A Witch’s Ingredients: Lady’s Mantle/Achemilla
Love, Protection, Purity, Fertility, Beauty, Youth, Improving Romance and Libido
Scientific Information/Overview
Lady’s Mantle is a the common name of Achemilla, which is a genus of plant in the family Rosaceae. There is about 300 species of Lady’ Mantle found across Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas. Some are used for medicinal purposes for gynacological disorders, issues or menstruation while others are commonly used in teas for spiritual or traditional purposes.
Other common names of Lady’s Mantle are - Lion’s Foot, Bear’s Foot, Stellaria and Pied-de-Lion.
Known as a herb greatly revered by alchemists, and where it gets its name Achemilla, it was often believed that gathering that the dew on the leaves of this plant was very magical and powerful. Many alchemists would bottle the dew believing it was connected to many magical powers and itself would increase their own powers. Some believed it could be connected to the Philosopher’s Stone. Women, especially in Europe, would also collect the dew from Lady’s Mantle believing that applying it to the face and skin would rejuvenate it and make it more beautiful and soft. It was later on commonly used in the 16th century by women to “restore” virginity for it was believed that the herb would heal any signs of pre-marital sex and restore any “damages” to the vagina and uterus.
Mid-wives would use tinctures and teas of Lady’s Mantle before and after child birth believing it would help the mother recover faster and allow her to carry child again sooner.
It was wildly believed that Lady’s Mantle was a cure-all for many ailments including rashes, impotence, sores and welts, fever, bronchitis and organ failure though like many historical believes most of these declarations were inaccurate and unresearched.
Often the plant is associated with the Christian Virgin Mary and where its restorative powers of virginity in women likely originated from. Though the name “Lady’s Mantle” also is related to Mary due to the curved leaves appearing to be like a lady’s mantle or cloak.
Many female deities are related to Lady’s Mantle, especially goddesses of fertility, virginity and motherhood, such as: Isis, Tawaret, Brigid, Damara, Freyja, Frigg, Demeter, Hera and Libera. Though a few male deities are related to it as well. Both Dionysus and Pan are associated with it due to its associations with fertility and libido.
The herb is said to be connected to the planet of Venus and the element of Water.
Often, Lady’s Mantle is brewed into teas used to help relieve the pain, cramping and bloating caused by periods. It is also commonly utilized by women facing and experience menopause to lessen some of the symptoms of it such as bleeding, sweating and soreness. The teas are also drank to help with digestive issues, painful gas and upset stomachs.
As a tincture it is often applied to rashes, swelling or areas the muscles are sort to help bring some minor relief. It can also be applied to the stomach to relieve stomach aches, indigestion, bloating and menstrual cramps though it isn’t usually as strong as the teas. Some herbalists recommend both the use of the teas and the tinctures to relieve insomnia and anxiety in some patients.
This herb is still used by midwives with women after giving birth to help the uterus “heal and regain shape” though this is wildly debated among professionals over whether it actually helps in after birth care or not. Some midwives still use it to induce labor and contractions in pregnant women if they are having difficulties in birthing or are past their due date - though doctors and hospitals no longer use this method.
Some dentists will recommend its use to help with tooth and gum pain after extractions and other oral surgeries. Tea from it can also be used to help with canker sores on the tongue and gums, though it isn’t proven to help them heal any quicker only to help relieve the pain for short periods of time.
Many witches associate Lady’s Mantle with love spells and fertility spells - which it has been used for both for a very long time. Teas of it are often shared by couples before intercourse to promote fertility in a simple ritual. Rituals of applying tincture of Lady’s Mantle flowers to the chest and stomach of a lover is said to improve libido and passion between the pair before intercourse. Carrying the flowers is said to improve one’s attractiveness to others. Carrying sachets of the dried leaves is said to to help attract love into one’s life. Bathing with the herb added to the bath water is said t improve self love and beauty.
Lady’s Mantle is often added to jar spells and enchantments to increase the power and fortitude of the spells. It is seen like a magnifier of most magic - so often it is added to all sorts of spells to give it an extra boost as well as to wards, poppets and altars. Some believe that planting Lady’s Mantle in your garden will help keep it protected and warded from baneful magic.
Using Lady’s Mantle in anointing oil and anointing oneself or a candle is said to improve the spell or ritual being done, improve energy flow and improve psychic awareness. Some will use it on their forehead and chest to help keep themselves from exhausting their energies too quickly during divination or trancework.
Casting Lady’s Mantle into fire or burning it in a spell is said to be a “cure” for a broken heart and mourning of a lost relationship allowing the caster to move on from it.
Lady’s Mantle comes in a wide variety of species thought most like to grow in cool, moist climates with rich fertile soil. These plants need plenty of space about 12 inches (about 30cm) of room to properly flourish and grow. It can be potted though that is not ideal for long term growth and care, it does best planted in the ground. When planting from seeds they need only shallow planting but need thorough watering to ensure the soil stays moist. Germination of most Lady’s Mantle is around 3 to 4 weeks, though it varies between species.
These plants need plenty of water, especially if in intense sunlight or bright areas. In less sunny areas make sure the soil stays moist but not flooded. Lady’s Mantle is prone to seed and spread rapidly, be sure to take precautions to prevent it from getting too out of hand and taking over your garden or yard.
The parts of these plants used are mostly commonly the leaves and flowers. The leaves can be dried and used in teas or tinctures as well as fresh ones can be used in carrier oils to make Lady’s Mantle anointing oils. The leaves can also be eaten fresh, though often they need to be harvested when young, and are used in salads, wraps, sandwiches and pesto. Though women in late pregnancy are advised not to ingest or use caution when using Lady’s Mantle (more below). The flowers of the plant can also be used for teas or dried for magical uses and purposes. The roots of the plant are occasionally used as well but the benefits and taste of the powdered roots are not as potent as the leaves.
Side Effects and Cautions
According to Webmd - Lady’s Mantle is possibly safe for most people when taken in proper doses. Though some research shows that it could potentially cause liver damage over time if used in large amounts - though many professionals argue that this research is exaggerated or incorrect.
It is advised due to lack of overall research with this herb in recent years for women who are breast-feeding to avoid using this plant. Mixed information on its effects on women who are pregnant make it a cautionary herb and also recommended to be avoided or to speak with a doctor before using. It is not known to cause any issues with medications but this is again under researched and is advised that people on regular meds should speak with their doctors before using Lady’s Mantle regularly. It is not known to cause skin irritations though people with allergies to common herbs or grass are recommended to avoid using this plant on their skin.
*much of this post came from my personal grimoire and years of research on the herbs and plants I commonly use. Additional information I used are listed below!
Source 1 | Source 2 | Source 3 | Source 4 | Source 5 | Source 6 | Source 7 |
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