If there is one plant we would particularly recommend to the fairer half of humanity, it would be yellow-green alchemilla, which is also known as the ‘women’s cloak’ due to its effects. It has long been used to treat the menopause and period pain, as well as to strengthen the uterus during pregnancy. Do not use it during the first trimester; it is recommended for use only in the second half of pregnancy.
Its name derives from the Arabic word al-kīmiya. Alchemists attempted to produce gold by transforming various metals, but also incredibly ordinary objects. One of the secret ingredients in the production of gold was water, trapped in the leaves of this little plant. As far as we know, it didn’t work...
What will certainly help, however, is tea made from this plant. Here, we recognise three types of alchemilla: common, yellow-green and soft. All have medicinal properties. In the wild, droplets of water often appear on the leaves of alchemilla – this is known as the ‘lotus effect’. Its leaves are hydrophobic – they prevent water from penetrating the surface.
Lady’s mantle contains flavonoids, tannins, vitamin C, bitter compounds, essential oils… As a result, lady’s mantle helps to stop bleeding, relieves cramps and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. It helps to fight bacteria and viruses. Since time immemorial, it has helped women to relieve cramps and is also effective in cases of heavy bleeding. Lady’s mantle is recommended for women who suffer from premenstrual syndrome.
It can also help with fertility issues, precisely because of its ability to influence the menstrual cycle. It can even help just before childbirth by supporting and regulating contractions – it stimulates uterine contractions. It is also recommended after childbirth, as it helps restore the uterus’s structure and has a calming effect on the mind. However, take care when breastfeeding – discuss its use with your doctor.
To ensure it’s not just about women’s health issues, Alchemilka is excellent for mouth ulcers – it helps them to heal. For minor sores, we recommend gargling with alchemilla or washing the sores with an extract made from it. Similarly, it can also help with sores all over the body.
Lady’s mantle is said to help with hypertension (high blood pressure) by relaxing the muscles and aiding blood flow through the blood vessels. There are studies that support this theory, but so far they have only been carried out on animals. Its beneficial effects on the central nervous system and the restoration of its functions following oxygen deprivation have also been investigated. Again, there is a study conducted only on animals. However, it is also suitable for men, as it effectively helps with diarrhoea, laryngitis, bleeding gums, or as a gargle for laryngitis.
You can use it to make a delicious cup of tea; the steeping time is 7 to 8 minutes. You can drink 2–3 cups a day. Our Alchemilla is grown on an organic farm in Slovakia, right beneath Kriváň. It contains no GM ingredients or allergens. Health straight from nature, straight into your cup.
