Lady’s Mantle (Alchemilla vulgaris) – A Herb for Holding On

Posted on by Ilze

There’s something about lady’s mantle that always stops me in my tracks. Maybe it’s the way the leaves hold morning dew—like tiny crystal bowls—or how the whole plant seems to glow green, even on cloudy days. It doesn’t demand attention. It just is. Steady. Grounded. A little wild around the edges, but elegant in its own quiet way.

I’ve been watching mine grow by the path. Each morning, I check for the shimmering drops of water that gather in the folds of the leaves. They look like tiny pearls—nature’s alchemy. Maybe that’s how it got its Latin name: Alchemilla. The alchemists believed these dew drops held magical powers.

I gathered a few handfuls just before the rain. I’ll save them for teas and maybe a soothing bath blend when I need a little strength without force.

Lady’s mantle feels like a protector. A gentle one. It carries this feminine energy—firm, healing, nurturing—but never overpowering.

Traditionally, lady’s mantle has been used for:

  • Supporting women’s health – Especially during menstruation, menopause, or after childbirth.
  • Tightening and toning tissues – Often used in skin care and postpartum recovery.
  • Soothing mild digestive issues – Gentle on the stomach, especially in combination with other herbs.
  • Wound care and inflammation – Its astringent nature can help heal minor cuts or soothe swollen areas.
  • Balancing hormones – Though not strongly hormonal itself, it supports the body in gentle ways.

I’ll keep some of it close this year—maybe tuck a bit in my journal, or press a leaf between the pages. Sometimes just knowing it’s nearby is enough.

Have you ever stopped to look at those dew drops in the early morning? Magic doesn’t have to shout. Sometimes, it whispers.

Ilze

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21 thoughts on “Lady’s Mantle (Alchemilla vulgaris) – A Herb for Holding On”

    1. That’s lovely to hear! It really is such a charming plant – those soft leaves holding droplets like little jewels always catch my eye. I only recently discovered its healing side, and it made me love it even more. How wonderful that you have so much of it in your garden!

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          1. You are right, ilze, I have no actual friends, but plenty of people I chat with as I go about my day. Years ago I had plenty of friends back home in Michigan, at this stage of my life I am 100% okay with enjoying my own company.

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    1. Thank you so much, that means a lot! 💚 I’ve found that once I started really looking, beauty just started showing up everywhere—especially in the quiet corners. Do you have a favorite plant or flower that always catches your eye?

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