Growing Lady's Mantle

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Growing Lady's Mantle

By Brenda Hyde

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.