Natural Remedies - Healing with Medicinal Herbs

Lady's mantle

Lady's mantle (Alchemilla vulgaris Rosaceae)


Other Names: Common Lady’s Mantle, Beef Grass, Dewdrop

Lady’s Mantle, a perennial found across Europe, is recognizable by its large, fan-shaped leaves with eight to ten serrated segments. Its Latin name, meaning "alchemy," reflects medieval beliefs in the magical properties of dew collected from its leaves. The plant features tiny green flowers in inflorescences, producing yellow, rounded, single-seeded fruits.


Parts for Use

Flowers, Leaves and Roots

  1. Collected from May to September and dried in a shady place.
  2. Used to prepare infusions, tinctures, and liquid extracts.

Ingredients

Lady’s Mantle contains significant amounts of tannins, flavonoids, and a small amount of salicylic acid, contributing to its therapeutic effects.


Use in Treatment

Due to its tannins, Lady’s Mantle acts as an astringent, tightening tissue and stopping bleeding, making it valuable for wound healing. Internally, it treats irregular or excessive menstrual bleeding and mild diarrhea with frequent strong infusions. Externally, it relieves itching, inflammation, cellulitis (staphylococcal skin infections), gingivitis, insect bites, and vaginal discharge through baths. French research indicates it prevents cracking of skin’s elastic and connective tissues, supporting its use for scratches and skin aging.


Cultivation

Sow seeds in spring in moist, well-drained soil in a sunny or slightly shaded location.


Preparation and Dosage

For Internal Use (Menstrual Disorders, Diarrhea)

  1. Infusion for Menstrual Disorders: Steep 1–2 grams of dried herbs in 1 liter of boiling water for 10 minutes, strain, and drink 2–3 cups daily.
  2. Infusion for Diarrhea: Steep 5–10 grams of dried herbs in 1 liter of boiling water for 10 minutes, strain, and drink 2–3 cups daily.
  3. Tincture (1:4 in 25% alcohol): Add 20 drops to cold water and take 3 times daily.

For External Use (Cellulitis, Stretch Marks, Gingivitis, Vaginal Discharge)

  1. Compress: Boil 40 grams of dry leaves in 1 liter of water, soak a bandage, and apply to the affected area 3 times daily.
  2. Creams or Gels: Apply to affected areas 3 times daily.
  3. Sitz Bath for Vaginal Discharge: Use 1 liter of infusion per bath, taken twice daily.

Warnings

  1. Consult a healthcare professional before use.
  2. Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
  3. If taking aspirin or anticoagulants, consult a doctor before use.