Alchemilla, also called Common Alchemilla or Common Alchemilla, is a particularly astringent plant. It is ideal for female disorders. It helps relieve menstrual disorders and helps in cases of endometriosis or menopause. Its various properties also offer it the possibility of acting on several levels: cutaneous, circulatory or even digestive. Latin name: Alchemilla vulgaris L. Part of the plant: aerial parts.

This article was updated on 08/02/2023

In case of Heavy periods, Painful periods, Leukorrhea, Premenstrual syndrome

Use from the 12th day of the cycle, until the appearance of periods.

Recommended modes of use

In infusion

Pour the equivalent of 1 tablespoon of dry plant per cup of hot water, then let it infuse for 5 to 10 minutes. Drink 2 to 3 times a day. 

In decoction

Boil 30 g of dry plant per 1 L of water for 2 to 3 minutes then leave to infuse for 15 minutes before filtering. Drink the decoction during the day.

Plants often associated

Yarrow, Matricaria Chamomile, Evening primrose, Officinal Sage, Mugwort, Chaste tree, Yam, Pasteur Scholarship, Worry, Red Vine, Raspberry bush, Nettle

In case of' Endometriosis, Uterine fibroid

Recommended modes of use

In infusion

Pour the equivalent of 1 tablespoon of dry plant per cup of hot water, then let it infuse for 5 to 10 minutes. Drink 2 to 3 times a day. 

In decoction

Boil 30 g of dry plant per 1 L of water for 2 to 3 minutes then leave to infuse for 15 minutes before filtering. Drink the decoction during the day.

Plants often associated

Yarrow, Turmeric, Viburnum, Peony, Little Burnet

In case of Diarrhea

Recommended modes of use

In infusion

Pour the equivalent of 1 tablespoon of dry plant per cup of hot water, then let it infuse for 5 to 10 minutes. Drink 2 to 3 times a day. 

In decoction

Boil 30 g of dry plant per 1 L of water for 2 to 3 minutes then leave to infuse for 15 minutes before filtering. Drink the decoction during the day.

Plants often associated

In case of Wound

Recommended modes of use

In compress

Boil 30 g of dry plant per 1 L of water for 2 to 3 minutes then leave to infuse for 15 minutes before filtering. Allow to cool then apply the decoction to the affected area using a cloth, 3 times a day.

In lotion

Boil 100 g of dry plant for 1 L of water for 2 to 3 minutes then leave to infuse for 15 minutes before filtering. Allow the mixture to cool then apply the lotion directly to the desired area.

Plants often associated

In case of Hot flashes, Dysmenorrhea, Menopause, Irregular periods

From the 12th day of the cycle until the onset of menstruation.

Recommended modes of use

In infusion

Pour the equivalent of 1 tablespoon of dry plant per cup of hot water, then let it infuse for 5 to 10 minutes. Drink 2 to 3 times a day. 

In decoction

Boil 30 g of dry plant per 1 L of water for 2 to 3 minutes then leave to infuse for 15 minutes before filtering. Drink the decoction during the day.

Plants often associated

In case of Varicose veins, heavy legs

Recommended modes of use

In infusion

Pour the equivalent of 1 tablespoon of dry plant per cup of hot water, then let it infuse for 5 to 10 minutes. Drink 2 to 3 times a day. 

In decoction

Boil 30 g of dry plant per 1 L of water for 2 to 3 minutes then leave to infuse for 15 minutes before filtering. Drink the decoction during the day.

In compress

Boil 30 g of dry plant per 1 L of water for 2 to 3 minutes then leave to infuse for 15 minutes before filtering. Allow to cool then apply the decoction to the affected area using a cloth, 3 times a day.

In lotion

Boil 100 g of dry plant for 1 L of water for 2 to 3 minutes then leave to infuse for 15 minutes before filtering. Allow the mixture to cool then apply the lotion directly to the desired area.

Plants often associated

Yarrow, Witch Hazel, Red Vine, Hazel, Melilot

In case of Cellulite

Recommended modes of use

In compress

Boil 30 g of dry plant per 1 L of water for 2 to 3 minutes then leave to infuse for 15 minutes before filtering. Allow to cool then apply the decoction to the affected area using a cloth, 3 times a day.

In lotion

Boil 100 g of dry plant for 1 L of water for 2 to 3 minutes then leave to infuse for 15 minutes before filtering. Allow the mixture to cool then apply the lotion directly to the desired area.

Plants often associated

Witch Hazel, Meadowsweet

In case of' Canker sore, stomatitis, gingivitis

Recommended modes of use

Gargling

Pour the equivalent of 1 tablespoon of dry plant per cup of hot water, then let it infuse for 5 to 10 minutes. Leave to cool, then gargle with the preparation.

In compress

Boil 30 g of dry plant per 1 L of water for 2 to 3 minutes then leave to infuse for 15 minutes before filtering. Allow to cool then apply the decoction to the affected area using a cloth, 3 times a day.

In case of Pruritus, Skin ulcer

Recommended modes of use

In compress

Boil 30 g of dry plant per 1 L of water for 2 to 3 minutes then leave to infuse for 15 minutes before filtering. Allow to cool then apply the decoction to the affected area using a cloth, 3 times a day.

In lotion

Boil 100 g of dry plant for 1 L of water for 2 to 3 minutes then leave to infuse for 15 minutes before filtering. Allow the mixture to cool then apply the lotion directly to the desired area.

In case of' Hemorrhoids, Venous insufficiency

Recommended modes of use

In infusion

Pour the equivalent of 1 tablespoon of dry plant per cup of hot water, then let it infuse for 5 to 10 minutes. Drink 2 to 3 times a day. 

In decoction

Boil 30 g of dry plant per 1 L of water for 2 to 3 minutes then leave to infuse for 15 minutes before filtering. Drink the decoction during the day.

In compress

Boil 30 g of dry plant per 1 L of water for 2 to 3 minutes then leave to infuse for 15 minutes before filtering. Allow to cool then apply the decoction to the affected area using a cloth, 3 times a day.

In sitz bath

Boil 6 tablespoons of dry plant in 2 L of water for 10 minutes. Leave to cool and filter. Take a sitz bath for 10 to 15 minutes, once a day.

Plants often associated

Yarrow, Witch Hazel, Pasteur Scholarship, Red Vine, Melilot, Horse chestnut, White broth

Properties and active components

Properties

  • astringent (flavonoids, tannins)
  • hemostatic (tannins)
  • healing
  • tonic
  • vasodilator (tannins, flavonoids)
  • diuretic
  • anti-inflammatory (salicylic acid, flavonoids)
  • anti-oxidant (flavonoids)
  • antibacterial

Active components

  • Essential oil: azulene, salicylic acid
  • Tannins: agrimoniine, laevigatin, pedunculagin, proanthocyanidins
  • Sesquiterpene lactones
  • Flavonoids
  • Glucosides

Precautions for use

  • Seek medical advice in the event of hormone-dependent cancer or diarrhea.
  • Do not use the plant at the same time as medication or oral contraceptives.
  • Keep the internal intake of the plant away from meals.

Botanical

Alchemilla belongs to the Rosaceae family. It is found in lawns, on the edges of paths, in wet pastures and alpine meadows. It is cultivated in many mountainous regions of central and northern European countries, where the climate is continental, humid without a dry season. It is harvested from may to September, during flowering

It is a perennial plant with a thick, woody rhizome. The stems measure 5 to 50 cm erect or prostrate, glabrous to slightly hairy. The leaves, mostly at the base, are long petiolate and generally have a rounded outline. They are more or less deeply lobed. These lobes are determined by fan-shaped ribs. Flowers, very small and gathered in large numbers, are green to green-yellow. Traditionally nicknamed "ladies' coat", Alchemilla was once used by women who wanted to pass themselves off as virgins.

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Bibliography

Publication: Todorov Atanasov, A. (2017). Effect of water extracts of tannins-containing Bulgarian plants on rat platelet aggregation. Medical biology studies, clinical studies, social medicine and health care, 7(1), 107-110. Accessed at http://www.sustz.com/journal/7/1737.pdf

Publication: Shrivastava, R., & John, G. W. (2006). Treatment of Aphthous Stomatitis with Topical Alchemilla vulgaris in Glycerine. Clinical Drug Investigation, 26(10), 567-573. https://doi.org/10.2165/00044011-200626100-00003

Publication: Takir, S., Altun, I., Sezgi, B., Suzgec-Selcuk, S., Mat, A., & Uydes-Dogan, B. (2015). Vasorelaxant and blood pressure lowering effects of alchemilla vulgaris: A comparative study of methanol and aqueous extracts. Pharmacognosy Magazine, 11(41), 163. https://doi.org/10.4103/0973-1296.149733

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