Evidence supporting the use of: Alchemilla
For the health condition: Cramps (menstrual)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Alchemilla, commonly known as lady’s mantle, has a long history of traditional use in European herbal medicine, particularly for women’s health issues including menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea). Folk medicine texts from the Middle Ages onward describe preparations of Alchemilla aerial parts—often as teas or tinctures—used to relieve various forms of menstrual discomfort, regulate cycles, and ease uterine cramping. The rationale is partly based on its astringent properties, attributed to tannins and flavonoids present in the plant, which were believed to tone and soothe the uterus. However, scientific validation for these uses is limited. Some in vitro studies suggest mild anti-inflammatory and spasmolytic effects, but there is a lack of high-quality clinical trials specifically evaluating its effectiveness for menstrual cramps in humans. Most support for Alchemilla’s use in this context comes from ethnobotanical records and traditional herbal compendia rather than robust scientific data. Thus, while its use is well documented in traditional medicine, the evidence base remains modest and primarily historical rather than scientific.
Other ingredients used for Cramps (menstrual)
black currantcalcium
turmeric
elderberry
fennel
ginger
green tea
licorice root
magnesium
motherwort
parsley
peppermint oil
pomegranate
vitamin D
wild yam
zinc
tangerine
anise
queen of the meadow
Angelica
Alchemilla
Anserina
Anemone
Agnuside
Ashoka
Blue Cohosh
Bethroot
black salt
Clary sage
Cnidium
Cramp Bark
Chuchuhuasi
Cowslip
Celosia
False Unicorn Root
Pennyroyal
Other health conditions supported by Alchemilla
Abdominal PainAbrasions
Afterbirth Pain
Amenorrhea
Bleeding (external)
Bleeding (internal)
Blisters
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Cramps (menstrual)
Cuts
Diarrhea
Dysmenorrhea
Hemorrhoids
Indigestion
Inflammation
Leucorrhea
Menopause
Menorrhagia
Menstrual Irregularity
Miscarriage (prevention)
Pain (general remedies for)
PMS (general)
Pregnancy (herbs and supplements for)
Prolapsed Uterus
Sore Throat
Ulcerations (external)
Ulcers
Urinary Tract Infections
Vaginitis
Wounds and Sores