The Handmade Apothecary by Vicky Chown and Kim Walker

Author:Vicky Chown and Kim Walker
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Octopus
Published: 2018-05-24T00:00:00+00:00

Alchemilla vulgaris, A. mollis

Rosaceae

COMMON NAME Lady’s Mantle

PARTS USED Flowers, leaves.

ACTIONS Astringent, styptic, emmenagogue, anti-inflammatory, vulnerary, menstrual regulator.

INDICATIONS Heavy periods, painful periods, irregular menstruation, spotting, diarrhoea.

DESCRIPTION A beautiful perennial plant, its lobed, kidney-shaped leaves are borne on a basal rosette and covered in a layer of fine fuzz. Dew-like droplets collect at the base of each leaf. Medieval alchemists believed the dew to have magical properties, hence the plant’s scientific name ‘Alchemilla’. The tiny flowers are set in dense clusters and are yellow-green in colour. A. mollis is a common garden variety and can be used interchangeably with A. vulgaris.

USES As the name suggests, lady’s mantle’s main use is in the treatment of women’s ailments, where it helps balance hormones and tone the reproductive organs. It is rich in tannins, making it a gentle astringent for use in the treatment of heavy menstruation, spotting and painful periods. To get the most from lady’s mantle, drink it daily as an infusion. For vaginal infections such as thrush, especially where there is discharge, lady’s mantle infusion can be used as an external wash to soothe inflammation.

Traditionally, it was used in pregnancy to lessen morning sickness, prevent haemorrhage and miscarriage, and tone the uterus in preparation for childbirth. (Always seek a qualified practitioner before using herbs medicinally in pregnancy.)

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