Also known as lions foot, it is a common wild plant that readily grows in Britain and Europe. The whole aerial parts are used orally as a medicine, and the root is used in topical preparations. It gets its name from a Middle Ages dedication to the Virgin Mary as it was seen as a herb for women of all ages.
This herb contains a 6%-8% tannins consisting of glycoside, ellagic acid. It also contains some salicylic acid. It is a powerful astringent and styptic (stops bleeding), as well as having haemostatic and regulating effects of female hormone health.
Historically it has been used to treat a number of conditions including:
It is sometimes available as a loose herb and can be infused and made into tea. It is also found combined with herbs like agnus castus in formulas for female health. A qualified herbalist will be able to make other preparations including tinctures, creams and ointments. You can also use the leaves and toss them into a salad.
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