Geographical Origin & Distribution
Alchemilla species are native to cool and temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. The plant likely originated in the mountainous regions of Europe and spread across various parts of the world due to its adaptability to different climates and altitudes.
Historical Use
Alchemilla, commonly known as Lady’s Mantle, is a perennial herb belonging to the Rosaceae family. Alchemilla is best known for its distinctive fan-shaped, serrated leaves that often catch droplets of dew, which were historically thought to have magical properties by alchemists, hence the name “Alchemilla”. The dewdrops that collected on the leaves in the early morning were thought to be sacred, and the plant was associated with purity and protection.
Alchemilla is also known as Lion’s Foot, Taublatt, Marienkraut, Frauenhilf, Frauenmantel, Lad’s Mantle, Nine Hooks, Dewcup, Virgo’s Mantle, Alchemist’s Plant, or Bear’s Foot.
Medical Use
Alchemilla leaves are mostly used in medicine but the root also has virtually identical properties to the leaves and flowering parts. Purchase Agnus Castus in the UK from our favourite supplier
Common Applications
Wounds & Skin Care: tannins, triterpenes, and salicylic acid speed up wound healing and promote tissue repair. Helpful with minor cuts, bruises, burns, eczema, and insect bites.
Anti-inflammatory: Alchemilla contains flavonoids, which reduce inflammation in skin conditions, it helps with digestive inflammation, and eases joint pain & arthritis.
Circulatory Health: it strengthens blood vessels and improves circulation.
Digestive Health: Alchemilla helps treating diarrhoea, indigestion, and supports the gastric mucosa.
Hormonal Balance: Alchemilla helps to regulate menstrual cycles and supports hormonal balance.
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Active Substances
- Tannins: contribute to its astringent properties, useful for tightening tissues and stopping bleeding. These include agrimoniin, pedunculagin, and laevigatin.
- Flavonoids: quercetin, isoquercetin, rutin, avicularin, proanthocyanidins, and tiliroside – these have antioxidant effects, helping to protect cells from oxidative stress.
- Phenolic Acids: ellagic, gallic & caffeic acid contribute to the plant’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Salicylic Acid: anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.
- Triterpenes: anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects. These include ursolic acid, 2α-hydroxyursolic acid, tormentic acid, euscophic acd, and oleanolic acid.
- Voletile Oils: aroma.
- Phytosterols: help to balance cholesterol levels and provide anti-inflammatory effects.
- Bitters: stimulate digestive secretions, including saliva, bile, and stomach acids.
Chemical Breakdown (per 100 g of dried Alchemilla)
Tannins: 6.0-8.0%
Flavonoids: 1.0-3.0%
Salicylic Acid: traces
Phenolic Acids: 0.5%–1.0%
Triterpenes: 0.2-0.5%
Volatile Oils: traces
Phytosterols: traces
Bitters: 1.0-2.0%
COOLING
Cooling herbs are those that reduce heat, inflammation, …
and excess energy in the body. They help soothe conditions associated with excess “heat,” such as fevers, inflammation, irritability, or digestive upset. Cooling herbs are widely used in Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and Western herbalism to balance the body’s temperature and energy.
Cooling: reducing internal or external heat (e.g., fevers, inflammation, irritability).
Calming: they tend to soothe both physical and emotional agitation.
Bitter: reducing heat and clearing toxin.
Applications: treat conditions like feeling overheated, skin irritations, emotional agitation, digestive heat, inflammatory conditions.
Sweet, bitter and astringent herbs tend to be cooling.
BITTER
Bitters are herbs and substances known for their bitter taste, …
which stimulates digestion, detoxification, and other physiological processes. They play a foundational role in many traditional healing systems like Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and Western herbalism as a very complex group of phytochemicals that stimulate the bitter receptors in the mouth.
Taste: their distinct bitter flavor activates receptors in the mouth and digestive system.
Action: stimulating bile production, enhancing digestive enzyme secretion, improve appetite and digestion.
Tonic Effect: bitters are considered tonics for the digestive system, promoting overall balance and function.
Energetics: used to reduce heat, inflammation, or excess dampness in the body.
They were some of the most valuable remedies in ancient medicine. Many of these reputations are being supported by new research on the role of bitter receptors in the mouth and elsewhere round the body. Bitters were also seen as ‘cooling’ reducing the intensity of some fevers and inflammatory diseases.
ASTRINGENT
Astringent herbs are those that tighten and tone tissues, …
reduce secretions, and help with wound healing or inflammation. They are often used to address issues like diarrhea, bleeding, excessive mucus, or skin conditions. Those herbs tend to have a “drying” effect due to their tannin content, which contracts and firms tissues.
With open wounds tannins can be a life-saver – styptic substances have the ability to stop bleeding by contracting tissues and blood vessels.
Planting & Harvesting
Preferred Location
Basic Information
Leaves
Large, rounded, and lobed with a serrated edge. The leaves are known to hold water droplets, which can look quite striking.
Flowers
Small, greenish-yellow, and appear in loose clusters, each one on a short stalk. They bloom from late spring to summer.
Pruning
Pruning is best done in spring since dead plant parts protect not only the plant but also small insects during winter. Cut back to about 10 cm from the soil.
Harvest
Harvest the fresh, younger leaves during the summer months (before or during flowering), preferably on a dry sunny day when there is little moisture in the air. The roots can be cut in early spring, just as the first shoots appear, or in autumn, once the whole plant is dying back. Harvest from plants at least 2 years old. If drying for storage, lay the leaves and/or roots out on a tray or paper and dry slowly – keep checking regularly for any signs of mould.