For the Lady's (Mantle, that is...)

Folklore/Common Names: Lion’s Foot, Bear’s Foot, Nine Hooks, Stellaria

Parts Used: Primarily the leaves, fresh or dried; occasionally the fresh root.

Historical Reference:

Lady’s Mantle has been referenced in medicinal and magical circles since the Middle Ages, and has a rich history of legend and lore. We find it appearing first in Bock’s History of Plants in 1532. However, we find its true historical worthiness evident much earlier.

One look at the Latin name, Alchemilla, tells us an interesting bit of folklore regarding Lady’s Mantle... it was once said to contain the ability to transmute the formulae of alchemists.

M. Grieve tells us in A Modern Herbal, "The generic name Alchemilla is derived from the Arabic word, Alkemelych (alchemy), and was bestowed on it, according to some old writers, because of the wonder-working powers of the plant. Others held that the alchemical virtues lay in the subtle influence the foliage imparted to the dewdrops that lay in its furrowed leaves and in the little cup formed by its joined stipules, these dewdrops constituting part of many mystic potions." Alchemilla remains a patron herb of Modern Alchemists even today.

This bountiful herb was held as sacred to many Earth-oriented Goddesses in early spiritualities. As Christianity spread, it naturally carried its properties over into an association with the Virgin Mary. From either perspective, this explains why the term is "Lady’s" in the possessive, and not "Ladies" in the plural. The "Mantle" may have been due to the similarity in appearance of the leaves to the scalloped edge of a mantle, a piece of outerwear or garment associated with a person/deity of rank.

As we so often find, other names for the plant may also be due to its appearance, such as Leontopodium or Lion’s Foot, as the deeply lobed leaves do also resemble a large paw print. In English common names, we find the similar Bear’s Foot name. Lady’s Mantle has also been called 'Stellaria,' most likely from the starburst-like character of its lower leaves or flower clusters.

Swedish folk medicine once claimed that sleeping with a bit of Lady’s Mantle under the pillow at night would promote quiet and restful sleep.

Medicinal Use:

We find Modern Herbalists recommending Lady’s Mantle primarily for female associated problems, such as painful menstrual periods, excessive or heavy periods, and menopausal complaints. However, Lady’s Mantle can also be beneficial for combating diarrhea (especially when caused by gastroenteritis), stomach and intestinal disorders, even mouth and throat infections.

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