Alchemilla aka Lady's Mantel
It is amazing to me just how many plants I have found, bought, traded, or been given over the last 20 something years that are not only beautiful but have incredible medicinal value. This was for the most part, unbeknownst to be until I started researching more on the different herb plants used around the world. I knew that there were many out in the wild that I would search out and collect, but my own backyard?? Really? That is just too cool!
Please note that the information that these pages contain are for general information only. If you chose to or are interested in using an herb, it is advisable to research on your own prior to using it or to consult a known herbalist for advice.
So Alchemilla - yes one of my favorites - I love the shape, I love the color and I love the way the water collects on the leaves. It is a perennial and a mature plant can be upwards of 2 feet in diameter and almost 2 feet high too! It reseeds easy, which makes it spread fast if you are not careful. I let mine go as I would love a full patch of it in my North - Earth garden. If you prefer to not have the reseeding, then just make sure to clip off the spent flowers before they go to seed. Better yet, cut them and use them in flower arrangements they are a gorgeous addition and add a beautiful chartreuse color to any arrangement.
Please note that the information that these pages contain are for general information only. If you chose to or are interested in using an herb, it is advisable to research on your own prior to using it or to consult a known herbalist for advice.
So Alchemilla - yes one of my favorites - I love the shape, I love the color and I love the way the water collects on the leaves. It is a perennial and a mature plant can be upwards of 2 feet in diameter and almost 2 feet high too! It reseeds easy, which makes it spread fast if you are not careful. I let mine go as I would love a full patch of it in my North - Earth garden. If you prefer to not have the reseeding, then just make sure to clip off the spent flowers before they go to seed. Better yet, cut them and use them in flower arrangements they are a gorgeous addition and add a beautiful chartreuse color to any arrangement.
There growth style (shape of plant) is mounded and you can always find new baby leaves starting underneath the mature leaves. They flower in June here in Maine and the blooms will last into July. That is also the best time to collect the leaves or roots for use in medicinal purposes.
What is it good for medicinally? Well as it's common name implies, it is great for Ladies! Whether it is menstrual issues, lack of or heavy, infertility, cramping, even menopause! For the most part the leaves are dried and used as an infusion (tea) and a cup is drunk 2 to 3 times a day. There is information on how it even helps with obesity issues too! So really an all around plant. It's leaves contain a high level of tannins and this makes it a useful astringent for cleaning cuts, using a decotion (cold tea) as a mouth gargle for bleeding gums or mouth sores as well as for helping relieve diarrhea and gastronitis.
Really amazing. And this from a plant I have been growing for over 20 year! I have even heard that the dew on the leaves holds amazing spirit lifting properties, and that some herbalists will go into a garden in the morning to drink from its leaves or collect it for later to use in treatments. Hmmm not for the weak of stomach - I know mine usually has a thin layer of dust on it and of course you would not want to do that if you fertilize your garden. I never do so I never worry about ingesting any pesticides or herbicides. I would recommend that if you intend to use any part of your garden for eating or medicinal uses, you not use anything on your gardens except compost that you make yourself (if possible).
So there you have a great reason to go find yourselves some Lady's Mantel, if not for the medicinal uses then just because it is an incredibly beautiful plant that will add shape, color and tecture to any landscape or garden.
Happy Gardening everyone!
What is it good for medicinally? Well as it's common name implies, it is great for Ladies! Whether it is menstrual issues, lack of or heavy, infertility, cramping, even menopause! For the most part the leaves are dried and used as an infusion (tea) and a cup is drunk 2 to 3 times a day. There is information on how it even helps with obesity issues too! So really an all around plant. It's leaves contain a high level of tannins and this makes it a useful astringent for cleaning cuts, using a decotion (cold tea) as a mouth gargle for bleeding gums or mouth sores as well as for helping relieve diarrhea and gastronitis.
Really amazing. And this from a plant I have been growing for over 20 year! I have even heard that the dew on the leaves holds amazing spirit lifting properties, and that some herbalists will go into a garden in the morning to drink from its leaves or collect it for later to use in treatments. Hmmm not for the weak of stomach - I know mine usually has a thin layer of dust on it and of course you would not want to do that if you fertilize your garden. I never do so I never worry about ingesting any pesticides or herbicides. I would recommend that if you intend to use any part of your garden for eating or medicinal uses, you not use anything on your gardens except compost that you make yourself (if possible).
So there you have a great reason to go find yourselves some Lady's Mantel, if not for the medicinal uses then just because it is an incredibly beautiful plant that will add shape, color and tecture to any landscape or garden.
Happy Gardening everyone!