Lady’s mantle (Alchemilla) belongs to the rose family and is mainly native to Africa, Asia and Europe. As a medicinal plant, lady’s mantle is very well known especially in gynecology.
Occurrence and cultivation of lady’s mantle
In the Middle Ages, the plant was also called Lady’s wort or Lady’s mantle, because the shape of its leaves reminded us of the mantle of Mary’s statues. Lady’s mantle is an herbaceous plant with small, corolla-less flowers. The leaves are shaped like a protective mantle, and another peculiarity is that in the morning you can find in the leaf calyx a drop of a plant distillate, which comes from the pores on the edge of the leaf. In addition, the flowers of lady’s mantle can form seeds even without male fertilization. The root of the plant is heavily woody, and the leaves are shaggy-haired and five- to nine-lobed. The flowers are pale yellow and very rich in nectar, which also attracts many bees. There are about 1000 different species, with about 300 native to Europe. The name Alchemilla can be derived from the term alchemy, because in the Middle Ages alchemists collected the dew of the plant to make the philosopher’s stone. In addition, lady’s mantle is also often referred to as thunder grass, as it was once believed that a wreath made from the plant could protect against a thunderstorm. The civil name of the plant is quite different. For example, in some regions it is called Frauenhilf, while others call it Röckli or Frauenhäubl. In the Middle Ages, the plant was also called Mary’s herb or Mary’s mantle, because the shape of its leaves reminded us of the mantle of Mary’s statues. Lady’s mantle is very fond of growing in meadows or even in sparse forests and grows about 50cm tall.
Effect and application
Dioscorides used the plant mainly as a wound herb to stop bleeding, because lady’s mantle has a very strong astringent effect. Women who suffer from heavy bleeding during menstruation can also benefit from this effect. In addition, the plant also helps to regulate the menstrual cycle. Furthermore, lady’s mantle also has a birth-promoting or birth-facilitating effect and can strengthen the pelvic muscles. In folk medicine, the plant was therefore used as a cure about six weeks before the birth. After childbirth, lady’s mantle is also suitable for cleansing the uterus and healing any injuries. In thyroid diseases and diabetes, lady’s mantle stimulates glandular activity, and the plant also helps with arteriosclerosis, anemia, rheumatism and gout. It is also helpful in endometriosis and fibroids. In the past, herbalists used lady’s mantle to treat liver problems, diarrhea, gastrointestinal disorders and sleep disorders. In addition, the plant is also used for eczema, skin rashes, cuts or insect bites. As a gargle, lady’s mantle tea helps with sore throat, bleeding gums as well as mouth ulcers. However, the herb is also often used in the kitchen. Lady’s mantle has a peppery and spicy taste and is therefore often used for spreads. For this purpose, the chopped leaves are mixed with cream cheese, salt and pepper. Lady’s mantle contains tannins that inhibit the growth of bacteria and prevent cancer. Other ingredients include vitamins A and C and flavonoids, which reduce muscle tension in the arteries.
Importance for health, treatment and prevention.
A lady’s mantle tea can be made very easily by yourself. The leaves of the plant are best collected before the flowering period in April or May. Then they are cut into small pieces and dried on a cloth in a well-ventilated room. The dried herb is then boiled in water, left to brew for five minutes and then the tea is poured off. To make a tea mixture for menstrual cramps, mix two parts of lady’s mantle herb, two parts of calendula flowers, two parts of nettle leaves, and one part of chamomile flowers. Two teaspoons are then poured over 1/4 liter of boiling water. Allow to steep for ten minutes, strain and drink about three times a day. To make a tincture, you need 8g of flowers and leaves, 40g of lady’s mantle root and about 150g of 50- to 60-proof alcohol. The root is dug up, washed and scraped, and then cut into small slices.Also divide the flowers and leaves into small pieces, then put everything in a jar and add the alcohol so that the roots are well covered. Now the tincture must mature for a moon, then it is filtered and bottled. A women’s mantle tincture can help with irregular menstrual periods and is also used to treat period pains or menopausal symptoms. It also helps with breast tenderness, depressive moods, migraines, spotting and sleep disorders, and about three to four drops should be taken daily. Those suffering from vaginal irritation can use an ointment made from lady’s mantle for external treatment. An oil extract of yarrow, lady’s mantle and angelica root can also prevent lactic congestion and firm the breasts. Poultices made of fresh lady’s mantle help to stop bleeding and are also used for rapid wound healing. The decoction of the plant is also suitable for external use, which can be helpful for superficial infections or inflammations. In addition, lady’s mantle is also offered in the form of tablets or dragées, and the plant’s extracts can also be found in lozenges, mouthwash or in various ointments. It should be noted that a daily dose of 5 to 10g should not be exceeded. In case of overdose, the tannins contained in the plant can irritate the mucous membranes and cause nausea.
