Lady’s Mantle (Alchemilla vulgaris)
Flowers: June to August. Height: Up to 45cm (18in).
The leaves’ scalloped edges are reputed to have given Lady’s Mantle its name due to the resemblance to a cloak worn by English women in medieval times. The family name Alchemilla stems from the word alchemy, and refers to the belief in medieval times that water droplets forming on its leaves could turn base metals to gold and could also be used in regaining youth. Used as a strewing herb.
Medicinal: Chiefly a herb for women’s ailments, both when taken internally and externally applied, its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties were thought to be good for reducing pain associated with menstruation, helping conception and to help overcome “flagging breasts”. A preparation of dried leaves was used to control diarrhoea. As an antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and to stop bleeding, it was widely used an ointment or poultice on battlefields for the treatment of wounds.
Culinary: A soothing herbal tea.
Magic & Myth: To regain lost youth. It was also known as Elf-shot and seen as a powerful remedy for healing a domestic animal which had been shot by the arrows of malevolent elves.
