Lady’s Mantle
February 23rd, 2007 by admin
Lady’s Mantle
Alchemilla vulgaris
Bear’s Foot
Lady’s Mantle
Lion’s Foot
Nine Hooks
Stellaria
Lady’s-mantle owes its scientific name and a certain pseudoscientific reputation to the fact that its leaves are efficient collectors of dew. The alchemists, to whom the name Alchemilla refers, believed that the dewdrops that gather on the leaves had magical powers to help them in their search for the philosopher’s stone, with which they expected to turn base metals to gold. The name lady’s-mantle refers to the plant’s shapely, pleated leaves, which resemble a medieval lady’s cloak-one suitable for the Virgin Mary, hence the plant’s original common name, Our-Lady’s-mantle.
Generations of folk healers have prized the plant for its astringent properties. They have used it externally and internally to stop bleeding (including excessive menstruation), to heal wounds, to relieve vomiting, and in a host of other cures. Early herbalists believed that the plant had such strong contractile powers that it could “restore” lost virginity and give new firmness to flabby breasts. Lady’s-mantle is still used in herbal medicine, but its chief function is as a garden plant. The leaves usually have nine lobes, which account for the name nine hooks.
Lady’s mantle is said to have an affinity for the female reproductive tract. Its astringent tannins help to reduce heavy periods, particularly useful around the menopause, while as a uterine stimulant and emmenagogue it stimulates menstrual flow and can be used to stimulate contractions during childbirth. Lady’ mantle can be used to relieve period pains and to regulate periods, and was a traditional remedy for inducing sleep. The astringent properties useful for treating diarrhea and gastroenteritis, while the salicylic acid reduces inflammation in the digestive and reproductive systems.
Lady’s mantle can be used externally as a douche or lotion (mixed with rose water if you wish) for vaginal discharge, irritatiqn and infection. It also makes good skin lotion for rashes such as eczema, cuts and wounds, sores and insect bites. As a mouthwash or gargle it can be used for bleeding gums, mouth ulcers and sore throats.
PARTS USED
Aerial parts, root.
USES
Lady’s mantle has always been prized as a wound healer. Its astringency ensures that blood flow is staunched and the first stage of healing soon gets under way. As the name implies, it is a valuable herb for women, taken principally to reduce heavy menstrual bleeding, to relieve menstrual cramps, and to improve regularity of the cycle. It is prescribed for conditions such as fibroids and endometriosis. It is also used as a douche for excess vaginal discharge. Lady’s mantle has been used to facilitate childbirth, and is thought to act as a liver decongestant. Its astringency makes it a useful herb for treating diarrhea and gastroenteritis.
Other medical uses - Wrinkles.
HABITAT AND CULTIVATION
Lady’s rnantle is native to Britain and continental Europe. Lady’ mantle is gathered in summer.
CONSTITUENTS
Lady’s mantle contains tannins, a glycoside, and salicylic acid.
HOW MUCH TO TAKE
Use the leaves as an infusion, 200 ml (8 fl oz), three times a day to help regularize the menstrual cycle and relieve heavy bleeding. In stomach upsets where there is diarrhea, take the tincture 2 ml (40 drops), three times a day.
HOW IT WORKS IN THE BODY
The tannins act as an astringent, helping to reduce bleeding, particularly in the reproductive system, thus making it a valuable treatment for excessive menstrual bleeding and in the menopause. It is an excellent tonic for the uterus. The herb’s properties enable it to act as a hormonal balancer, which also means that it has the effect of normalizing an irregular cycle. The salicylic acid acts as a mild painkiller, which helps ease painful periods. The protective layer the tannins form on the tissues mean that this herb is also helpful in the digestive system where there is diarrhea.
APPLICATIONS
AERIAL PARTS:
INFUSION - Use for gastroenteritis or diarrhea: take up to five times daily for acute symptoms.
TINCTURE - Use for menstrual pain and irregularities or for menopausal problems.
OINTMENT - To relieve vaginal itching, combine 50 g ointment base with around 20 ml rosewater and 15 ml of the infusion or tincture, and use night and morning.
WASH - Apply the infusion externally for weeping eczema or sores.
MOUTHWASH / GARGLE - Use the infusion for sore throats, laryngitis, and mouth ulcers.
DOUCHE - Use the infusion for vaginal discharges and itching.
SUPPOSITORIES - Use for vaginal discharges and itching. Combine 20 drops tincture with 20 g cocoa butter to make 12-16 suppositories, depending on mold size.
Source Herbs2000
Posted in A Herbs, B Herbs, L Herbs, N Herbs, S Herbs |
