| Lady's mantle is obtained from the root, stem, leaves, | | | | patients; thus, patients with liver dysfunction should |
| and flowers of the Alchemilla vulgaris plant. The | | | | avoid its use. The herb should not be given to pregnant |
| above-ground parts of Lady's mantle contain tannins, | | | | or breast-feeding patients because its safety has not |
| mainly ellagic acid glycosides (6% to 8%), and various | | | | been determined. |
| flavonoids, such as quercetin. Tannins impart a mild | | | | Clinical considerations |
| topical astringent that's useful in treating wounds. It's | | | | Monitor patient's liver function as long-term use may |
| also used to treat gastrointestinal ailments. Lady's | | | | lead to liver dysfunction. |
| mantle is available as tea, tablets, tincture, ointment, and | | | | Advise patient to seek medical attention before taking |
| drops. | | | | lady's mantle for diarrhea to avoid delay in diagnosing |
| Reported uses | | | | an illness. |
| Lady's mantle is used as a topical astringent for | | | | Warn patient not to take lady's mantle longer than 4 |
| wounds, ulcers, eczema, and skin rashes. | | | | days for control of diarrhea. |
| The tea is useful in controlling mild diarrhea; it has been | | | | If diarrhea persists for longer than 3 to 4 days, patient |
| used also to reduce uterine bleeding, ease menstrual | | | | should seek medial attention. |
| cramps, and regulate the menstrual cycle. | | | | Tell patient to remind prescriber and pharmacist of any |
| Administration | | | | herbal or dietary supplement that he's taking when |
| Tablets: For acute diarrhea, 1 tablet is taken by mouth | | | | obtaining a new prescription. |
| every 30 to 60 minutes; for chronic diarrhea, 1 tablet is | | | | Advise patient to consult his health care provider |
| taken by mouth one to three times a day | | | | before using an herbal preparation because a |
| Tea (steep 2 to 4 g of dried herb in 5 oZ of boiling | | | | treatment with proven efficacy may be available. |
| water for 10 minutes): Tea is taken in three divided | | | | Safety Risk Don't confuse lady's 11% mantle with |
| doses, between meals | | | | Alpine lady's mantle (A. alpina), which is unapproved by |
| Tincture: For acute diarrhea, 5 drops of tincture are | | | | the German Commission E owing to lack of |
| taken by mouth every 30 to 60 minutes; for chronic | | | | documented safety and effectiveness. |
| diarrhea, 5 drops are taken 1 to 3 times a day | | | | Research summary |
| Topical: Apply ointment or fresh or dried roots to the | | | | The concepts behind the use of lady's mantle and the |
| area twice daily. | | | | claims made regarding its effects haven't yet been |
| Hazards | | | | validated scientifically. |
| Lady's mantle may cause liver damage in some | | | | |