Astonishing Alchemy of Alchemilla (Lady’s Mantle)

(lat. Alchemilla Vulgaris)

Other names: Alchemilla xanthochlora, Alchémille, Alquimila, Alquimilla, Feuilles d’Alchémille, Frauenmantel, Frauenmantelkraut, Leontopodium, Lion’s Foot, Manteau de Notre-Dame, Manto de la Virgen, Marienmantel, Nine Hooks, Nueve Ganchos, Pie de León, Pied de Lion, Silerkraut, Stellaria.

What is Alchemilla

Alchemilla vulgaris, is a perennial herb growing throughout Europe and parts of Asia and North America. As the name suggests, its use was widespread, especially in the Middle Ages. People believed that under certain circumstances it could convert common metal into gold and played a role mainly in the preparation of the elixir of youth. These recipes would be very interesting, but unfortunately they are not available. Modern times must do so with the proven benefits for our health that this herb supports.

It prefers mountain areas (you can also find it on the edges of the Himalayas or the Caucasus) and wetter environments. Alchemilla’s small leaves reminiscent of women’s cape and inconspicuous yellow flowers.

Widely available are three main species. 

A. mollis grows in the Caucasus and has lime-yellow flowers.
Dwarf lady’s mantle, A. erythropoda, grows mostly in the Carpathian mountains and the Balkans and has blue-green foliage (which can turn red when it grows in the full sun) and yellow flowers.

And finally, Alpine lady’s mantle, A. alpina, with its grey-green leaves that are edged with silver, and tiny yellow-green flowers.

It blooms from May to August. You can also pick the flowers, dry them and add them to herbal tea mixtures during the winter time. Their astringent properties are good for sore throats.

Its nickname – Lady’s mantle suggests that is an herb beneficial mostly, but not only for women. In any case, you may consult a herbalist before using it.

Benefits:

• promotes fertility and facilitates childbirth,
• regulates the menstrual cycle,
• suppresses the side effects of the onset of menopause,
• has diuretic effect,
• fights bacterial and also viral infections,
• accelerates wound healing,
• contains a large amount of antioxidants,
• improves digestion,
• has anti-inflammatory effects,
• helps with weight reduction (more research needed),
• has a miraculous effect on the quality of hair and skin,
• has favourable vascular effects in hypertensive conditions in cardiovascular disorders, in particular hypertension,
• as a relaxant for muscle spasms.

It is said that in Sweden, it is customary to place alchemilla under a pillow and thus make it easier for you to fall asleep.

However, a more common method of treatment is to dry the leaves and flowers and then prepare a tonic or golden decoction of a slightly bitter taste. It is usually available separately or added to a tea mixture. No side effects are known, however, we recommend an appropriate dosage, especially with long-term use.