Lady's Mantle - Alchemilla vulgaris

Lady's Mantle

Alchemilla vulgaris

Lady’s mantle seems to originate for the welfare of women as it evidently strengthens the uterine muscles, relieves menstrual cramps, and aids during the event of birth.

  • Plant Family: Rosaceae
  • Plant type: Perennial
  • Other names: Lion's Foot
  • Medicinal: Yes
  • Culinary: No
  • Ceremonial: No
  • Parts Used: Flowers, leaves & stems
  • Side Effects: None
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About Lady's Mantle

Lady’s mantle got this gorgeous name because of its ability to treat various gynecological disorders. For ancient female herbalists, it was called ‘sinau’ (rather than Achemilla) which means wet. This flowering plant is a good relative of rose and hails from the Rosaceae family.

Lady’s mantle plant can attain a maximum height of 12 to 18 inches. It is characterized by chartreuse flowers in the form of clusters over serrated leaves.

From being an ornamental diva to catering to various diseases, the lady’s mantle has proven to be one of the most versatile herbs in town. Lady’s mantle seems to originate for the welfare of women as it evidently strengthens the uterine muscles, relieves menstrual cramps, and aids during the event of birth. Moreover, the phytochemicals present in the lady’s mantle know how to alleviate PMS, induce fertility, and reduce the irritation and itching in the vaginal region.

Women are recommended to drink its tea for at least six months after giving birth to tonify their uterine muscles and soften their breasts.

The biologically active ingredients present in lady’s mantle include tannins, ellagitannins, flavonoids, and much more that not only help with gynecological problems but also cater to gastrointestinal tract problems and sore throat.

Growing

The way it handles such problematic diseases does not mean that it is some moody diva with a list of favorable conditions. In fact, the lady’s Mantle is a low maintenance plant that can do well in both full sun and partial shade.

It requires fertile soil, rich in nutrients with a good drainage system. It can grow in almost any region but thrive robustly in regions with cool summer. All this plant needs is ample space and plenty of water supplies to flourish.

The plant can be started outdoors in early spring or fall and transformed into a containerized indoor because of the space it needs during its initial stages of growth. But, lady’s mantle can be started indoors too, provided the fact that seeds are sown at least 6 weeks before the last frost date.

Lady’s Mantle seeds take at least 3 to 4 weeks to germinate. Until then they need plenty of water supply to sprout. After sprouting, they grow rapidly and soon a robust plant is ready which is all set to pollinate and self-seed rapidly.

Lady’s Mantle undergoes bloom from June till September. During this time, proper pollination and fertilization result in fruit formation which is of achene type.

The seeds of the fruit are highly capable of self-seeding to continue the lifecycle of Lady’s Mantle.

Harvesting

The harvest of flowers and leaves of Lady’s Mantle can be done from June till August. Its roots are harvested after two years of its growth i.e. in early spring or late fall.

The roots, leaves, flowers, and its seeds are collected.

Lady’s mantle leaves and flowers can be dried in a well-ventilated room, out of direct sunlight. The dried plant material is brittle to touch. It is crumpled and stored in an airtight jar.

Usage

Lady’s Mantle has always been the talk of the town when it comes to catering to gynecological disorders.

  • Tincture - Infuse fresh or dried chopped lady's mantle leaves and flowers in grain alcohol for 4 to 6 weeks. Strain the liquid and place it in a dark and dry place.
  • Tea - Fresh or dried lady’s mantle leaves and flower stalks are steeped in hot water for 10 to 15 minutes. The plant material is strained and the tea is consumed to seek its medicinal benefits.
  • Decoction - Dried leaves and flower stalks are decocted in water.
  • Syrup - Lady’s Mantle flowers are used for formulating the syrups.