{"id":14009,"date":"2024-09-25T09:41:58","date_gmt":"2024-09-25T08:41:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/?post_type=herb&p=14009"},"modified":"2025-05-25T08:28:56","modified_gmt":"2025-05-25T07:28:56","slug":"ladys-mantle","status":"publish","type":"herb","link":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/herb\/ladys-mantle\/","title":{"rendered":"Lady\u2019s mantle"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"featured_media":14014,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","beyondwords_generate_audio":"1","beyondwords_project_id":"47224","beyondwords_content_id":"70bb0d12-6143-4974-a396-fa0b141fd5b4","beyondwords_preview_token":"9451c385-e557-4931-8aec-f546589efb5a","beyondwords_player_content":"","beyondwords_player_style":"","beyondwords_language_code":"","beyondwords_language_id":"","beyondwords_title_voice_id":"","beyondwords_body_voice_id":"","beyondwords_summary_voice_id":"","beyondwords_error_message":"","beyondwords_disabled":"","beyondwords_delete_content":"","beyondwords_podcast_id":"","beyondwords_hash":"","publish_post_to_speechkit":"","speechkit_hash":"","speechkit_generate_audio":"","speechkit_project_id":"","speechkit_podcast_id":"","speechkit_error_message":"","speechkit_disabled":"","speechkit_access_key":"","speechkit_error":"","speechkit_info":"","speechkit_response":"","speechkit_retries":"","speechkit_status":"","speechkit_updated_at":"","_speechkit_link":"","_speechkit_text":""},"tags":[],"conditions":[694,685,698,700],"sustainability":[1575],"sense":[18,31,786],"western_action":[993,992,994,1000,1001,1023,1025],"chinese_action":[],"ayurvedic_action":[],"energetics_action":[1492,1499,1498,1382,1487],"region":[1893],"class_list":["post-14009","herb","type-herb","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","conditions-cardiovascular-system","conditions-digestive-system","conditions-reproductive-system","conditions-skin","sustainability-amber-sustainability-status","sense-bitter","sense-astringent-taste","sense-cooling","western_action-antimicrobial","western_action-anti-inflammatory","western_action-antioxidant","western_action-astringent","western_action-bitter","western_action-uterine-tonic","western_action-vulnerary","energetics_action-toning","energetics_action-astringent","energetics_action-bitter","energetics_action-cool","energetics_action-dry","region-western-herbs"],"acf":{"last_reviewed":"20240925","herb_author":1235,"banner_text":"Lady\u2019s mantle is used for for digestive and reproductive conditions","latin_name":"Alchemilla vulgaris<\/em>","pseudonym_name":"","family_name":"Rosaceae","herb_summary":"This member of the rose family is a potent astringent tissue tonic and wound healer that can be used for a wide range of conditions which are classified by poor tone, flaccidity and dampness.","key_benefits":"Mucous membrane tonic\r\nFemale reproductive health\r\nDysmenorrhea \r\nMenorrhagia \r\nAcute diarrhoea\r\nIntestinal distonia\r\nDampness in the tissues\r\nWound healing","how_does_it_feel":"Lady\u2019s mantle has a strong astringent quality due to its tannin content. This drying sensation can be immediately perceived upon tasting. It also has bitter qualities which are indicative of salicylate compounds. <\/span>","hdif_image_1":14014,"hdif_image_2":14016,"hdif_image_3":14015,"hdif_video":"","sense":[31,18,786],"what_can_i_use_it_for":"Lady\u2019s mantle is an old-world remedy that is often seen on the apothecary shelves of modern herbalists. It is notably astringent due to the presence of tannins. Tannins have a tonic action upon different types of tissues in the body. These tonifying actions make lady\u2019s mantle a choice herb for weak or under-functioning tissues in the <\/span>reproductive<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>digestive systems<\/span><\/a> (1).<\/span>\r\n\r\nLady\u2019s mantle has a particular affinity for women and the female reproductive system. It is used to address a wide range of conditions and it is also a general female reproductive tonic.<\/span>\r\n\r\nOne of its most popular applications is for the management of menstrual pain particularly where it is caused by congestion or weakness in the uterine tissue (1). It has a number of uses for female conditions relating to poor tone which include menorrhagia (heavy menstruation) and leucorrhoea (vaginal discharge). Its astringent properties help to restore tone in the reproductive tissues whilst also reducing excess secretions (1,2).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nA mild infusion can also be used as an eye wash to help reduce the inflammation of conjunctivitis. A stronger infusion may also be used as a gargle or mouth wash for sores, ulcers and laryngitis (1). Lady\u2019s mantle has a long tradition of use as a mouthwash for healing inflammations in the mouth (3).<\/span>\r\n\r\nIts tonic effects also offer some relief to digestive issues that are caused by weakness of the digestive mucous membranes. It may be drank as a tea to assist in digestive processes, especially for the digestion of fats (1). It is also commonly referenced for mild, non-specific <\/span>diarrhoea<\/span><\/a> (2,4).<\/span>","into_the_heart_of":"[caption id=\"attachment_14018\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"600\"]\"Lady's Lady's mantle with flowers (Alchemilla vulgaris<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n\r\nLady\u2019s mantle is a herb with many associated energetic and emotional qualities. The primary energetic qualities of lady\u2019s mantle are bitter, cooling, dry and astringent.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nLady\u2019s mantle collects dew drops on its leaves in the morning. Matthew Wood draws an interesting connection between this botanical occurrence and its particular relationship with fluid management in the body. The presence of astringent tannins in lady\u2019s mantle modify and control the outflow of fluids, whilst its salicylates have a thinning effect upon the blood, increasing systemic flowability and removal of fluids from the body. This explains the mechanism by which this herb can drive fluid from damp or weak tissues whilst strengthening and returning them to a healthy toned state (1).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nThis herb is a well-known astringent and tissue tonic due to the presence of its tannins. It is best applied where there is a relaxed or \u2018flaccid\u2019 tissue state in the mucous membranes but also in the skin. Matthew Wood also suggests a particular constitution of \u201cpale, anaemic, sensitive women with prominent blue veins and moist skin\u201c for which lady\u2019s mantle is specifically indicated (1).<\/span>\r\n\r\nIt is an excellent remedy where there has been traumatic injury in the female reproductive system or where traumatic sexual experiences may have left an energetic or physical imprint. It can be used for those recovering from miscarriage, sexual trauma, intrauterine device (IUD) extraction or insertion due to its tissue healing qualities (5).<\/span>\r\n\r\nLady\u2019s mantle moderates tension and permeability of the mucous membranes in the digestive and reproductive systems but also in the urinary system. It is also mildly diuretic (8). These mucous membrane healing and astringent actions make lady\u2019s mantle an excellent herb for phlegmatic coughs, oedema and other fluid retentions throughout the body.<\/span>\r\n\r\nIts associations with the feminine mean that it is also connected to creativity and expression. It may be useful for those who are experiencing artistic blockages or for those who would benefit from being creatively energised. Elizabeth Brooke recommends burning lady\u2019s mantle on a charcoal disc at night whilst visualising the creative practice you wish to deepen (5).<\/span>","tradtional_uses":"[caption id=\"attachment_14016\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"600\"]\"Lady's Lady's mantle plant (Alchemilla vulgaris<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n\r\nLady\u2019s mantle was one of the popular woundworts of the Middle Ages. Wound worts were so named due to their ability to address and heal wounds. Lady\u2019s mantle was formerly considered one of the best <\/span>vulneraries<\/span><\/a> (1,6).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nIt also has a long tradition of use in female <\/span>reproductive disorders<\/span><\/a>, hence its name, lady\u2019s\u2019 mantle (1). It was traditionally used for poor tone over the organs in the pelvic region, including for prolapse of the uterus, hernia, uterine bleeding and to restore tone in the uterine tissues after childbirth. The leaves also were used directly on the breasts to relieve inflammation and pain from engorgement (1).<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe uses of this herb in bygone times also included for rheumatic conditions to address the inflammation and dampness in the joints. It was used for purulent discharges and infected orifices such as for the ears, eyes and throat. A mild infusion could be used as an eye wash for conjunctivitis (1).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nCulpeper writes \u201cLady's Mantle is very proper for inflamed wounds and to stay bleeding, vomitings, fluxes of all sorts, bruises by falls and ruptures. It is one of the most singular wound herbs and therefore highly prized and praised, used in all wounds inward and outward, to drink a decoction thereof and wash the wounds therewith, or dip tents therein and put them into the wounds which wonderfully drieth up all humidity of the sores and abateth all inflammations thereof. It quickly healeth green wounds, not suffering any corruption to remain behind and cureth old sores, though fistulous and hollow\" (6).<\/span>","what_practioners_say":"[caption id=\"attachment_14015\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"600\"]\"Lady's Lady's mantle fresh tea (Alchemilla vulgaris<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n

Reproductive system<\/span><\/h3>\r\nLady\u2019s mantle is a primary herb used in the treatment of female <\/span>reproductive conditions<\/span><\/a>. Its astringent qualities have a tonic effect on the epithelium (mucous membrane linings of the internal organs). Herbalists have used this herb in the treatment of gynaecological disorders for centuries due to its restorative effect upon the womb and pelvic tissue (7,8).<\/span>\r\n\r\nSome of the most common indications for lady\u2019s mantle include for the treatment of heavy and paining menstruation (5,9). It is sometimes referenced for use in irregular menstruation as an emmenagogue that can encourage balanced menstrual flow (7).\u00a0 It is not yet understood if this is due to a hormonal action although some herbalists believe that it influences the endocrine system through a feedback loop from its action upon the womb (8). Its physiological action in regulating and toning the uterine tissues locally also helps to moderate fluid output and improve the functional health of the reproductive tissues (7).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nIt supports women in all phases of their reproductive life from menarche to menopause, helping to establish healthy and regular periods. It normalises mood swings and mitigates premenstrual anxiety. It is also often included in the treatment of fertility issues that have no identifiable cause.<\/span>\r\n\r\nLady\u2019s mantle is sometimes combined with yarrow and herbs to address the lymphatic system such as <\/span>calendula<\/span><\/a> on the treatment of fibroids or <\/span>endometriosis<\/span><\/a> (8). It is also useful for postpartum where there is a risk of uterine prolapse. It offers a healing and tonic effect to the uterine tissues that also makes it a choice herb in the recovery of abortions and miscarriages. It may be useful for where poor epithelial health results in a susceptibility to vaginal dysbiosis or thrush. It may also be useful in the\u00a0 management of pelvic inflammatory disease (5).<\/span>\r\n\r\nLady\u2019s mantle has a specific affinity for the breasts and is a valuable herb to help relieve swelling and pain that occurs for some women before menstruation (10). A spray or compress can be applied to help restore the breast tone upon cessation of breastfeeding (8). It is soothing and healing as a sitz bath to treat all kinds of genital issues and to help heal perineal tears or episiotomy wounds after childbirth (10).<\/span>\r\n\r\nA lotion or cream may also be used for topical treatment of episiotomy wounds. Lady\u2019s mantle strengthens and heals weakened epithelial tissue and skin around the genital area (5).<\/span>\r\n

Digestive system<\/span><\/h3>\r\nLady\u2019s mantle is often used for acute <\/span>diarrhoea<\/span><\/a> due to its astringent qualities. It may be used by herbalists where there is flaccidity or hyper-permeability in the intestinal mucous membranes. This type of tissue state in the <\/span>digestive system<\/span><\/a> can cause gut problems, poor assimilation of nutrients and loose stools.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe tannins in lady\u2019s mantle have an astringent and tonic effect on the lining of the digestive tract which offers many benefits to digestion. Lady\u2019s mantle may also therefore be used for acute nausea and indigestion (1).<\/span>\r\n\r\nIn the British Herbal Pharmacopeia lady\u2019s mantle is referenced for use in dysentery and mild, acute, non-specific diarrhoea. It may combine well with <\/span>agrimony<\/span><\/a> or tormentil for gastroenteritis (4). Research has demonstrated specific anti-microbial activities against gastrointestinal pathogens Shigella and Yersinia (2).<\/span>\r\n\r\nLady\u2019s mantle tea makes an excellent mouthwash to help address oral ulcers and sores. It can also be used as a gargle for laryngitis (7).<\/span>\r\n

Skin and tissue repair<\/span><\/h3>\r\nLady\u2019s mantle has wound and skin healing properties which have been evidenced through a small number of modern studies. It may be useful for the healing of rectal tears, episiotomies applied topically in the form of a lotion of cream (1).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe flavonoids in lady\u2019s mantle are known to strengthen capillary permeability whilst also having a protective action on connective and elastic tissues. Its astringency makes it a useful agent to help in reducing the severity of haemorrhoids when used in the form of a suppository (11).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nLady\u2019s mantle is an excellent vulnerary for healing minor open wounds. It helps bind the loose skin of a wound or for ulcers that have become fistulous. It helps to actively encourage wound healing, reduce infection and dry up discharge or infective fluids that may occur in some wounds and skin inflammations (1).<\/span>\r\n\r\nSome interesting research has demonstrated a number mechanisms by which lady\u2019s mantle assists in wound healing and tissue repair. It was shown to stimulate the regeneration of epithelial tissue in vitro. Another study demonstrated angio-protective effects which may be responsible for its ability to protect and restore connective tissues. Additionally, a number of its active compounds have been shown to inhibit proteolytic enzymes and protect elastin fibres in human tissue (2).<\/span>\r\n

Cardiovascular system<\/span><\/h3>\r\nLady\u2019s mantle has a profound effect on the vasculature through its tonic action and it has also been identified to contain high levels of vasoactive compounds (12). Although these uses may be less commonly referenced, it is well respected by herbalists as a herb that can address conditions such as venous insufficiency which may be accompanied by heavy legs and haemorrhoidal symptomology. This may be addressed using both internal and topical preparations (4).<\/span>","research":"[caption id=\"attachment_14019\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"600\"]\"Lady's Lady's mantle flowering (Alchemilla vulgaris<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n\r\nThere are currently limited clinical trials on lady\u2019s mantle. However, there are a number of in vivo <\/em>and\u00a0in vitro<\/em> studies investigating A. vulgaris <\/em>extracts or isolated compounds that demonstrate a variety of its well-documented effects. These are discussed below to illustrate the mechanism underpinnings for some of the medicinal actions discussed throughout in this monograph.<\/span>\r\n\r\nAnimal studies are not condoned by Herbal Reality; however, for the purpose of including research from which some understanding of therapeutic actions can be confirmed, some animal studies have been referenced in the works included herein.<\/span>\r\n

Treatment of aphthous stomatitis with topical Alchemilla vulgaris<\/em> in glycerine<\/span><\/h3>\r\nAn open label study was carried out to determine efficacy of lady\u2019s mantle in the treatment of aphthous ulcers. Forty-eight otherwise healthy male and female patients aged 4\u201344 years of age were recruited to trial a topical standard 3% extract of lady\u2019s mantle glycerine extract (aphtarine) on common minor oral ulcers. The preparation was applied three times daily.<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe study revealed that the majority of patients experienced complete relief of discomfort and complete healing of the ulcers (60.4%) within two days and in 75% within three days. This is a significant result compared with 10.4% and 33.3% who went without treatment and 15% and 40% for those who used common over the counter treatments.<\/span>\r\n\r\nThis study confirms the highly effective healing properties and tolerability of a lady\u2019s mantle glycerine extract (13).<\/span>\r\n

Vasorelaxant and blood pressure lowering effects of Alchemilla vulgaris<\/em>: A comparative study of methanol and aqueous extracts<\/span><\/h3>\r\nAn in vitro study was carried out on two preparations of lady\u2019s mantle to investigate its potential microvascular and blood pressure lowering effects. Both aqueous and methanol extracts were added in 0.01\u201310 mg\/ml concentrations in an accumulative manner<\/span>\r\n\r\nEndothelial tissue of pre-contracted arteries displayed vasorelaxant activities using both extract types.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nOpposing vascular effects were observed when extracts were applied in potassium pre-contracted arteries. Oral administration of the methanol extract of lady\u2019s mantle produced significant hypotensive effects.<\/span>\r\n\r\nFindings of this study suggest a that methanol extracts of lady\u2019s mantle produce positive vascular effects in normal and experimental hypertensive conditions (12).<\/span>\r\n\r\nAnother in vivo study was carried out which identified a potential mechanism of action for lady\u2019s mantle in its cardiovascular effects. The study found that lady\u2019s mantle extracts increase the concentrations of lipids and phospholipids in erythrocyte (red blood cell) membranes. A reduction in the number of abnormal erythrocytes, and improved deformability of red blood cells was also observed in rats with arterial hypertension (14).<\/span>\r\n

Beyond traditional use of Alchemilla vulgaris<\/em>: Genoprotective and antitumor activity in vitro<\/span><\/h3>\r\nAn in vitro study was performed to investigate the potential of lady\u2019s mantle ethanolic extract in the prevention and suppression of tumour development. The study carried out an assay of compounds which identified 45 active compounds that have free radical scavenging properties. In vitro methodology effectively demonstrated antioxidant activities on chromosome aberrations in peripheral human lymphocytes. The extract also showed suppression of growth of human cell lines derived from different types of tumors through the blockade of cell division, caspase-dependent apoptosis, and autophagic cell death.<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe study concludes that lady\u2019s mantle extract has antioxidant, genoprotective, cytotoxic, anti-tumour and cytoprotective activities against subcellular structure damage which may inhibit tumorigenesis as well as the ability to suppress tumour cell growth (15).<\/span>\r\n\r\nThese works afford us a deeper insight into the medicinal activities of this fascinating plant and show its potential beyond many of its current uses.<\/span>","did_you_know":"Lady\u2019s mantle forms dew drops upon its leaves, which can be seen glistening in the sun on a summer\u2019s morning. These drops are in fact a vascular secretion of the plant due to a process called guttation. The drops gather and nestle in the beautiful cup formed by the soft leaves. <\/span>These drops are visually beautiful to find, giving the appearance of jewels or liquid mercury. These droplets of water were once considered by alchemists to be the purest form of water. It is said that this sacred water was used when attempting to turn base metal into gold \u2014 hence the name \u2018alchemilla\u2019 (16).<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe name <\/span>Alchemilla<\/span><\/i> is thought to have come from the Arabic word \u2018alkmelych\u2019 which translates as \u2018alchemy\u2019 (5).<\/span>","additional_information_right":{"illustration":14021},"additional_information_left":{"botany":"Lady\u2019s mantle is a small creeping herbaceous plant.<\/span> The leaves soft and velvety grow up to 6\u201d across with serrated edges. Each leaf is palmately veined with 7\u201311 partially folded lobes, giving it a pleated or fan like appearance. The foliage is light green to olive green in colour. Plants spread very slowly by rhizomes, forming mounds 12\u201315\u201d tall that can spread in excess of two feet (15).<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe flowers bloom from June to August grow in loose divided clusters at the end of the freely-branching flower-stems, each on a short stalk, or pedicle. They are yellow-green in colour, numerous and small, at around 1\/8 inch in diameter. The flowers have no petals, the calyx is four-cleft, with four conspicuous little bracteoles that have the appearance of outer and alternate segments of the calyx. The flowers contain four stamens, inserted on the mouth of the calyx, their filaments jointed (6).<\/span>","common_names":"