Lady's Mantle
Botanical Description / Habitat
Alchemilla xanthochlora
Family
Rosaceae
Common Names
Lady's Mantle
Habitat
Found throughout Europe, North America and Asia in lowland areas.
Description
A perennial herb with small, yellow-green flowers.
The leaf lobes resemble the edges of a mantle, hence it has been dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
Medicinal Parts
Alchemilla means "universal cure". Medieval alchemists collected the dew from the leaves for its magical properties.
Leaves and flowering shoots, collected in July and August.
Historical Properties & Uses
Among Lady's Mantle's historical uses are: mild astringent, antiinflammatory, diuretic, menstrual cycle regulator, digestive disorders, relaxant for muscular spasms. Externally, it was used in bath preparations, wound healing, bruises and as a cosmetic.
It continues to be used as an emmenagogue, for diarrhea and as a mouthwash and gargle.
This herb has approval status by the German Commission E for diarrhea.
References:
Blumenthal, M (Ed.): The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. American Botanical Council. Austin, TX. 1998.
Method of Action
Tannin, bitter principles and salicylic acid.
Its astringent action is noted by the German Commission E.
Mutagenic potencies are consistent with the quercetin content.
A water extract has demonstrated scavenging activity against lipid peroxides and superoxide anion. (Filipek, 1992)
Cytostatic activity of a lactone fraction from Alchemilla pastoralis has been reported. (Sokolowska-Wozniak, 1985)
Drug Interactions & Precautions
There are no cited interactions.
The plant might interfere with anticoagulant therapy.
Safety Factors & Toxicity
There are no confirmed contraindications or side effects.
The plant does have a reputation for possible liver damage.
This herb has approval status by the German Commission E.
References:
Blumenthal, M (Ed.): The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. American Botanical Council. Austin, TX. 1998.
Preparation & Administration
2 teaspoons of the dried herb makes an infusion with 1 cup of boiling water. T.i.d.
For diarrhea and as a mouthwash, a stronger brew requires the herb to be boiled in water for a few minutes to extract the tannins.
2 - 4 ml tincture t.i.d.
This herb has approval status by the German Commission E.
Recommended daily dosages in Germany are as follows:
5 - 10 g of Lady's Mantle.
References:
Blumenthal, M (Ed.): The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. American Botanical Council. Austin, TX. 1998.
Hoffmann, D: The New Holistic Herbal. Element, 1983. Third edition 1990.
Note: This Herbal Preparation information is a summary of data from books and articles by various authors. It is not intended to replace the advice or attention of health care professionals.
References
References:
Blumenthal, M (Ed.): The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. American Botanical Council. Austin, TX. 1998.
Facts and Comparisons. The Lawrence Review of Natural Products. Aug, 1996.
Filipek, J: Effect of Alchemilla xanthochlora water extracts on lipid peroxidation and superoxide anion scavenging activity. Pharmazie, 1992, 47:717.
Hoffmann, D: The New Holistic Herbal. Element, 1983. Third edition 1990.
Sokolowska-Wozniak, A: Cytostatic activity of the lactone fraction of Alchemilla pastoralis. Ann. Univ. Mariae Curie Sklodowska. 1985, 40:107.
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