Lady’s mantle
Alchemilla Vulgaris, commonly known as Lady’s Mantle, is a member of the rose family and is considered one of the most useful herbs for many women’s issues, although men can also derive benefits from using the herb too. It can help anyone with internal bleeding or ruptured organs, including hernias. The leaves and flowers are generally the parts used and are usually made into an infusion, but you can also make tinctures, salves, ointments, poultices and a powder can be made from the dried plant matter. It was first written about in a book called ”The History of Plants” written in 1532 A.D. Lady’s Mantle has a reputation for magical healing powers. The name ’Alchemilla” means ’little alchemist’ or ‘little magician’. In times gone by, alchemists believed the morning dew which collects in its leaves had miraculous healing properties and would either drink the dew straight off the leaf or use it in their magic, believing its purity could cleanse one’s body of any illness. They considered this morning dew to be the purest form of water.
- Used as a remedy for sagging breasts after breast-feeding.
- Alchemilla, as has been stated, can relieve virtually any women’s reproductive cycle issues, be they menstrual, hormonal, menopausal, strengthening pelvic floor muscles, toning the uterus, any gastro-intestinal issues…etc. The same properties which help women can also benefit men dealing with issues like ruptured or bruised organs, hernias, internal bleeding. For external sprains and bruises, it could be used as a wash, or the fresh leaves could be crushed, and used as a poultice, or if you’ve been diligent, you can rub on some of that Alchemilla oil or salve that you made earlier.
- Like Meadowsweet and Willow bark, Lady’s Mantle is high in salicyclic acid (nature’s aspirin), as well as tannins, glycosides, quercetin and more.
- Contains powerful anti-oxidant properties which fight free radicals and cell damage, preventing oxidative stress.
- Alleviates the discomfort associated with endometriosis and fibroids.
- For centuries Lady’s Mantle has been taken as an aid to losing weight.
- Its tannin content and anti-bacterial properties make it a great herb for skin health, promoting toning and tightening. For this reason it’s a popular ingredient in many over-the-counter acne medications. Can also be used as a natural exfoliating agent.
- Improves digestion, helping with bloating. Its mild astringent properties can be used to treat diarrhoea.
- It has significant anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-microbial action.
- Contains hepaprotective (liver protecting) properties.
- Inhibits the ability of pro-inflammatory cytokines to function.
*Please Note:
Despite having a huge range of applications for women’s health, Lady’s Mantle is NOT recommended during pregnancy or while breast-feeding. In certain circumstances it can be, and has been, prescribed to help tone the uterus in preparation for labour, but please consult with your healthcare provider before deciding to use any herb during pregnancy.
