Meadowsweet Herbs

Lady’s Mantle is a native to Eurasia. A hardy perennial, it grows up to 1 1/2 feet tall. The rounded toothed leaves have seven to ten lobes each and the stout taproot is black. Rosemary Gladstar describes Lady’s Mantle beautifully. “Found in both the wild and in cultivated gardens, it grows close to the earth, reflecting the earth’s heart beat. It collects the morning dew and wears it like fine jewels. Its flowers are small, greenish, and lacy like the green hair of the fairy queen, Titiana.”

Lady’s Mantle grows easily by seed or root division. The seeds are slow to germinate and will easily self sew. The root should be divided at the crown in the spring or fall. Lady’s Mantle likes deeply dug, poor, slightly acidic soil. Plant it in full sun or partial shade. It is winter hardy here in Montana.

Harvest the root of Lady’s Mantle in the early spring or late fall after two years. It is best tinctured fresh. Collect the leaves and flowering shoots between June and August when the plant is in bloom.

Lady’s Mantle leaf, flowers and root are all astringent, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, vulnerary and emmenagogic. As an astringent, it can be used as a gargle for laryngitis and a mouthwash for sores and mouth ulcers. For the digestive system, it can be used to treat stomach ailments, diarrhea and loss of appetite. It is healing to wounds and can be applied as a wash or poultice.

Lady’s Mantle is often used for the female reproductive system. It is a wonderful toner and balancer for young women who are just beginning to cycle. It will ease menstrual problems such as excessive bleeding, irregular cycles and menstrual pain and cramps. As an emmenagogue, it will stimulate suppressed menstruation. Use Lady’s Mantle as a douche for vaginitis. As a uterine astringent, it is useful for uterine atony or prolapse. In England, a poultice of the plant is used to firm and tone the breast tissue. Lady’s Mantle has long been attributed magical properties. It is said to aid women who are taking on or leaving the role of motherhood. During pregnancy, it will tone the uterus and reduce morning sickness. If hemorrhaging during labor occurs, Lady’s Mantle can be used as an astringent to reduce blood flow. Take 20–30 drops fresh root tincture and repeat as needed until bleeding has stopped. After birth, it will encourage vitality, healing and restoration of uterine tone. Use Lady’s Mantle to reduce flooding by taking ten drops of the tincture can be taken three times a day for one to two weeks before menstruation occurs, for best results. Lady’s mantle has no known side effects or toxins and it can be used as a tonic for long periods of time.