Herbal Profile: Lady's Mantle (Alchemilla vulgaris)

Botanical Name: Alchemilla vulgaris

Family: Rosaceae

Common Names: Lady's Mantle, Lion's Foot, Nine Hooks, Bear's Foot

Parts Used: Leaves, stems, and flowering tops

Description: Lady's Mantle is a perennial herbaceous plant that typically grows in cool, temperate climates. It has soft, green leaves with a fan-like shape and serrated edges. The plant produces small, yellow-green flowers that bloom in clusters from late spring to early summer.

Traditional Uses:

  1. Women's Health:
  2. Wound Healing:
  3. Digestive Health:
  4. Skin Care:

Constituents:

  • Tannins: These contribute to the astringent properties of the herb.
  • Flavonoids: Known for their antioxidant effects.
  • Salicylic Acid: Has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
  • Phytosterols: Plant compounds that can support hormonal balance.

Preparation and Dosage:

  1. Infusion (Tea):
  2. Tincture:
  3. Topical Use:

Safety and Precautions:

  • Generally considered safe when used in moderate amounts.
  • Pregnant women should avoid using Lady's Mantle due to its potential to stimulate uterine contractions.
  • Those with known allergies to plants in the Rosaceae family should use caution.

Research:

  • Modern studies are limited, but historical and anecdotal evidence supports its traditional uses.
  • Further research is needed to fully understand the herb's pharmacological effects and potential benefits.

Conclusion: Lady's Mantle is a versatile herb with a rich history in traditional medicine, particularly for women's health. Its astringent, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties make it valuable in both internal and topical applications.