alchemilla Valgaris is a perennial herb that can grow up to 20 inches tall with small yellow flowers, hairy like stems and velvety leaves with serrated edges.

In the 16th century the German botanist Hieronymus Tragus named this plant after and referred to the Virgin Mary “Our Lady” because of the herbs use to treat female problems and because the leaf is shaped like an old fashioned lady’s cloak. The name Alchemilla relates to alchemy, which is a primitive form or chemistry that attempted to manipulate the elements.

On the surface of Lady’s Mantle leafs are these tiny hairs which collect these perfect spherical drops of dew. Historically these droplets were collected and consumed because they believed it to have magical powers.

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PARTS OF THE PLANT USED:

• Flowers
• Leaves
• Stems
• Roots

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ACTIVE INGREDIENTS:

• Bitter Compounds
• Tannins
• Salicylic Acid
• Saponins
• Volatile Oil

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AVAILABLE FOR USE AS:

• Tincture
• Dried capsules

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Actions

• Anti-inflammatory
• Antispasmodic
• Astringent
• Diuretic
• Emmenagogue

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HAS BEEN KNOW TO HELP WITH:

• Menstrual pain: You can take it as a tincture and use as directed, or an infusion of the leaves and drink twice a day. This can relieve painful menstrual cramps and help with mood swings.
• Menstrual and Menopausal hormonal imbalance: The tincture or tablets taken as directed ease mood swings, energy fluctuations, and irregular periods.
• Diarrhea, Digestive cramps, and Indigestion: soothe pain and digestive discomfort.
• Wounds, Damaged skin, and Insect bites: a strong infusion of the leaves stops bleeding, cleans wounds or cuts, and calms itching bites.
• Insomnia: improve relaxation and sleep.
• Reduce puffy eyes: make a warm compress using Lady’s Mantle and placing it as hot as is comfortable over your closed eyes and rest for 20 minutes.

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CULINARY USE

• None

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SAFETY INFORMATION

• Avoid if you are pregnant because it stimulates mensuration.
• Always consult your doctor if you are on medication or plan to use for medical purposes.

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GROWING AND HARVESTING:

• It can flourish in most types of soil, and can be found growing wild in pastures, hedgerows, or woodland areas.
• If growing in your garden they like full sun and can tolerate some shade.
• Flowers and leaves are harvested in Late June or early July when they are high in active ingredients.
• Must be dried slowly and stored in the dark to maintain their potency.
• Dig up 2 year old roots in the autumn.
• Cut stalks to the base after blooming to encourage new autumn leaves.

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Sources:

Book: Herbs by Jennie Harding (ISBN-13: 978-0-7858-3568-4

Book: Essential Guide to Herbs by Lesley Bremness (ISBN 978-1-78678-282-3

Information pulled October 9, 2021

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