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)
AgnusideAlchemilla
Anemone
Angelica
anise
Anserina
Ashoka
bethroot
black currant
black salt
blue cohosh
calcium
Celosia
chuchuhuasi
Clary sage
Cnidium
cowslip
cramp bark
elderberry
false unicorn root
fennel
ginger
green tea
Lady's Mantle
lemon balm
licorice root
linden
magnesium
Meadowsweet
Motherwort
parsley
Pennyroyal
Pepper
Peppermint
pomegranate
Pulsatilla
queen of the meadow
Shogaol
Sicklepod
turmeric
Viburnum
vitamin D
Wild yam
Yerba buena
Zinc
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
