Lady's mantle, pointed-lobed

The genus lady's mantle ( Alchemilla) is very rich in species. One of the best-known representatives of this traditional medicinal plant is the multiform collective species Alchemilla vulgaris L. sl (sensu latore = in the broader sense). The German name for Alchemilla vulgaris is Spitzlappiger, Gemeiner or Gewöhnlicher Frauenmantel.

Use in the kitchen:

What can you do with lady's mantle? The small, light-colored leaves of the common lady's mantle can be used finely chopped in the kitchen from spring to late summer. The basic flavor of the leaves is reminiscent of kohlrabi. The leaves taste good raw in salads, in casseroles, in patties, with raw vegetables or in chopped herb mixtures. The most common use is to make a tea.

Vegan recipe for wild herb strudel with lady's mantle:

For the tasty wild herb strudel you need a package of ready-made strudel dough and a vegan mozzarella, which you can buy in the organic supermarket or make yourself. You can find a recipe for vegan cashew-based mozzarella HERE. Please note that you have to soak the cashews for 2 hours before processing and then leave the finished mozzarella in the fridge for 2-3 hours.

First, cut 20 g mallow leaves OR 20 g linden leaves, 10 g lady's mantle, 10 g Good King Henry, 10 g chickweed, 10 g dandelion leaves and 10 g nettle leaves into coarse strips and blanch the herbs for about 2-3 minutes in boiling salted water.

In a bowl, mix the strained herbs with 2-3 tablespoons of lupin flour, a finely chopped garlic clove, 1 tablespoon of finely chopped parsley, 1 tablespoon of finely chopped chives and 1 tablespoon of yeast flakes together with the diced vegan mozzarella.

Cover the bottom two thirds of the strudel dough evenly with the herb mixture and brush the side edges and the top third with water. Now roll up the strudel and press the side ends together firmly. Brush the strudel with a little olive oil and bake it in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes at 190 °C.

Recipe for (fresh) lady's mantle tea:

The most common way to prepare lady's mantle is tea, which can be prepared as a hot water extract or as a cold water extract. ^1,2

Pour 1-2 g (1 tsp = approx. 0.9 g) of finely chopped and dried lady's mantle leaves into 150 ml of boiling water and let the infusion stand covered for 10 minutes before straining it through a tea strainer. For a cold water extract, let the preparation steep at room temperature for several hours. When should you drink lady's mantle tea? Drink two to three cups of lady's mantle tea between meals. ^2,3

Lady's mantle is usually used in tea blends, as the medicinal plant has a somewhat weak effect when used alone. Well-known and proven tea blends for diarrhea are 50 g each of lady's mantle and cinquefoil. ³ Raspberry leaves or blackberry leaves are also suitable for a tea blend for diarrhea, as they also have a high tannin content that is effective against diarrhea.

As a women's tea mixture you can use 30 g of chamomile flowers, 30 g of lady's mantle, 20 g of St. John's wort, 10 g of dead nettle flowers and 10 g of walnut leaves. ³

For an antispasmodic tea mixture for menstrual cramps, 35 g of chamomile flowers, 25 g of lady's mantle, 25 g of lavender flowers and 15 g of fennel seeds are suitable. This mixture can be supplemented with yarrow, as it has a recognized effect on mild cramp-like menstrual cramps. ³

For a mouthwash, gargle or rub, the amount of herbs should be significantly higher than for a tea. The herb is boiled for a few minutes ³ so that the tannins from the plant can be better absorbed into the water.

Purchasing - where to buy?

Lady's mantle tea is available as a single herb loose or in a filter bag (1-1.6 g) and as a component of tea blends. The tea is available in conventional or controlled organic quality. Pure lady's mantle can be purchased in pharmacies, drugstores, health food stores, online or from coopvitality. Tea blends with lady's mantle are available from Interspar or Edeka. We have not yet found any products with lady's mantle in the supermarket chains Migros, Coop, Denner, Volg, Aldi, Lidl, Rewe or Hofer or in the organic supermarkets Denns and Alnatura.

Lady's mantle can also be included in special dietary supplements for women with menstrual disorders as well as in ointments or tinctures.

However, due to insufficient pharmacological and clinical data, there is no approved finished medicinal product with a defined indication. One exception is the standard approval of the medicinal herb lady's mantle (Alchemillae herba). The European Pharmacopoeia requires a minimum tannin content for the traditional medicinal herb. ²

Found in the wild - Season:

What does lady's mantle look like? The pointed-lobed lady's mantle is a perennial, herbaceous, medium to very large and rarely red-colored plant with a rhizome. The upper sides of the first leaves are grass-green and shiny, the undersides are light and gray-green. These young primary leaves are initially five-lobed. Older leaves have 9 to 13 tapered lobes with a finely toothed edge. The leaves are not toothed at the base. The leaf shape is triangular-trapezoidal. There may be fine hairs on the upper side of the leaf and in the characteristic folds. While the first leaves are sometimes bare, they often have hairs all over in summer. The inflorescence is 2 to 20 centimeters wide, the flower stalks are bare and the flowers are green to yellow-green. ⁶

Where does lady's mantle grow? Alchemilla vulgaris, the common lady's mantle, prefers to grow on fresh and marshy meadows, on banks, on embankments, on irrigated fields, in bushes and on tall herbaceous meadows. On moist ruderal areas it also grows along railway embankments and in roadside ditches. ⁶

Alchemilla species often form mass stands on fertilized meadows. The plants are fast-growing and tolerant of trampling. Since lady's mantle ( Alchemilla) Because it can quickly utilize the available nitrogen when there is a good water supply, it is very competitive in these locations. ⁵

Further details on the distribution area of Alchemilla vulgaris within temperate Europe can be found below under "Occurrence - Origin".

The pointed-lobed lady's mantle is partially evergreen and can flower throughout mild winters. ^5,6 The main collection season is during the flowering period in the months of May to October. ⁶

Storage:

Fresh lady's mantle leaves can be dried on air-permeable surfaces in a place protected from the sun. The leaves are sufficiently dry when they can be rubbed between the fingers.

Dried leaves should be stored in airtight, opaque containers in a dry and cool place - but not in the refrigerator. Suitable containers are brown glass jars, metal cans or porcelain containers. Since plastic containers usually have their own smell, they can affect the aroma of the herbs. ⁸

Ingredients - nutritional value - calories:

The ingredients of Alchemilla vulgaris L. sensu latoore that determine its effectiveness are 6-8% tannins and about 2% flavonoids (quercetin and kaempferol derivatives). The majority of the tannins are ellagitannins (agrimoniin, laevigatin, pedunculagin). According to the European Pharmacopoeia, the tannin content must be at least 6% pyrogallol. ^2,9,10

Depending on its origin, lady's mantle ( Alchemilla vulgaris L. sensu latore) contains terpenes. Other ingredients include bitter substances, glycosides, saponins, calcium oxalate and phytosterols. Otherwise, lady's mantle contains generally occurring plant ingredients. However, recent studies are lacking. ^2,10

Health aspects - effects:

Phytosterols are hormone-like substances that resemble the female sex hormone progesterone. Experts are discussing the content of these hormone-like ingredients in lady's mantle. ^1,10

In numerous observational studies, flavonoids have shown health-promoting effects, e.g. against cancer, also because flavonoids are strong antioxidants. It has been proven that a diet rich in flavonoids protects against cardiovascular diseases. In addition, flavonoids stimulate the immune system, inhibit blood clotting, weaken inflammatory reactions and presumably stimulate cognitive abilities. ¹¹

Due to the molecular size of tannins, neither the skin nor the mucous membrane of the small intestine can absorb them. Together with the protein molecules of the upper layers of the skin and mucous membrane, tannins form complexes, a type of membrane that is perceived as astringent or contracting. ¹² This protective and sealing layer prevents further penetration of bacteria or excessive watering of small superficial wounds on the (mucous) skin. ^2,14 Tannins also weaken nerve signals in the skin and can thus relieve itching. ¹³

Tannins have anti-irritant, anti-inflammatory, weak local anesthetic, secretion-inhibiting and antimicrobial properties. ¹²

When taken orally, tannins inhibit the secretion of the digestive organs, reduce the activity of the stomach and intestinal muscles and lead to the inactivation of enzymes. As a result, tannins inhibit digestion and have a constipating effect, a desirable effect in cases of diarrhoea. ¹²

What does lady's mantle do? Lady's mantle extracts (Alchemillae herba) led to increased cell division rates in cell cultures and improved wound healing in rats. ²

In animal experiments, the isolated ingredient agrimoniin showed strong growth-inhibiting properties in breast cancer. ¹⁰

Dangers - Intolerances - Side effects:

Some people react to a high tannin content with stomach problems (eg nausea). If you are hypersensitive, you should not use lady's mantle. Since tannins interfere with the absorption of medication via the intestines, you should not take lady's mantle at the same time as other medications. ¹³

There are currently no studies on the safety of use during pregnancy and breastfeeding, or in children under 12 years of age. ¹⁸

Does lady's mantle tea have side effects? No other side effects, contraindications or interactions due to the use of lady's mantle are known. ⁹

Use as a medicinal plant:

What is lady's mantle tea good for? - what does lady's mantle tea do? As a traditional medicinal plant, lady's mantle herb (Alchemillae herba) from the parent plant Alchemilla vulgaris L. sensu latore has a recognized effect on non-specific diarrhea, gastrointestinal complaints and menstrual problems. ²

The above-mentioned indications are mentioned in the plant monograph of ESCOP, the umbrella organization of national European societies for phytotherapy ( European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy). ²

Commission E, an independent scientific expert committee for herbal medicines of the current Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices ( BfArM) in Germany, has also recognized the medical use of lady's mantle for mild non-specific diarrhea. ^2,18

If the diarrhea lasts longer than three to four days, you should see a doctor. ¹⁸

Due to the high tannin content, the use of lady's mantle as a gargle and as a wound healing agent is justified. ¹⁵ Blackberry leaves are also recognized for medicinal use due to their high tannin content.

The average daily dose is 5-10 g of lady's mantle for infusions and decoctions as well as for other oral preparations. ⁹

Folk medicine - natural healing:

In ancient times, lady's mantle was an important cult and magical plant as well as a valued medicinal plant. ³ The Latin name Alchemilla first appeared in the Mainz Garden of Health and a lifelike image was added in 1485. In Europe, the Alchemilla species have been used as folk medicinal plants for many centuries. ⁵

Alchemilla alpina, also known as Alpine silver mantle, Alpine lady's mantle or mountain lady's mantle, is used in the Alps as a wound and fever remedy. ³ This species probably has a similar healing effect to Alchemilla vulgaris. ¹⁰

Today, lady's mantle (Alchemillae herba) is traditionally used internally for gynecological complaints such as painful and difficult menstruation (dysmenorrhea), during menopause (climacteric), heavy menstrual bleeding, premenstrual disorders and for milk production after birth. Good results have been achieved with lady's mantle, especially in the treatment of women with an unfulfilled desire to have children. ^1,2,3 The medicinal plant is used externally for sitz baths for abdominal diseases, vaginal discharge (leucorrhea) or itching in the external pubic area. ⁴

Other indications for external, folk medicinal use are inflammation of the mucous membranes in the mouth and throat, wounds, weeping eczema, skin rashes, ulcers and inflamed boils. Indications for internal use are gastrointestinal complaints, diarrhea, respiratory complaints, promoting digestion, strengthening the heart, headaches and insomnia. In addition to sitz baths and infusions, compresses made from the warm and chopped leaves can be used. Lady's mantle is said to have a positive effect on the elasticity of the blood vessels and strengthen the nervous system. ^1,2,3,10

Occurrence - Origin:

Lady's mantle ( Alchemilla) originally came from central and northwestern Europe and Greece. ⁴ Today the plant is widespread in the so-called Old World in Europe, Asia and Africa. In North America, New Zealand and Australia the plant genus Alchemilla is an introduced neophyte. Alchemilla species thrive mainly in the mountains, in the Alps up to 3,200 m and in the Alborz Mountains up to 3,760 m. Around 300 of the 1,000 species are native to Europe, 150 of which are in the Alps. ^2.5

The distribution area of the lady's mantle ( Alchemilla vulgaris) covers temperate Europe up to the Ob in Siberia. To the north, the species occurs as far as northern Russia and central Fennoscandia. According to Wikipedia, the common lady's mantle (which is synonymous with the lady's mantle and the common lady's mantle) is hardly widespread in western Europe. The vegetation limit runs through Holland along the Rhine and through southwestern Switzerland. The lady's mantle is only rarely widespread south of the Alps, and is more common in the Balkans. ⁶

In Central Europe, the common lady's mantle is common in the low mountain ranges and scattered in the Alps (up to about 2,000 m) and in the hilly areas; it is rare in the lowlands. ⁶

Growing in the garden or as a potted plant:

Lady's mantle is an old cottage garden plant and an ornamental plant that can be grown in the rock garden, wild plant garden, garden bed or as a potted plant. Seeds or seedlings are suitable for this. When sowing, it is important to note that lady's mantle seeds germinate in frost and light. ^6,16

Lady's mantle thrives on humus-rich, loamy and deep soils. The plant can cope with both acidic and alkaline conditions. More important than the pH value is consistent soil moisture and a high nutrient content, especially nitrogen and potassium. With a good water supply, the plants remain vital and vigorous for a good leaf harvest in summer. Lady's mantle can be cut back completely during the flowering period to prevent uncontrolled seeding. At the same time, the cut enables a second flowering in late summer. ¹⁶

Cultivation - Harvest:

The medicinal drug for trade mostly comes from cultivation in southern and eastern European countries. ²

Risk of confusion:

When collecting lady's mantle, it can be confused with related species. This risk of confusion does not pose a real danger. If you want to collect specific species, it is best to read a fact sheet to find out about the plant's characteristics.

Animal protection - species protection - animal welfare:

The flowers of the lady's mantle are open day and night. The cheese- or horse-like smell of the flowers attracts insects such as bugs, lacewings, Diptera, Hymenoptera and beetles. In the mountains, these are mainly dung-visiting flies. ⁵

General information:

Lady's mantle ( Alchemilla) is a species-rich genus of plants in the rose family (Rosaceae). ⁵ The common lady's mantle ( Alchemilla vulgaris) is one of the better-known species in the genus Lady's mantle ( Alchemilla). ⁶ There are many small species of lady's mantle that are difficult to distinguish from one another, which is why the species is given the sl (sensu latore = in the broader sense). ²

Alchemilla sect. Alchemilla is one of the 13 European sections of the genus Lady's Mantle ( Alchemilla). In addition to the pointed lady's mantle, this section includes 31 other lady's mantle species, including:

• the yellow-green lady’s mantle ( Alchemilla xanthochlora), native to most of Europe,
• the straw-yellow lady’s mantle ( Alchemilla straminea), which occurs in southern and central European mountains,
• the kidney-leaved lady's mantle ( Alchemilla reniformis), which is found mainly in the Alps and is found in many places in the Swiss Alps,
• the striped lady's mantle ( Alchemilla lineata), which occurs in almost the entire Alpine region, in the northern Alpine foothills, in the French Jura, in the Swiss Jura, in the Vosges and in the Pyrenees,
• the most common species in Germany, Austria and Switzerland - the Lady's Mantle ( Alchemilla glabra),
• the common lady's mantle ( Alchemilla effusa), which occurs in almost the entire Alps, in the Cévennes, in the French Jura, in the southern Swiss Jura, in the Dinarides (south-eastern Europe), in the northern Alpine foothills, in the Bavarian Forest, in the Ore Mountains and in the Sudeten Mountains,
• the long-haired lady’s mantle ( Alchemilla crinita), which occurs in the temperate regions of Central and Eastern Europe,
• the common lady's mantle ( Alchemilla connivens) found in the central and southern European mountains (Pyrenees, Alps, Carpathians, Rhodopes, Jura, Apennines and in numerous low mountain ranges)
• and the lady's mantle ( Alchemilla micans), which is found in the temperate zones of Central and Eastern Europe. ¹⁹

Another species of lady's mantle that is often found in the low and high mountains is the Alpine lady's mantle or silver lady's mantle ( Alchemilla alpina). The undersides of the leaves have silvery hairs and the characteristic, circular leaves consist of eight distinct, elongated lobes.

The name Alchemilla is derived from the term alchemy and means "little alchemist". At that time, alchemists used the guttation drops on the leaves of the lady's mantle for their experiments. ⁵

Alternative names:

Regionally used names for lady's mantle are Liebfrauenmantel, alchemist's herb, Zugmantel, Krausemäntelchen, Röckli, Hiadl, Dächlichrut, Regendächle, Sinau, Taublatt, Taubebecher, Schweinsrose, Gänselgrün, Wundwurz, Mutterkraut, Milchkraut, Frauentrost, Allerfrauenheil, Echter Sinau, Tauschüsselchen, Frauenhilf, Hasenmänteli and Marienmantel.

The pointed-lobed lady's mantle is now also called common or ordinary lady's mantle.

In English, lady's mantle is known as common alchemilla, bear's foot, lion's foot, nine hooks or (common) lady's mantle.

Keywords for use:

The whole-leaf Alchemilla species provide good animal feed. ⁵

Lady's mantle flowers can be used to dye wool yellow. Adding iron sulphate produces a green colour. ⁶
We receive most inquiries about lady's mantle tea made from lady's mantle herb and using "Lady's Mantle" as an ingredient.

Literature - Sources: