It is often planted in parks and gardens. With its unusual foliage, on which raindrops and dew roll off beautifully, and its yellow flowers, it looks extremely decorative. But apart from its ornamental value: is lady's mantle edible?
Can you eat lady's mantle?
Yes, lady's mantle is edible and not poisonous. The leaves, stems, flowers and roots can be eaten, although the young leaves taste best. Lady's mantle can be used, for example, as tea, in smoothies or in salads.
Can you eat lady's mantle?
Lady's mantle is not poisonous. Quite the opposite – this herb is edible. This applies to all species such as Alchemilla vulgaris and Alchemilla alpina, among others. Both humans and animals tolerate lady's mantle if it is not consumed in large quantities.
The leaves, stems, flowers and roots can be eaten. But the young leaves probably taste best. For medicinal purposes, however, the leaves and flowers should be harvested in summer. Then their active ingredient content is highest.
What does lady's mantle taste like?
The leaves of lady's mantle taste bitter, slightly sour and astringent. While the leaves and flowers have a pleasant taste, the roots tend to cause disgust when eaten. The bitter taste of the herb is due to its high content of tannins and bitter substances. But when prepared as a tea, the herb tastes mildly aromatic and is easy to drink.
Uses of lady's mantle herb
You can use lady's mantle fresh, dried or as an essence. You can:
- steam the leaves (reminiscent of spinach)
- mix the leaves and flowers into smoothies
- Brew all parts of the plant into tea
- Use the leaves for wild herb salads, wild herb soups and stews
How does the herb eaten/ingested affect the body?
Lady's mantle has a broad spectrum of effects. If you take it internally, it will have a positive effect on your well-being for the following complaints, among others:
- for all women's problems such as menstrual pain and menopausal symptoms
- Sore throat and throat infections
- Cold
- Fever
- Kidney pain
- Diarrhea
- Flatulence
Tips & Tricks
If you have made too much lady's mantle tea and are fed up with the taste, mix the cold lady's mantle tea with apple juice. When chilled, this mixture tastes delicious and refreshing, especially on hot summer days!
