Lady's mantle with the botanical name Alchemilla was already one of the well-known wild medicinal plants in the Middle Ages. The ingredients in the leaves in particular have positive effects on the human organism and can be used in various ways.
What do the leaves of the lady's mantle look like?
The wild herb, which originally comes from Asia or Eastern Europe, has, depending on the species,kidney-shaped to rounded, intense greenleaves. These arelobed: All leaf veins grow from a central point at the base of the petiole.
Do the leaves have a distinctive feature?
The leaves of lady's mantle, which in addition to being grown in the garden bed can also be cultivated in pots that are as large as possible due to its creeping growth, have a unique feature. These aredewdrops that form on the surface of the leaves every day. In the Middle Ages, the plant was given the name alchemist's herb because of this natural but very astonishing phenomenon.
Can you eat lady's mantle leaves?
The leaves of the lady's mantle areedible. They can be used for the following diseases or he alth problems, as they have been said to have a positive effect on he alth since the Middle Ages becomes:
- Diarrhea and flatulence
- Kidney problems
- Gastrointestinal complaints
- Inflammation
- Poorly healing wounds
- Itching
- Menstrual problems
Tip
In addition to the leaves, the flowers of the lady's mantle can also be eaten - for example in salads or as a decoration for dishes.
What ingredients are contained in lady's mantle leaves?
The leaves of the lady's mantle, which can be harvested from April to August, contain a particularly high amount oftanninsThey also containbitter substancesandFlavonoidsincluded. The tannins in particular have given the plant its reputation in natural medicine. They have an astringent effect, i.e. pulling together. This effect can help with inflammation on the skin as well as an increased tendency to bleed. The astringent effect also provides quick relief for gastrointestinal infections.
What are lady's mantle leaves used for?
The leaves of Alchemilla vulgaris are mainly usedas tea. Fresh leaves are very suitable for this. If possible, they are simply scalded with hot water immediately after harvesting and have to steep briefly. Other possible uses for the fresh leaves are:
- Wild herb salads
- Seasoning for vegetable and herb soups
- Juices in combination with different types of fruit
Can the leaves also be dried?
At least theoretically, the leaves of the lady's mantle canbe dried However, their taste changes significantly: When dried, the leaves have a significantly higher proportion of bitter substances. They can then no longer be used as a culinary herb because they simply taste too bitter. The dried leaves can only be used to make tea, but there is also a loss in taste. Drying does not change the healing effect.
Tip
Harvest lady's mantle yourself
If you don't have lady's mantle in your garden, you can look for wild-growing specimens. With a little luck you will find them on the edges of forests from the Alps to the lowlands. The rose family (Rosaceae) also thrives on pastures and in moist locations with nutrient-rich soil.
