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Ladies Mantle Organic |
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Ladies Mantle Organic
LADIES MANTLE - Organic
Alchemilla vulgaris
History and Folklore
Ladies Mantle is an intriguing little herb of the Rose family that is mostly admired for its lovely foliage rather than its inconspicuous flowers. The velvety leaves are almost star-shaped, with folds that are reminiscent of a Lady's cape. The flowers on the other hand are barely noticeable, tiny little clusters of yellow-green flowers growing in bunches on a tall stalk. Nevertheless, they are rich in nectar and attract plenty of bees.
Alchemilla - the "little alchemist" was highly revered by the great alchemists, who went out early in the morning to collect the magical dew from the leaves of this plant - for this was no ordinary dew. Ladies Mantle "sweats" crystal clear pearls of water, which collects in the centre of its funnel-shaped leaves. These pearls of magical dew were deemed essential to the Alchemist's "Great Work": to produce the Philosopher's Stone.
On a more mundane note, women also sometimes collected the dew - not in search of the philosopher's stone, but in search of eternal beauty: they believed that to moisten the skin with the sacred dew would impart a special radiance of elfin allure.
Medicinal Uses:
As the name suggests, Ladies Mantle is a woman's herb and used for many female complaints. Ladies Mantle is a powerful astringent that can stop undue flows such as excessive menstruation or leucorrhoea. It is also said to regulate the female cycle. It is given to strengthen the uterus and is believed to thus increase fecundity. Its tightening qualities were also applied externally to female genitalia "to make them more virginal". In a similar vein some women applied compresses to their breasts in order to make them more firm. Disocorides praises this herb mostly for its ability to stop bleeding, which makes it an excellent wound herb that can be applied both, externally or internally.
Magical Uses:
Ladies Mantle is an important plant in the Great Work of Alchemy. The 'dew' drops can also be used to cleanse the third eye to make it more acute to perceive visions and the magical dimension. Originally an herb of Freya, this herb is used in fertility magic and for protection. Ladies Mantle is also associated with Fairy lore - it is said that the Fairies too appreciate the sacred dew, which they collect and drink as a magical elixir.
BOTANICALS:
Plants nourish and feed us, add spice to our life, bestow health and beauty, scent and colour and brighten our days. They mediate love, hope and gratitude; they clothe and cleanse us, they heal and soothe our bodies, minds and souls. They touch every aspect of our existence, from our daily sustenance to the air we breathe, to the keys to other dimensions. They are the alchemists that turn sunlight into the green force of life, continuously revolving, restoring, rebirthing through the cycles of time. They truly are the greatest gift of nature, yet also the one we most take for granted.
Star Child's range of botanicals derives from many regions and traditions of the world. We supply only the best quality herbs, using organically grown and sustainably harvested sources if available. The greater the demand for organic products the more readily they will become available. Your choice to buy and our commitment to supply organic herbs is part of the driving force that sows the seeds for a greener, healthier future.
USE:
There are dozens of ways in which herbs can be used. Many culinary herbs not only impart a great flavour but also have subtle effect on the digestive process. Other herbs are more medicinal than culinary and can be used as remedies, based on the wisdom of age old traditional plant knowledge. For more detailed information on the different types of preparations that can be made with herbs, please refer to the BOTANICALS USAGE section.
CAUTION
We support the notion of taking responsibility for one's own well being and thus strive to make all herbs available for use at your own discretion. It should be noted however, that not all herbs are safe to use in all circumstances. Special cautions may apply when suffering from certain medical conditions, when taking synthetic prescription drugs and during pregnancy. Research and familiarize yourself with any herb you intend to use and make sure you are aware of all special cautions that may apply. The information given here is based on thousands of years of traditional use. It is intended for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace a visit to a medical professional where this is necessary.
If symptoms persist or re-occur, or if you are suffering from a serious medical condition, or if you are presently taking prescription drugs, we recommend that you consult a qualified doctor or practitioner before attempting to help yourself. Look for a practitioner/doctor who you can trust and who is prepared to explore natural health alternatives with you.
Pregnancy is a very special time. If chosen wisely herbs can give tremendous support throughout the entire process. However, due to the vulnerability and sensitivity of the unborn child it is especially important to make sure that the herbs you are using are safe. (This also applies during the time of breast-feeding as all substances ingested by the mother are processed and passed on with the mother's milk). Many herbs may be useful during the latter stages of pregnancy or during labour, but could be dangerous during the first few months. Inform yourself - don't risk regret.
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