Lady's mantle is a perennial herb that originates from England but has spread throughout the world. Its leaves and flower tops have been used for centuries to relieve menstrual problems, which is why it is often called "woman's cloak". However, it is also suitable for men, effectively helping with pain, laryngitis, bleeding gums or as a gargle for laryngitis. Its name comes from the Arabic word al-khimia. Alchemists tried to make gold from various metals, but also to discover ordinary things. One of the secret ingredients in the production of gold was water captured in the leaves of this plant. As far as we know, it didn't help...
What will certainly help, however, is a tea from this plant, which you can indulge in anywhere in the garden, or even on the balcony - it is unpretentious and quite hardy. In our country, we know three types of alchemilla: common, yellow-green and soft. All have medicinal properties. In nature, droplets of water often appear on the leaves of alchemilla - this is the so-called lotus effect. Its leaves are hydrophobic - they prevent water from penetrating inside.
Alchemilla contains flavonoids, tannin, vitamin C, gentian, trylovin, essential oils... Thanks to this, Alchemilla helps to stop bleeding, relieves cramps, has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Supports against bacteria and viruses. Since time immemorial, it helps to fight pain and also helps with heavy bleeding. Alchemilla is recommended for women who suffer from premenstrual syndrome.
It can also help with problems getting pregnant, precisely because of its ability to influence the menstrual cycle. Even because of the support and regulation of cramps, it can also help just before childbirth - it promotes uterine contractions. It is also recommended after childbirth, it restores the structure of the uterus and has a calming effect on the psyche. However, caution when breastfeeding - discuss with your doctor.
So that it is not just about women's issues, alchemilla is excellent for mouth ulcers (mouth sores) - it helps them heal. For smaller boils, we recommend gargling with alchemilla or washing the sores with its extract. It is also relevant for sores all over the body.
Alchemilla is also said to help with hypertension (high blood pressure) by relaxing muscles and helping blood flow through the vessels. Studies that exist on this treatment have so far only been conducted on animals. Its positive effects on the central nervous system and the restoration of its functions after oxygen deprivation have also been studied. Again, there is only one study that has been conducted on animals.
It has no negative effects if taken appropriately. In extreme cases, it could induce premature labour due to its effect on uterine contractions. Always consult a doctor when pregnant. It is interesting what all is in one inconspicuous plant and how many different effects it can have on the human body. Our medicine, largely focused on chemicals produced in laboratories, is only beginning to learn from nature. Other cultures have known the properties and effects of different plants for centuries. Therefore, choose carefully the store where you purchase Alchemilla (i.e. extracts from it).
