Medicinal Plants : Alchemilla vulgaris

Name

Lady's Mantle

Biological Name

Alchemilla vulgaris
Rosaceae

Other Names

Lady's Mantle, Lions Foot, Common Lady's Mantle, bear's foot, common alchemil

Parts Used

The leaves and flowering shoots.

Active Compounds

Tannins, consisting mainly of glycosides of ellagic acid.
Salicylic acid, a trace.

Remedies For

Astringent, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, emmenagogue, vulnerary.

This and other species of Alchemilla have been widely used in folk medicine throughout Europe. Lady's Mantle helps reduce pains associated with periods as well as ameliorating excessive bleeding. It also has a role to play in easing the changes of the menopause.

As an emmenagogue it stimulates the proper menstrual flow if there is any resistance. However, Lady's Mantle is a useful uterine astringent, used in both menorrhagia and metrorrhagia. Its astringency provides a role in the treatment of diarrhea and as a mouthwash for sores and ulcers and as a gargle for laryngitis.

Combinations : Combines well with most remedies.

Description

Commonly found in Europe. An aggregate of closely related species, typically herbaceous perennials, 6-18 in. leaves cloak shaped and pleated. Small yellowish- green flowers in summer.

Dosage

Infusion: pour a cup of boiling water onto 2 teaspoonfuls of the dried herb and leave to infuse for l0-l5 minutes. This should be drunk three times a day. To help diarrhea and as a mouthwash or lotion, a stronger dosage is made by boiling the herb for a few minutes to extract all the tannin.

Tincture: take 1-2 ml of the tincture three times a day.

Safety

Some herbs are known to react with your medication. Please consult your physician before starting on any herb.