Lady’s Mantle (Alchemilla vulgaris)

Family: Rosaceae

Part Used: Aerial parts

Flavor/Aroma: Bitter

Energetics: Drying

 

Overview:

Lady’s mantle bears a distinctive leaf, whos furrowed shape allows the collection of the morning dew; it was said that these drops were highly medicinal, and were collected to use in many alchemical preparations, including levitation spells.3 The therapeutic potential of Lady’s Mantle extends far beyond its mystical lore.

Lady’s Mantle is a perennial herb that grows with unique, bluish hued leaves that have serrated edges and are covered in soft, fine hairs. It blooms tiny yellow-green flowers that express in clusters that resemble delicate lace. The leaves of the Lady’s Mantle store the morning dew well into the afternoon hours due to its trenched structure.

Cultivation and Harvesting:

Lady’s Mantle can be found in areas of North America, and across Europe and Asia, typically in cooler climates. The leaves are best harvested in the spring time before flowers express, or in the autumn months after the flowers have gone to seed.

Southern Oregon Cultivation:

Lady’s Mantle is a popular landscaping plant, that is commonly seen on borders of properties in both the sun and shade. It thrives in moist, well-drained soil types. Lady’s Mantle blooms are elegant and will brighten up any garden space, while their sweet aroma attracts many beneficial local pollinators.

History and Folklore:

European Traditional Uses: Lady’s Mantle was revered as the best of the healing herbs, especially for gangrene and severely infected wounds. It was used to remedy gum and mouth infections, to stop bleeding of any kind, and to quell nausea and vomiting. Lady’s Mantle was traditionally used in menorrhagia, vaginitis, and yeast infections.  

Other Uses and Folklore: Lady’s Mantle dew was prized by monks and commoners alike for its magical healing powers, it's supposed ability to aid in levitation, and it was also thought to cure any disease, no matter the severity. It was also thought to be in the proximity of gold when discovered in its natural habitat. It was also used to tone tissues after childbirth and help with regular lactation.3

Modern Applications:

Lady’s Mantle is indicated to support premenstrual symptoms, such as excessive flow or amenorrhea, and as an antispasmodic for severe cramping. It is used to remedy various bleeding gums, ulcers, sores, and laryngitis. Lady’s Mantle is used to relieve diarrhea, gastritis, hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings.1

Uses and Preparations:

Dried Herb Tea Preparation: 

1-2 teaspoons infused in one cup of water.

Using a reusable tea bag or tea ball, immerse the loose dried herbs into boiling water and allow to steep for 5-10 minutes, preferably covered, in order to release the maximum amount of herbal goodness. Some herbal tea can carry a strong flavor. We recommend organic honey as a sweetener which preserves the beneficial herbal compounds. 

Tincture: 

1-2 mL up to 3 times per day.

Some herbal tinctures can have a strong flavor on their own. Adding your tincture to a glass of 6-8oz of water is one easy way to help, should you wish to dilute the flavor.  

Recommended Usage:

It is important to remember that some bodies may react differently than others when using herbal products. Our recommended usage amounts are designed to be an average dosage only. If you have specific concerns about the usage amount or interaction with other medication, please consult with your doctor or health care practitioner prior to using our products.

Precautions:

Lady’s Mantle is safe for tonic use. We recommend consulting with your practitioner if you are pregnant, or plan to become pregnant, or if you are using any other medications.  

References: 

1. Hyssopus officinalis. (n.d.). www.henrietter-her.com/eclectic/hool1922/hyssop.html 
2. Altun, IH., Mat, A., Takir, S., Sezgi, B., Uydes-Dogan, BS. (March 11, 2015). Vasorelaxant and blood pressure lowering effects of alchemilla vulgaris: A comparative study of methanol and aqueous extracts. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25709228 
3. Lekos, L. (n.d.). Lady’s Mantle (Alchemilla vulgaris). www.herbally.com/monographs/ladys-mantle  

For educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.