Lady's-mantle (alchemilla vulgaris)
This summer I had honor and chance to become acquainted with timid and delicate meadow plant - lady's mantle - Alchemilla vulgaris.
Lady's-mantle was known as perennial healing plant that comes from rose family already long time ago. It contains substances which are providing antimicrobial qualities and prevents from inflammation processes. Lady's-mantle also has astringent, expectoration contributing, menstrual cycle regulating functions.
Botanical name of this plant- Alchemilla has direct connection with word Alchemy - formerly there was belief that this plant has magical healing powers. In Latvian language it is called dew-pot or dew-chair and this name has very simple and practical explanation. In early morning hours the leaves of this plant really reminds a little pots filled with dew - drop by drop dew is filling it's cup-formed leaves and accumulating in the middle of leaf.
In medicine lady's-mantle mostly is known as gynecological drug - it's regulating menstrual cycle, diminishing bleeding and menstrual spasms (worked in my practice) and symptoms of menopause for older women.
There is a view that lady's-mantle protects woman from many different illnesses of reproductive system. But also this plant helps with kidney, liver diseases, stomach ulcer, dropsy's, diarrhea and intestinal inflammation.
Also this plant has been used in diabetes prevention (in my practice – there was much less need for sugar). Tea that is made from lady's-mantle is detoxing and body sustaining, stimulates appetite (worked in my practice). Similar as st.Johns wort (Hypericum) and meadow-sweet (Filipendula ulmaria) lady's-mantle purifies blood, stops bleeding (in my practice there was also less menstrual blood), heals inflammations (works as well) and wounds. Also is activating different gland activity (saliva, perspiration, tear) (o yes, worked in the practice) and is excellent remedy for favoring expectoration.
In general, the basic lesson that I learned from this beautiful plant was the lesson of communication. This teaching shows how important is to pay respect for the plant spirit and teaches us that plant can and will help us only if we will learn to to ask personally, simply, directly, nicely and with respect. Plant spirits are simple and true so we have to learn to talk with them in the same manner. And always say thanks to the plant, Mother Nature and Creator.
The best is if person can gather the herbs for him or herself and make this direct communication with plant spirit and ask directly. Nature gives, shows and tells us what to do openly and unconditionally. Our only task is to be patient, thankful and honest in our interaction with it.