Alchemilla vulgaris                               Common name: Lady’s Mantle

Family: Rosaceae

Parts Used: Leaf, flowering shoots

Constituents: Tannins (mainly glycosides of ellagic acid, salicylic acid (trace amounts).

Actions: Astringent, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, emmenagogue, vulnerary

Medical uses: Widely used in folk medicine throughout Europe, Lady’s Mantle helps reduce pains associated with menstrual periods and ameliorates excessive bleeding. It also has a role to play in the easing of menopause. As an emmenagogue it can stimulate proper menstrual flow. However, paradoxically the herb is also useful as a uterine astringent, helpful in both menorrhagia and metrorrhagia. It’s astringency makes it beneficial in the treatment of diarrhea, as a mouth wash for sores and ulcers, and as a gargle for laryngitis.

Pharmacy: Tincture: (1:5, 25%), 2-4 ml TID. Infusion: 2 tsp/cup, infused for 10-15 min, TID.

Toxicity: No side effects or drug interactions have been reported.