Lady’s mantle is an old-world remedy that is often seen on the apothecary shelves of modern herbalists. It is notably astringent due to the presence of tannins. Tannins have a tonic action upon different types of tissues in the body. These tonifying actions make lady’s mantle a choice herb for weak or under-functioning tissues in the reproductive and digestive systems (1).

Lady’s mantle has a particular affinity for women and the female reproductive system. It is used to address a wide range of conditions and it is also a general female reproductive tonic.

One of its most popular applications is for the management of menstrual pain particularly where it is caused by congestion or weakness in the uterine tissue (1). It has a number of uses for female conditions relating to poor tone which include menorrhagia (heavy menstruation) and leucorrhoea (vaginal discharge). Its astringent properties help to restore tone in the reproductive tissues whilst also reducing excess secretions (1,2). 

A mild infusion can also be used as an eye wash to help reduce the inflammation of conjunctivitis. A stronger infusion may also be used as a gargle or mouth wash for sores, ulcers and laryngitis (1). Lady’s mantle has a long tradition of use as a mouthwash for healing inflammations in the mouth (3).

Its tonic effects also offer some relief to digestive issues that are caused by weakness of the digestive mucous membranes. It may be drank as a tea to assist in digestive processes, especially for the digestion of fats (1). It is also commonly referenced for mild, non-specific diarrhoea (2,4).

Lady’s mantle is a herb with many associated energetic and emotional qualities. The primary energetic qualities of lady’s mantle are bitter, cooling, dry and astringent. 

Lady’s mantle collects dew drops on its leaves in the morning. Matthew Wood draws an interesting connection between this botanical occurrence and its particular relationship with fluid management in the body. The presence of astringent tannins in lady’s mantle modify and control the outflow of fluids, whilst its salicylates have a thinning effect upon the blood, increasing systemic flowability and removal of fluids from the body. This explains the mechanism by which this herb can drive fluid from damp or weak tissues whilst strengthening and returning them to a healthy toned state (1). 

This herb is a well-known astringent and tissue tonic due to the presence of its tannins. It is best applied where there is a relaxed or ‘flaccid’ tissue state in the mucous membranes but also in the skin. Matthew Wood also suggests a particular constitution of “pale, anaemic, sensitive women with prominent blue veins and moist skin“ for which lady’s mantle is specifically indicated (1).

It is an excellent remedy where there has been traumatic injury in the female reproductive system or where traumatic sexual experiences may have left an energetic or physical imprint. It can be used for those recovering from miscarriage, sexual trauma, intrauterine device (IUD) extraction or insertion due to its tissue healing qualities (5).

Lady’s mantle moderates tension and permeability of the mucous membranes in the digestive and reproductive systems but also in the urinary system. It is also mildly diuretic (8). These mucous membrane healing and astringent actions make lady’s mantle an excellent herb for phlegmatic coughs, oedema and other fluid retentions throughout the body.

On an energetic level, lady’s mantle may be used for those who feel stuck in the sometimes tiresome reality of modern life, for those who wish to seek deeper spiritual connectivity. Its alchemical associations are understood to offer a transformative effect that helps enable freedom from past emotional ties. The positive potential of lady’s mantle is clear vision, courage, endurance and positive change.

Its associations with the feminine mean that it is also connected to creativity and expression. It may be useful for those who are experiencing artistic blockages or for those who would benefit from being creatively energised. Elizabeth Brooke recommends burning lady’s mantle on a charcoal disc at night whilst visualising the creative practice you wish to deepen (5).

Lady’s mantle was one of the popular woundworts of the Middle Ages. Wound worts were so named due to their ability to address and heal wounds. Lady’s mantle was formerly considered one of the best vulneraries (1,6). 

It also has a long tradition of use in female reproductive disorders, hence its name, lady’s’ mantle (1). It was traditionally used for poor tone over the organs in the pelvic region, including for prolapse of the uterus, hernia, uterine bleeding and to restore tone in the uterine tissues after childbirth. The leaves also were used directly on the breasts to relieve inflammation and pain from engorgement (1).

The uses of this herb in bygone times also included for rheumatic conditions to address the inflammation and dampness in the joints. It was used for purulent discharges and infected orifices such as for the ears, eyes and throat. A mild infusion could be used as an eye wash for conjunctivitis (1). 

Culpepper writes “Lady’s Mantle is very proper for inflamed wounds and to stay bleeding, vomitings, fluxes of all sorts, bruises by falls and ruptures. It is one of the most singular wound herbs and therefore highly prized and praised, used in all wounds inward and outward, to drink a decoction thereof and wash the wounds therewith, or dip tents therein and put them into the wounds which wonderfully drieth up all humidity of the sores and abateth all inflammations thereof. It quickly healeth green wounds, not suffering any corruption to remain behind and cureth old sores, though fistulous and hollow (6)”.

Reproductive system

Lady’s mantle is a primary herb used in the treatment of female reproductive conditions. Its astringent qualities have a tonic effect on the epithelium (mucous membrane linings of the internal organs). Herbalists have used this herb in the treatment of gynaecological disorders for centuries due to its restorative effect upon the womb and pelvic tissue (7,8).

Some of the most common indications for lady’s mantle include for the treatment of heavy and paining menstruation (5,9). It is sometimes referenced for use in irregular menstruation as an emmenagogue that can encourage balanced menstrual flow (7).  It is not yet understood if this is due to a hormonal action although some herbalists believe that it influences the endocrine system through a feedback loop from its action upon the womb (8). Its physiological action in regulating and toning the uterine tissues locally also helps to moderate fluid output and improve the functional health of the reproductive tissues (7). 

It supports women in all phases of their reproductive life from menarche to menopause, helping to establish healthy and regular periods. It normalises mood swings and mitigates premenstrual anxiety. It is also often included in the treatment of fertility issues that have no identifiable cause.

Lady’s mantle is sometimes combined with yarrow and herbs to address the lymphatic system such as calendula on the treatment of fibroids or endometriosis (8). It is also useful for postpartum where there is a risk of uterine prolapse. It offers a healing and tonic effect to the uterine tissues that also makes it a choice herb in the recovery of abortions and miscarriages. It may be useful for where poor epithelial health results in a susceptibility to vaginal dysbiosis or thrush. It may also be useful in the  management of pelvic inflammatory disease (5).

Lady’s mantle has a specific affinity for the breasts and is a valuable herb to help relieve swelling and pain that occurs for some women before menstruation (10). A spray or compress can be applied to help restore the breast tone upon cessation of breastfeeding (8). It is soothing and healing as a sitz bath to treat all kinds of genital issues and to help heal perineal tears or episiotomy wounds after childbirth (10).

A lotion or cream may also be used for topical treatment of episiotomy wounds. Lady’s mantle strengthens and heals weakened epithelial tissue and skin around the genital area (5).

Digestive system

Lady’s mantle is often used for acute diarrhoea due to its astringent qualities. It may be used by herbalists where there is flaccidity or hyper-permeability in the intestinal mucous membranes. This type of tissue state in the digestive system can cause gut problems, poor assimilation of nutrients and loose stools. 

The tannins in lady’s mantle have an astringent and tonic effect on the lining of the digestive tract which offers many benefits to digestion. Lady’s mantle may also therefore be used for acute nausea and indigestion (1).

In the British Herbal Pharmacopeia lady’s mantle is referenced for use in dysentery and mild, acute, non-specific diarrhoea. It may combine well with agrimony or tormentil for gastroenteritis (4). Research has demonstrated specific anti-microbial activities against gastrointestinal pathogens Shigella and Yersinia (2).

Lady’s mantle tea makes an excellent mouthwash to help address oral ulcers and sores. It can also be used as a gargle for laryngitis (7).

Skin and tissue repair

Lady’s mantle has wound and skin healing properties which have been evidenced through a small number of modern studies. It may be useful for the healing of rectal tears, episiotomies applied topically in the form of a lotion of cream (1). 

The flavonoids in lady’s mantle are known to strengthen capillary permeability whilst also having a protective action on connective and elastic tissues. Its astringency makes it a useful agent to help in reducing the severity of haemorrhoids when used in the form of a suppository (11). 

Lady’s mantle is an excellent vulnerary for healing minor open wounds. It helps bind the loose skin of a wound or for ulcers that have become fistulous. It helps to actively encourage wound healing, reduce infection and dry up discharge or infective fluids that may occur in some wounds and skin inflammations (1).

Some interesting research has demonstrated a number mechanisms by which lady’s mantle assists in wound healing and tissue repair. It was shown to stimulate the regeneration of epithelial tissue in vitro. Another study demonstrated angio-protective effects which may be responsible for its ability to protect and restore connective tissues. Additionally, a number of its active compounds have been shown to inhibit proteolytic enzymes and protect elastin fibres in human tissue (2).

Cardiovascular system

Lady’s mantle has a profound effect on the vasculature through its tonic action and it has also been identified to contain high levels of vasoactive compounds (12). Although these uses may be less commonly referenced, it is well respected by herbalists as a herb that can address conditions such as venous insufficiency which may be accompanied by heavy legs and haemorrhoidal symptomology. This may be addressed using both internal and topical preparations (4).

There are currently limited clinical trials on lady’s mantle. A number of in insightful in vivo/ in vitro studies that focus on extracts or isolated compounds that demonstrate a variety of its well-documented effects are discussed below to demonstrate the mechanism of action for some of the medicinal actions discussed in this monograph.

Animal studies are not condoned by Herbal Reality, however for the purpose of including research from which some understanding of therapeutic actions can be confirmed, some animal studies have been referenced in the works included herein.

Treatment of Aphthous stomatitis with topical Alchemilla vulgaris in glycerine

An open label study was carried out to determine efficacy of lady’s mantle in the treatment of aphthous ulcers. Forty-eight otherwise healthy male and female patients aged 4–44 years of age were recruited to trial a topical standard 3% extract of lady’s mantle glycerine extract (Aphtarine) on common minor oral ulcers. The preparation was applied three times daily.

The study revealed that the majority of patients experienced complete relief of discomfort and complete healing of the ulcers (60.4%) within two days and in 75% within three days. This is a significant result compared with 10.4% and 33.3% who went without treatment and 15% and 40% for those who used common over the counter treatments.

This study confirms the highly effective healing properties and tolerability of a lady’s mantle glycerine extract (13).

Vasorelaxant and blood pressure lowering effects of Alchemilla vulgaris: A comparative study of methanol and aqueous extracts

An in vitro study was carried out on two preparations of lady’s mantle to investigate its potential microvascular and blood pressure lowering effects. Both aqueous and methanol extracts were added in 0.01–10 mg/ml concentrations in an accumulative manner

Endothelial tissue of pre-contracted arteries displayed vasorelaxant activities using both extract types. 

Opposing vascular effects were observed when extracts were applied in potassium pre-contracted arteries. Oral administration of the methanol extract of lady’s mantle produced significant hypotensive effects.

Findings of this study suggest a that methanol extracts of lady’s mantle produce positive vascular effects in normal and experimental hypertensive conditions (12).

Another in vivo study was carried out which identified a potential mechanism of action for lady’s mantle in its cardiovascular effects. The study found that lady’s mantle extracts increase the concentrations of lipids and phospholipids in erythrocyte (red blood cell) membranes. A reduction in the number of abnormal erythrocytes, and improved deformability of red blood cells was also observed in rats with arterial hypertension (14).

Beyond traditional use of Alchemilla vulgaris: Genoprotective and antitumor activity in vitro

An in vitro study was performed to investigate the potential of lady’s mantle ethanolic extract in the prevention and suppression of tumour development. The study carried out an assay of compounds which identified 45 active compounds that have free radical scavenging properties. In vitro methodology effectively demonstrated antioxidant activities on chromosome aberrations in peripheral human lymphocytes. The extract also showed suppression of growth of human cell lines derived from different types of tumors through the blockade of cell division, caspase-dependent apoptosis, and autophagic cell death.

The study concludes that lady’s mantle extract has antioxidant, genoprotective, cytotoxic, anti-tumour and cytoprotective activities against subcellular structure damage which may inhibit tumorigenesis as well as the ability to suppress tumour cell growth (15).

These works afford us a deeper insight into the medicinal activities of this fascinating plant and show its potential beyond many of its current uses.

Lady’s mantle forms dew drops upon its leaves, which can be seen glistening in the sun on a summer’s morning. These drops are in fact a vascular secretion of the plant due to a process called guttation. The drops gather and nestle in the beautiful cup formed by the soft leaves. These are thought to be magical elixir with enhancing powers (10). 

These drops are visually beautiful to find, giving the appearance of jewels or liquid mercury. These droplets of water were once considered by alchemists to be the purest form of water. It is said that this sacred water was used when attempting to turn base metal into gold — hence the name ‘alchemilla’ (16).

The name Alchemilla is thought to have come from the Arabic word ‘alkmelych’ which translates as ‘alchemy’ (5).

The common lady’s mantle is native to Northern Hemisphere. It is native to UK, the Arctic circle in Europe, Asia and also in Greenland. If found in southern latitudes it is generally only on high mountain ranges, such as the Himalayas.

It is distributed over Britain although often in the colder districts and on high-lying ground up to an altitude of 3,600 feet in the Scottish Highlands. It is abundant in Yorkshire, especially in the Dales. It may also be found in moist, hilly pastures and by streams, except in the south-east of England (6).

Lady’s mantle is not yet included in the IUCN Red List of endangered species. A paper that was published in 2009 reviewed the populations of A. vulgaris and concluded that in a new red list for Great Britain this species is classified as ‘endangered’ or ‘vulnerable’. This paper explained that the species had been included in the new Biodiversity Action Plan. 

The sustainability issues with this species are thought to be due to of the management of the upland meadows and fells for food production, game birds and recreation (19).

Habitat loss and over-harvesting from the wild are two of the biggest threats faced by medicinal plant species. There are an increasing number of well-known herbal medicines at risk of extinction. We must, therefore, ensure that we source our medicines with sustainability in mind.

The herb supplement industry is growing at a rapid rate and until recent years a vast majority of medicinal plant produce in global trade was of unknown origin. There are some very real and urgent issues surrounding sustainability in the herb industry. These include environmental factors that affect the medicinal viability of herbs, the safety of the habitats that they are taken from, as well as the welfare of workers in the trade.

The botanical supply chain efforts for improved visibility (transparency and traceability) into verifiably sustainable production sites around the world is now certificated through the emergence of credible international voluntary sustainability standards (VSS). 

Read our article on Herbal quality & safety: What to know before you buy and Sustainable sourcing of herbs to learn more about what to look for and questions to ask suppliers about sustainability.

Herbal medicines are often very safe to take; however, their safety and efficacy can be jeopardised by quality issues. So, it is important to buy herbal medicines from a reputable supplier, from sources known to test their herbs to ensure there is no contamination, adulteration or substitution with incorrect plant matter, as well as ensuring that recognised marker compounds are at appropriate levels in the herbs.

Some important quality assurances to look for are certified organic labelling, the correct scientific/botanical name, and the availability of information from the supplier about ingredient origins. A supplier should be able to tell you where the herbs have come from, what contaminants are not in the herb, and what the primary compounds are.

Lady’s mantle is easy to grow. It thrives best in slightly acidic to neutral soil however it is adaptable to most soil types. The best planting position is in full sun to partial shade although it will tolerate near-complete shade. The plant prefers a little afternoon shade in more tropical climates.

• It can be grown by propagation of the root clump or from seed. Start seeds indoors. Germination usually takes place between three to four weeks
• When the plants reach four inches high, they can be transplanted outdoors. Keep the transplants 12 inches apart; they will quickly fill in the empty spaces.
• Lady’s mantle is drought-tolerant once established. It does not like to be waterlogged so ensure that the soil or container is well draining. Regular watering is required in extreme heat to prevent the leaves from drying out.
• You may mulch around the base of the plant but not too close to the stem. Lady’s mantle tends to grow low to the ground, so keep the mulch from covering the leaves and lower stems. Rake debris around the plants to prevent moisture from fostering fungal diseases and crown rot.
• To control the plant’s rampant self-seeding, it is recommended to deadhead them regularly. Lady’s mantle has a habit of spreading vigorously. Removing the flower stalks before they go to seed helps to curve this problem. Reducing water can also help to slow the overall rate of blooming (20).

Lady’s mantle feminine tonic tea

Lady’s mantle combines beautiful with raspberry leaf and rose. With the addition peppermint for freshness and the nourishing and blood tonifying qualities of nettle. This tea blend offers a delicious brew for morning or night with deeply restorative properties.

Ingredients

• 2 parts raspberry leaf
• 2 parts lady’s mantle leaf
• 1 part nettle leaf
• ½ part peppermint leaf
• ½ part rose petals

Method

• Blend the herbs together in a large bowl using a clean dry spoon. 
• Once blended well, the herbs can be decanted into a clean, glass jar. 
• To make the tea, add four tablespoons into a large teapot. Add approximately four cups of boiling water, cover, and steep for between 15 minutes (if drinking hot) or one hour (if drinking cold).
• After the time has passed, strain out the herb material and pour the tea into your favourite mug.
• The tea can be reheated in a pan or drunk cool with a slice of lemon later in the day. 

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20. Learn How to Grow Lady’s Mantle. The Spruce. https://www.thespruce.com/growing-ladys-mantle-alchemilla-mollis-in-the-garden-1402716