Lady's Mantle (Alchemilla vulgaris, A. xanthochlora) Cut and Sifted Bulk 

Family

Rosaceae (Rose Family)

Etymology

The genus name Alchemilla derives from the Arabic  alkemelych, "alchemy," as alchemists believed that the morning dewdrops on this plant, which they called "heaven's water," held magical powers to help them in their work. The "lady" in the common name lady's mantle is the Virgin Mary, with whom the plant was associated in the Middle Ages; the leaf of the plant was thought to resemble a cloak. In earlier times, however, this plant was linked to Freya, the Norse goddess of love and beauty.

Range of Appearance

Lady's mantle is a perennial, native to Eurasia but widely naturalized, and can grow 4 to 18 inches in height. The stems are bluish green when young and become reddish brown as they mature. The toothed, palmate, almost circular leaves have seven to eleven lobes each. The greenish yellow flowers are small and grow in umbellate panicles. The plant prefers moist, shady conditions.

Parts Used

Leaf, flowering shoot

Physiological Effects

Anti-inflammatory, astringent, depurative, diuretic, emmenagogue, febrifuge, hemostatic, liver decongestant, nervine, styptic, tonic, vulnerary

Medicinal Uses

Lady's mantle breaks up congestion, removes excess dampness, clears heat and toxins, stops bleeding, promotes tissue healing, reduces pain, and calms the spirit. It also strengthens muscles and tissues and helps restore vitality after childbirth. It was used to staunch bleeding on the battlefields of the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. Today, it is used in the treatment of appetite loss, cystitis, diarrhea, hemorrhage, irregular menses, leukorrhea, menorrhagia, menopausal flooding (heavy menstrual bleeding), postpartum hemorrhage, rheumatism, and uterine prolapse. It can be taken by a pregnant woman ten days before she expects to deliver to prevent excessive bleeding during childbirth; it also can be used to stimulate labor that has been delayed or to prevent miscarriage. However, such use should be supervised by a qualified health-care professional. Topically, lady's mantle can be made into a healing poultice for wounds. It also can be prepared as a bolus, douche, or sitz bath to treat vaginal infection or leukorrhea. It can be used as an eyewash to treat conjunctivitis, as a mouthwash to heal sores and after dental extraction, and as a gargle to treat laryngitis. The juice or tea can be applied topically to dry up acne; the plant can be prepared as a facial steam for the same purpose.         

Culinary Uses

The flowers and leaves are edible when young and can be added to salads. The root is also edible.

Other Uses

Lady's mantle is often included in lotions to soften rough skin, lighten freckles, and minimize enlarged pores or birthmarks.

Constituents

Lecithin, tannin (ellagic acid), salicylic acid, saponins, phytosterols, essential oil

Contraindications

Avoid during pregnancy, except under the guidance of a qualified health-care professional. Do not use in conjunction with oxytocin.

Plant details were provided by iPlant by Brigitte Mars.

Hyperlink it to https://brigittemars.com/iplant-app/