Overview and Health Benefits
Lady's mantle (Alchemilla vulgaris) has been a staple in herbal medicine for centuries, valued for its astringent, anti-inflammatory, and healing properties. Traditionally favoured to support women's health, lady's mantle is often used to regulate menstrual cycles, reduce heavy menstrual bleeding, alleviate menstrual cramps, promote fertility, aid childbirth and postpartum recovery, and ease menopausal symptoms (McIntyre, 2019; Mills & Bone, 2013). Its gentle astringency also makes it helpful to support wound healing (Choi et al., 2018) and to ease digestive concerns such as diarrhoea and gastrointestinal inflammation (e.g., gastritis, colitis, gastro-enteritis) (McIntyre, 2019).
Key Benefits:
- Supports menstrual health and alleviates menstrual pain
- Promotes healing of wounds and reduces inflammation
- Can ease digestive inflammation and diarrhoea
- Can be used to support childbirth and postpartum recovery
- Aids in the management of menopausal symptoms
- Strengthens and tones tissues, especially in the abdominal area
Lady's mantle is particularly renowned for its aforementioned benefits in women's health, from menstruation to pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum to menopause. The herb's astringent nature helps to tone the uterus and abdominal tissues, making it beneficial postpartum to restore muscle tone and support overall recovery (Wood, 1997).
In addition to its applications in women's health, lady's mantle is effective in promoting wound healing. Its astringent and anti-inflammatory properties make it useful for treating cuts, sores, and ulcers. An infusion or poultice of the leaves can be applied topically to help close wounds and reduce inflammation (Shrivastava, Cucuat & John, 2007; Hoffmann, 1998).
The herb also offers relief from menopausal symptoms, such as hot flushes and night sweats, through its balancing effects on hormone levels (Mills & Bone, 2013).
Furthermore, lady's mantle exhibits strong antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. These properties make it a valuable herb for protecting against oxidative stress and fighting off infections. The presence of phenolic acids and flavonoids contributes to its ability to neutralise free radicals and inhibit the growth of harmful microorganisms (Denev et al., 2014).
Safety
While Lady's Mantle is generally seen as a safe herb, with no major reported adverse reactions (Natural Medicines Database, 2024), allergic reactions may always occur (particularly in individuals with allergies to the Rosaceae family) (Hoffmann, 1998). Due to its astringent properties, excessive use may lead to constipation or gastrointestinal discomfort (Mills & Bone, 2013). As with any herbal remedy, it is prudent to consult with a healthcare professional before using lady's mantle, especially if you have a pre-existing medical condition or are taking any prescription medications.
