I have mostly grown culinary herbs because of
their usefulness in the garden and the kitchen,
but the longer I grow herbs the more I venture
towards plants that are useful in different ways.
Many herbs are suited more for crafts, herbal
cosmetics and other uses. Lady's Mantle is one
of those interesting and historical herbs!
Alchemilla has lime green leaves and dainty star
shaped flowers, and has been in gardens since
before the 16th century and I'm sure in the wild
much before then. The entire plant is covered in
very fine hairs that cause dew or soft rain to gather
in it's leaves. This liquid was known as "celestial
water" and used in alchemy. These tiny jeweled
drops inspired poetry and magic over the years.
The herb became known as Our Lady's Mantle
because the scalloped shape of the leaves, were
thought to resemble the mantle (cloak) of the Virgin
Mary. Later, politics intervened, and the "Our" was
taken from the name.
Lady's Mantle can be planted from seeds or by
purchasing plants. The seed will germinate in
the garden, but will take up to 2 years to flower.
The plants can be divided in the spring or fall
and are hardy in Zones 4-8 and possibly Zone 3.
It will grow from 6 inches for the alpine variety to
about 12-18 inches on the others. Space about
12 inches between plants. Lady's Mantle needs
a fertile soil and some moisture-more than the
standard herbs. It can be in full sun in northern
climates, but can tolerate some shade and in the
warm climates prefers it.
Lady's Mantle can be invasive if left to seed. But
the flowers can be dried and used in crafting, so
always make sure you harvest those before they
form seed. The leaves can be used in teas and
infusions for cosmetic purposes. I hesitate to
recommend it for medicinal and internal uses
because there is a strict warning for pregnant
and nursing women. However, cosmetically it's
soothing to the skin and can be used as follows:
Lady's Mantle Hand Moisturizer
You'll need:
2 Tbsp. finely ground oatmeal
1Tbsp. lady's mantle infusion* see note
1 tsp. avocado oil
1 tsp. lemon juice
1 tsp. glycerin
Mix all to form a smooth paste. Apply to your
hands at bedtime. Leave on for about a 1/2
hour, wash off and moisturize as usual with
lotion. Note- an infusion is simply a very strong
tea made with boiling water-allow it to "brew" for
15-20 minutes.
Herbal Bath Vinegar
Mix lavender, lady's mantle leaves, rose
petals with cider vinegar and allow to sit
for 2-4 weeks. You can use this as a
facial tonic or a bath additive.
Herbal Facial Steam
Add a couple handfuls of lady's mantle, mixed
with burnet, violets, borage or lavender to several
cups of boiling water and use it as a facial steam.
Bring it to a boil and stir with a plastic or wooden
spoon, then tent your head with a towel at least
18 inches above the pan or bowl. Gently dry
your face with a soft towel afterwards and use
a nice moisturizer.
Click Here for Lady's Mantle Seeds or Here for potted plants.
About the author:
Brenda Hyde is a wife and mom to three living in the Midwest
United States. She is also editor of OldFashionedLiving.com.
