The Magic of Alchemilla

Early one Friday morning in late July it was a beautiful start to the day, so I decided to have a wonder around the garden with my cup of tea taking in the beauty of the flora and fauna.  Happily, I came across a clump of Lady’s Mantle (Alchemilla vulgaris) that I had planted the summer before from a cutting, and I was treated to the spectacular views you can see in the photos.  Overnight, little droplets of water formed on the edges of the leaves via a process called guttation and then collected in the middle of the leaf.  It is claimed that alchemists in the 16th century would collect this dew and use it for their experiments due to its purity and beliefs that it enhanced longevity.  Hence the Latin name Alchemilla meaning ‘little magical one’ or ‘little alchemist’.  This plant is native to Europe’s grasslands, roadsides, chalky downs, and mountain terrain and has been used for many centuries to address women’s gynaecological complaints, as well as for wound healing (both internal and external), and to address any excessive discharge from the body (e.g. diarrhoea) due to its astringent properties that tone and bind damaged or weak tissues.    Alchemilla is one of the first herbs I consider when treating women’s health conditions.  It is indicated for heavy periods, endometriosis, fibroids and polycystic ovary syndrome.  It can be used internally and externally to treat a uterine prolapse and to aid recovery after childbirth.  For example, you can add a strong infusion to a shallow sitz bath for frequent bathing of the affected area.    Other clinical studies have supported a range of medicinal actions such as: anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, wound healing (e.g. mouth ulcers), antioxidant and antibacterial.  If you have this plant growing in your garden you can make a tea with fresh or dried leaves, however it is an astringent and bitter plant so you may want to add some honey or agave syrup to taste.  Not only was this encounter with Alchemilla both beautiful and informative, it also served to remind me to take time to really look for and appreciate the sometimes small, but spectacular, shows mother nature puts on for us.

Nb. While Alchemilla is a gentle herb, it should be used with caution during pregnancy, especially in the alcohol form, and avoided in the first trimester.  Please consult a qualified medical herbalist before internal use (especially with the tincture and if you are taking other medications).