Lady’s Mantle, Alchemilla xanthochlora (very likely labeled with one of its synonyms, Alchemilla vulgaris or Alchemilla speciosa), is unfortunately one of several plants all of which are commonly referred to by this name, all closely related. These include the garden lady’s mantle, Alchemilla mollis, a popular ornamental which has little medicinal value, and the alpine lady’s mantle.
There seems to be some confusion between the garden lady’s mantle and this plant. A. mollis is sometimes given as a synonym of A. vulgaris (or vice versa), but this is incorrect. Because of this, if you are purchasing this plant, you may get the wrong one if you buy a plant labeled Alchemilla vulgaris so take care. Probably your best bet is to buy from a specialist herb supplier – and to discuss the nomenclature with them at the time so that you know that they know what they are selling. Do not assume they are experts.
The plant discussed here (A. xanthochlora) is also called the intermediate lady’s mantle or lion’s foot. It is a native of Europe, a hardy perennial with a height and spread of about a foot (30cm). It will grow in any neutral or alkaline soil, so long as it is well drained. It will not grow in full shade. Harvest leaves and flowering stems as the plant comes into flower around June for use when fresh herbage is not available.
Both leaves and roots are edible when cooked, and the leaves can also be used raw. Both are said to have an astringent flavour, so you may prefer to give them a miss.
Medicinally, lady’s mantle’s main use is in staunching bleeding. Externally it can be used as a mouthwash after an extraction and a douche for abnormal vaginal discharges (leukorrhea/leucorrhoea). Internally it is used as a tonic and a treatment for poor appetite, diarrhea, rheumatism and internal bleeding. It can also be used as a poultice to treat wounds.
Make a standard infusion by adding 30g (1 ounce) of dried or 3 handfuls of fresh chopped herb to 600ml (2.5 US cups, 1 UK pint) of boiling water. Allow to stand for 15 minutes to 4 hours, then strain off the herb and discard. The dosage is one third of a cup, up to 3 times a day.
To make a poultice, mix chopped leaves with a little hot water and wrap in a gauze bandage. Apply to the area to be treated, refreshing in hot water as required.
As I’ve always emphasized, herbs grown for medicinal use must be grown organically to ensure that the active constituents are not diluted or masked by the presence of foreign chemicals. To find out more about growing organic lady’s mantle visit the Gardenzone.
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