Lady's Mantle - Best Herb for Many Health Problems

Alchemi/la vulgaris Rosaceae Also called Alchemilla

This perennial plant occurs throughout Europe and is easily recognised by its large,fan-shaped leaves made up rf 8-10 serrated lobes. Its Latin name Alchemilla means alchemy, and stems from the medieval alchemists' fascination with the plant. They collected the dew from the slightly concave leaves, calling it 'heavenly water' and believed it to have magical powers. Lady's mantle bears clusters rf little green flowers and its yellow, rounded fruit contains one seed.

Parts used

Constituents

Lady's mantle contains large amounts of tannins (6 to 8 per cent). It also contains flavonoids (2 per cent) and some salicylic acid.

Medicinal uses

Due to its tannin content, lady's mantle has astringent and coagulant properties, and is therefore able to tighten the tissues and stop bleeding. Traditionally it has been used in a compress for placing over wounds to speed healing.

Taken internally lady's mantle is a valuable herb for treating irregular or excessive menstrual bleeding.A strong infusion taken frequently also treats mild diarrhoea.
When applied externally, the plant helps to relieve itching and inflammation and is used to treat cellulitis (a skin infection), gingivitis, insect bites and (in a sitz bath) ailments affecting the vulva such as itching and vaginal discharge.

A 1986 French study showed that lady's mantle inhibits the breakdown of the skin's elastic and connective tissues, supporting its use to treat stretch marks and ageing skin.

PREPARATION AND DOSAGE

TO TREAT menstrual disorders JNFUSJDN Jnfuse 1-2g of dried
plant in 1 litre of boiling water for 10 minutes, and strain. Drink 2-3 cups a day.
TO TREAT diarrhea

INFUSION Infuse 5-1 Og of dried plant in 1 litre of boiling water for 10 minutes, then strain. Drink 2-3 cups a day. TINCTURE (1:4 in 25% alcohol) Put 20 drops of tincture in a little cold water. Take three times a day.

For external use

TO TREAT cellulitis, stretch marks, gingivitis
COMPRESS Boil 40g of dried leaves in 1 litre of water. Soak a cloth in this decoction and apply three times a day. CREAMS, GELS Apply to affected area three times a day.
TO TREAT vaginal discharge SITZ BATH Use 1 litre of infLfsion per bath. Bathe twice a day.

Cultivation

Sow seeds in moist, welldrained soil in a sunny or slightly shady position in early spring.

CAUTIONS

Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid lady's mantle.

Seek medical advice if also taking aspirin or anticoagulant medication.