Lion’s foot. Alchemilla vulgaris L. Dried herb (oral), root (topical). Keynote: bleeding.
Constituents: tannins.
Action: powerful styptic and astringent because of its high tannin content. Haemostatic. Alterative. Drying and binding. Menstrual regulator.
Uses: Excessive menstruation. Non-menstrual bleeding of the womb between periods. Children’s summer diarrhoea, colitis with bleeding. Gastric and duodenal ulcer. Children’s convulsions. (Swedish traditional)
Not used in pregnancy.
Combinations. (1) with Avens for gastritis and mucous colitis. (2) with Agnus Castus for menstrual disorders.
Preparations: Average dose: 2-4g. Thrice daily. Tea: 1-2 teaspoons to each cup boiling water; infuse 15 minutes. One cup.
Liquid extract BHP (1983) 1:1 in 25 per cent alcohol. Dose: 2-4ml.
Powdered root. Dose, 2-4g.
Vaginal douche: 2oz to 2 pints (60g to 1 litre) boiling water. Infuse 30 minutes. Inject warm for leucorrhoea, Candida, inflammation; or as a lotion for pruritus.
Decoction (roots) offer a powerful deterrant to passive bleeding.
Nerve root. American Valerian. Cypripedium pubescens, Willd. German: Frauenschuh. French: Sabot de Ve?nus. Spanish: Zucco. Italian: Calceolo. Dried root and rhizome. Time- honoured North American Indian remedy. Keynote: central nervous system.
Constituents: tannin, resin.
Action: nerve relaxant, autonomic regulator, mild pain-killer, thymoleptic. A fine brain and spinal remedy and should be at the hand of every spinal manipulator. Antidote to caffeine poisoning.
Use s. Nervous excitability, insomnia, irritability, neuralgia, muscle twitching, anxiety states, schizophrenia, pressive headache, nerve tension, epilepsy, pre-menstrual tension, spermatorrhoea, post- influenzal depression, weepiness.
“Yellow Lady’s Slipper was held in big esteem by the Indians as a sedative and an antispasmodic, acting like Valerian in alleviating nervous symptoms . . . said to have proved itself in hysteria and chorea.” (Virgil Vogel)
Combinations. (1) with Oats and Skullcap for anxiety states and (2) with Hops for insomnia with depression BHP (1983).
Preparations: Average dose: 2-4g. Thrice daily.
Tea. Half-1 teaspoon to each cupful water; bring to boil; simmer 2-3 minutes in covered vessel; infuse 15 minutes. Half-1 cup.
Liquid Extract BHP (1983) 1:1 in 45 per cent alcohol. Dose: 2-4ml.
Powder. Dose, 2-4g. ... lady’s slipper