Lady’s Mantle
Parts Usually Used
Aerial portions
Description of Plant(s) and Culture
Lady’s mantle is a perennial plant; the stem, 4-18 inches high, is at first green or blue-green, turning later to reddish or brownish, and it may be hairy or glabrous, depending on the location. The most basal, rounded leaves are palmately 7 too 9 lobed and finely toothed. The small, green flowers grow in loose panicles from May to October. Another variety: Silvery lady’s mantle (A.
alpina) is a species found at higher elevations, can be used like lady’s mantle and also for flatulence problems.
Where Found
Found in damp places and dry, shady woods in eastern North America, Greenland, Europe, and northern Asia.
Medicinal Properties
Astringent, febrifuge, tonic.
Biochemical Information
Tannin, glycoside, traces of salicylic acid and unidentified substances.
Legends, Myths and Stories
Reminiscent of the Virgin’s cloak in medieval paintings, the leaves with scalloped edges are reputed to give lady’s mantle its name. Like many herbs with “lady” or “mother” as part of their common name, it is a valuable gynecological herb, specifically for heavy menstrual bleeding and vaginal itching. Also, it was one of the most popular wound herbs on the battlefields of the 15th and 16th centuries.
Women in Arabian countries believe that this herb restores beauty and youth; needless to say, it is very popular in that part of the world. The botanical name, alchemilla, is derived from the word alchemy, because the herbs in this family are believed to bring about miraculous cures.
Uses
Historically, herbalists administered lady’s mantle internally for poor appetite, rheumatism, stomach ailments, diarrhea, and menstrual complaints. Traditional practitioners also used it with the aim of coagulating blood and addressing internal or external bleeding. It was historically employed as a gargle for sore throats and as an oral rinse following tooth extractions. Externally, folk traditions utilized preparations of the plant as a wash for leucorrhea, as well as a topical wash or poultice for wounds.
Warning
Avoid this herb during pregnancy. Seek professional advice for any sudden or abnormal change in uterine bleeding.
Bibliography
, Loma Linda, CA 92354, Original copyright 1939, revised edition 1994 The Herb Book , by John Lust, Bantam Books, 666 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY. copyright 1974. , Simon & Schuster/Fireside, Rockefeller Center 1230 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10020 The Nature Doctor: A Manual of Traditional and Complementary Medicine , by Dr. A. , 27 Pine Street (Box 876) New Canaan, CT.
06840-0876. Copyright Verlag A. , Lotus Press, PO Box 325, Twin Lakes. , Copyright 1988, published 1992 An Instant Guide to Medicinal Plants , by Pamela Forey and Ruth Lindsay, Crescent Books (January 27, 1992). Country Home Book of Herbs , Meredith Books, Editorial Dept. RW240, 1716 Locust Street, Des Moines, IA 50309-3023, copyright 1994