Alchemilla vulgaris L
Family: Rosaceae
English common name: Lady's Mantle
Polish common names: Nawrotnik; Nawrotek; Lwia
Lapa.
German common name: Frauenmatel (Frauenmantel)
1. Botanical description
A creeping plant which rises to flower (15-25 em).
The leaves at the bottom are much larger than those farther up the stem, where they gradually become stalkless. The lower leaves have a 7-10 part division while those at the top have a 5-7 part division. The leaves are hairy on both sides and have deeply serrated margins.
The flowers are in umbels, inconspicuous, small, crownless and pale yellow-green. The calyx has 8 petals, with a simulated division.
The fruit is single, smooth and conical. The taste is tart, astringent, sweetish-slimy, sometimes with a slightly bitter after-taste. The smell faintly resembles that of balsam.
2. Origin and distribution Native of North Africa and Asia.
3. Cultivation
Sow by broadcasting the wild collected seeds. Grows in hedges, meadows, idle land and a sunny position in groves. Prefers clay and rich, humus-laden soil.
4. Harvest
Collect the whole plant including stems, leaves and flowers during blossoming time in early summer'. Dry in semi-shade in a drafty position.
5. Active elements Tannic acid; bitteline.
6. Use
Extracts are astringent and act as an expectorant; it is also used to improve muscular tone.
Water-extracts are used to correct loose bowels, flaccid guts, stop bleeding and heal ulceration. Also recommended as a treatment for rheumatism and catarrh of the respiratory tract.
7. Farm use
Swiss dairy-farmers consider Alchemilla a most welcome addition to cows' fodder as it increases milk output considerably.
8. Trade name
Herba alchemillae.