lady's mantle
Animation: Hui Zhengyang Sound: Aleksandra Nikolic
Plant Whisper
I am Lady's Mantle, and I accompany you with gentle, protective power… an ancient medicinal plant that has always been associated with femininity and inner balance.
You can find me in light forests, along roadsides, in meadows, or in thickets – often growing in dense, green carpets, spreading calmly and steadily.
I am best harvested during my flowering season, starting in early May. The moment is right when the morning dew has disappeared from my leaves. You may have already noticed the small, clear drops that collect on the edges of my leaves – I excrete excess water through tiny glands. This "plant water" was once highly prized by alchemists, who used it in their mysterious elixirs.
In herbal medicine, I am especially valued for my balancing properties. I have a gently harmonizing effect and support you in finding your center again. I am not a strong, intrusive plant, but rather a quiet and constant companion – like a protective cloak that wraps itself around you.
Dried in the shade, I retain my potency and can support you for an extended period. However, as with all medicinal plants, please use me mindfully and allow your body breaks from time to time.
Botanical Facts
Fresh to damp meadows
Hardy
Northern Europe and Asia
May - July/August
Sunny to partially shaded locations
Moist, nutrient-rich soil
Healing Properties
It is a traditional medicinal plant that is particularly helpful for women's health issues such as menstrual cramps, PMS, and menopausal symptoms. The tannins it contains have anti-inflammatory, astringent, and antispasmodic properties, which also makes it useful for gastrointestinal problems, wound healing, and strengthening the lower abdomen.
ESCOP (European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy): nonspecific diarrhea, gastrointestinal complaints, and menstrual pain.
Features
10 – 30 cm
❀ (flowers), 🌿 (herb)
An insect-friendly perennial with yellow-green flowers offers plenty of nectar and pollen for bees, bumblebees and butterflies from May to August; in addition, its leaves collect water and serve as a drinking source for insects.
Medicinal plant), 🍽 (edible), 🔧 (dye plant), 💐 (ornamental plant)
The dried above-ground parts, consisting of leaves, flowers and stems, are collected during the flowering season (Lady's Mantle Herb - Alchemillae herba).
Endangerment Level
G - Endangerment of Unknown Extent
All information about herbs has been carefully compiled but does not claim to be complete. None of the information provided constitutes medical advice.
GOLDEN RULE for EVERYTHING: Eat only what you know! The rule applies: a handful of wild plants per person and day may be collected on public land. Use only washed plant parts that you can identify clearly – when in doubt, please refrain from using them.
TIP: One advantage of buying over-the-counter medicines from a pharmacy or specialist retailer is the expert advice on your symptoms.
