Ladys mantle is a herbaceous perennial growing to 1 ft (30 cm), having a basal rosette of lobed kidney-shaped leaves and insignificant green flowers 1/8–1/4 in (3–5 mm) across in loose clusters, native to Britain and continental Europe.
• The plant has leaves cut into 7-9 shallow lobes, on stout, short stalks and inconspicuous yellowish green flowers.
Plant Description
Alchemilla vulgaris is a clump forming, herbaceous perennial plant that grows about 46-50 cm.
The plant is found growing in moist meadows, open woods, pastures and also on rock ledges in mountainous areas, roadsides, grasslands (usually unfertilized), banks and mountain slopes.
It prefers a well-drained neutral or basic soil.
It also grows well in heavy clay soils and succeeds in dry shade.
The lower, radical leaves are large and handsome, 6-8 inches in diameter, are borne on slender stalks, 6-18 inches long and are somewhat kidney shaped in general outline, with their margins cut into seven or mostly nine broad, but shallow lobes, finely toothed at the edges, from which it has obtained one of its local names: ‘Nine Hooks.’
The upper leaves are similar and either stalks less, or on quite short footstalks and are all actually notched and toothed. Noticeable feature is the leaf like stipules, also toothed, which embrace the stem.
Flower
The flowers, which are in bloom from June to August, are numerous and small, only about 1/8 inch in diameter, yellow-green in color, in loose, divided clusters at the end of the freely-branching flower-stems, each on a short stalk, or pedicle.There are no petals, the calyx is four-cleft, with four conspicuous little bracteoles that have the appearance of outer and alternate segments of the calyx.
There are four stamens, inserted on the mouth of the calyx, their filaments jointed.
History
Its First appearance was in a botanical book named The History of Plants by Jerome Bock in 1532.
Sir John Hill, auther of The Family Herbal recommended its use for those frightening bloody Fluxes, so common in 18th-century health literature.
He went on to say, The good women in the North of England apply the leaves to their breasts, to make them recover their form, after they have been swelled with Milk. Hence it has got the name of Ladys Mantle.Ladys Mantle acquired its Latin name Alchemilla (translated as little alchemist or little magical one), because it was favoured by Alchemists who believed the plant to possess magical healing properties.
Alchemists would collect the dew from the plant’s leaves and use it in their formulas, believing that it could purify and cleanse any illness.
Types & Varieties
Mechanism of Action
Additional Information
Key Actions
• Appetite Depressant,
• Astringent,
• Depurative,
• Emmenagogue,
• Refrigerant,
• Tonic,
• Vulnerary,
Usable Parts
whole herb, root,
Dried parts (mainly leaves, flowers, stems) are collected during flowering time and are used.
Directions of Preparation
Infusion: – 1/4 litre of boiling water is poured over a heaped teaspoon of herbs, infused for a short time.
Herb application: – A suitable amount of fresh herbs is washed and crushed on a wooden board with a wooden rolling pin and applied.
Bath: – For a full bath, 200gm of dried or a few double handfuls of fresh herbs are soaked in a bucketful of cold water overnight, warmed the next morning and the liquid added to the bath water.
For douche:
1) Prepare a decoction from lady’s mantle and use as a vaginal douche.
2) It is very useful to reduce vaginal discharge, irritation and vaginal Infections.
3) You can also mix Rose water.For sore throat, Aphthous Ulcers:
1) Boil 1 tablespoon dried root in 1 cup of water.
2) Gargle in lukewarm water thrice a day.For insect bites:
1) Apply a poultice of the leaves on the affected area.
2) It can be used as a good First Aid for snake and insect bites.For Diarrhea:
1) Use 1 tablespoon root of with 1 cup water to prepare a decoction, then take 1 cup a day.
For Skin Health:
1) Boil the herb in some water till it thickens a little, then use it as a lotion for Skin rashes, Eczema, cuts, Wounds and such other Skin problems.
For Wounds:
1) Rub its leaves on open Wounds thoroughly to heal it.
For cuts:
1) Take the leaves and rub it on the cut to stop the bleeding and heal cuts.
For gastroenteritis:
1) Boil 1 teaspoon of its dried root in a cup of water, simmer it for 5 minutes and Strain off this decoction.
2) Drink it 4 times a day to reduce the symptoms of gastroenteritis.For brain tumor:
1) Take 1/2 cup of the herb and mix it with 1 cup of lukewarm water, then strain and drink twice daily for 6 months.
For cervicitis:
1) Take and grind coarsely equal quantity of meadow sweet, flax seeds, Marigold and lady’s mantle for the treatment of cervicitis.
2) Boil 4 teaspoons of ground powder in water on a low flame for 10 minutes.
3) Add the water in the bathing water and sit in the water in a way, so that the water enters the vagina.
4) Stay as it is for 15-20 minutes daily (or soak in a tampon and insert into the vagina).For Menstrual Disorders:
1) put the herbs mixture of 1/2 cup lady’s mantle herb, 1/2 cup red Raspberry Leaves and 1/4 cup Angelica in a dry and clean jar, mix well and close the lid tightly (each tea prepared can be used by taking from the jar).
2) To make a cup of tea, you need 1 teaspoon of the herb.
3) Mix 1 tsp. Of water with 1 tsp. Of Lemon juice for about 7-10 minutes.
4) If your period is approaching, start drinking tea a week in advance.
5) If you have severe cramps, try drinking a cup of tea (either warm or hot) every day of the month.For Acne treatment:
1) Combine its fresh leaves with the stems of flowers and put them in a juice extractor.
2) Put the crushed herbs in a thin cloth and filter in the thin cloth.
3) Add enough water to the drained lady’s mantle.
4) soak Cotton in water and apply to the infected, problem-free area.
5) leave it (5-7 min) to dry on the Skin (help to close large pores).
6) Apply to face and leave on for 15 minutes. This treatment should be used on a regular basis for 3-5 months for effective results.
Recommended Dosage
Tea
1) Use 1-2 teaspoons of its tea per 1 cup of boiling water.
2) Let the tea brew for 5-15 minutes, then strain and enjoy.
or
1) Take a medium sized cup of water and boil, then add a spoon of lady’s mantle plant into the hot water.
2) The mixture is consumed 3 times in a day.Tincture
1) It can be added to water (or fruits juice) and taken when required in a dose of 2-3ml at about 2-3 times per day, or as directed by a Herbal Practitioner.
Powder
1) Take 1/4 teaspoon in water daily.
2) It can also be added to salves for Wound healing and a decoction or infusion of the powder can be incorporated into soaps, lotions, creams and baths where astringency is required.
Precaution:
* Prolonged use can ease the discomfort of the Menopause and excessive menstruation.
* It should be avoid during Pregnancy or Breastfeeding, because in some cases it may cause miscarriage.
* Please always check with your healthcare provider before using any herbs during Pregnancy or Breastfeeding (although not recommended).
* People suffering from bleeding disorders should avoid it (particularly those suffering from blood clots, Anemia, and High Blood Pressure) as it may worsen.
* People scheduled for surgery should avoid consuming it two (2) weeks prior and two(2) weeks following surgery.
* People taking blood thinners and Iron supplements should avoid it.
* Over-consumption can cause damage to The Liver.
Health Benefits of Lady’s Mantle
Anti-Aging
• Ladys Mantle anti-oxidant content helps to eliminate toxins and free radical from the body, therefore it prevents oxidative damages in the body and delays the aging process.
• It has an Astringent effect (topically) on the Skin and protects newly formed elastin fibres (Protein in the Skin that are required for Skin elasticity, which together with Collagen and glycosaminoglycans make up the connective tissue).
• Its Astringent properties (due to its high Tannin content) helps to tone and tighten the Skin, reducing the appearance of enlarged pores whilst helping to keep the complexion glowing and smooth.
• Its powerful anti-oxidants such as Tannin content (oligomeric gallotannins) and Flavonoids, further protect the Skin from oxidative Stress and damage.
Foods & Bones
Cardiovascular System
• Ladys Mantle contain Polyphenolic compounds and Flavonoids whose consumption in the diet decrease the risk of cardiovascular diseases, possibly due to its anti-oxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, vasorelaxant and blood pressure lowering effects.
Foods & Cardiovascular System
Detoxification
• Lady’s mantle is used also as a Diuretic (increases production of urine).
Foods & Detoxification
Hair
• Ladys Mantle helps to repair scalp and promote the growth of Hair follicles, hence helps to strengthen the Hair follicles, promote natural growth and also protects the scalp from any type of fungal and bacterial Infection.
Foods & Hair
Infections
• Ladys Mantle is a remedy for Wound–Fever, for decomposing Wounds and neglected sores.
• Lady’s mantle is a prized Wound healer as its astringency ensures that blood flow is staunched, leading to the First stage of healing.
• Its used as a Wound herb (externally).
Foods & Infections
Intestine
• Ladys Mantle is used for stomach pain, Indigestion due to its great Astringent property, helping to reduce the symptoms of Diarrhea and prevents bloody stool discharge.
• Its Anti-Inflammatory properties also help in the treatment of piles and Hemorrhoids.
• It contain salicylic acid which boost digestion, strengthen the Digestive System and ease stomach cramps.
• The Astringent nature and high Tannin content also makes it an excellent remedy for Diarrhea.
• The Tannins help to dry up excessive watery secretions that occur in cases of Diarrhea.
Foods & Intestine
The Liver
• Ladys Mantle anti-oxidant properties (possibly due to rich amount of Polyphenolics and Flavonoids content) helps in Liver protection (prevents The Liver from oxidative damages).
Foods & The Liver
Musculoskeletal System
• It works together with Shepherd’s Purse for muscular atrophy, Multiple Sclerosis and in serious and incurable disorders of the muscles.
• It relieves weakness of muscles and limbs and helps in Anemia.
Foods & Musculoskeletal System
Oral & Dental
• Its tea is recommended as one of the best remedies after removal of teeth for within a day the Wounds heal after several rinses.
Foods & Dental
Pregnancy
• Its great for helping with injuries after delivery and for strengthening of the foetus and uterus.
• Affected women should start drinking its tea after the third month.
• It can also be used to facilitate childbirth.
• Ladys Mantle leaves are used even today on nursing mothers (mainly on their breast and stomach) to reduce the visible signs of childbirth.
• People believed that the herb had the ability to restore a woman’s virginity (a long time legend related with lady’s mantle).
Foods & Pregnancy
Skin Health
• Ladys Mantle has styptic properties which is useful for the treatment of the Wound (simply applying it on the affected area will help in faster healing).
• Its Tannin content accelerate the healing process and reduce pain.
• Its an excellent herb for Wound healing, helping to repair damaged Skin (commonly used on Eczema, Acne and redness).
• Ladys Mantle has Anti-Inflammatory, anti-oxidant properties which helps to treat various Skin related issues.
• The Anti-Inflammatory property provides relief from Skin redness, inflammation, and swelling.
• Its very effective it reduces the itchiness and redness from Skin problem (such as Eczema).
Foods & Skin Health
The Brain & Nervous System
• Ladys Mantle tea act as a great treatment for Insomnia patient (stress-related disorder which makes the person sleepless).
• Put the plant in 1 cup of water and Boil them for 5-10 minutes, strain and consume it 3 times a day.
• Ladys Mantle was used internally, for Epilepsy and Hiatus Hernia in old medicine.
Foods & Nervous System
Women Health
• Ladys Mantle is a cure-all for all female disorders.
• Its a valuable herb for women’s complaints (such as Menstrual cramps, fibroids and Endometriosis) and aids Menstrual regularity.
• Its chiefly used to reduce heavy Menstrual bleeding as it reduces blood viscosity and has a progesterogenic action.
• It works together with Shepherd’s Purse,in helping with prolapse of the uterus and Hiatus Hernia (use 4 cups of its tea in Hiatus Hernia case).
• Ladys Mantle pure natural extract is one of the top traditional herbs for menstruation problems.
• It contains vasorelaxant properties due to which it helps to relax the tension in the blood vessels and reduce the pain and cramping.
• The herb provides the strengthening effect on the endometrium (the uterine lining).
• It stimulates the production of progesterone which is essential to regular periods (low levels of progesterone can result in eggs not being released and irregular menstruation).
• The ability to enhance progesterone levels makes it one of the best herbs to combat fertility problems too.
• It stimulates ovulation whilst acting as a Uterine Tonic, Toning the uterus in readiness for conception.
• Its also used to stem excessive Menstrual bleeding, since its rich in Tannins.
• Its Tannins display anti-hemorrhagic properties.
• Its Astringent nature makes it helpful in stanching excessive Menstrual flow in cases of Menorrhagia, and metrorrhagia (when Menstrual bleeding happens at irregular times in between menstruation).
• Its Anti-Spasmodic and pain relieving effects on Menstrual cramps is attributed to compounds (such as salicylic acid and Quercetin) which are known for their analgesic and Anti-Inflammatory actions.
• Ladys Mantle as a uterine Astringent and Uterine Tonic, reduce menopausal symptoms such as hot Flushes, Anxiety, irritation, pain, and hormonal imbalances that occurs during the menopausal stage in women’s.
• Ladys Mantle stimulate progesterone production, thus keeping important Hormones in balance which can help to alleviate a wide range of symptoms that are commonly associated with the Menopause.
• Its action on progesterone receptors can help to reduce the occurrence of menopausal symptoms (such as hot Flushes, Night Sweats, Anxiety and mood swings).
• It helps to inhibit oestrogen dominance (a condition that affects many women in the peri-Menopause and post-Menopause)
• Elderly women produce more oestrogen (fewer ovulations in older age) and less progesterone which can lead to the Hormone imbalance that can cause havoc in the body.
• Ladys Mantle is also very effective for vaginal Infections (Yeast and Fungal Infections).
• It also reduces the itchiness and white discharge problem.
• The herb is used as a douche (or applied on a tampon and after that inserted into the vagina), due to its great therapeutic effect.
Foods & Women Health
