Message #796 - THE_HERBALIST 
   Date: 04-09-96 11:44
   From: Song Bird
     To: Shadowolf
Subject: lady's mantle
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> Ladies Mantle
 
Interesting history behind this one.  Much like white willow, this one's
history is inextricably linked to the Doctrine of Signatures.  While I hold
neither for nor against the D of S, I'm constantly fascinated by the number
of herbs that appear to have their beginning here.
 
The leaves of Lady's mantle were compared to the sight of a woman's cervix.
Ergo, that, along with supporting evidence from the stars made Lady's mantle
a woman's herb.  Specifically, it's used for vaginal itching and to lighten
heavy menstration.  The herbals have it that it's an anti-inflammatory and a
digestive tonic as well.
 
There is another historical perspective that maintains that Lady's mantle is
named for it's close appearance to a Ladies cloak - who knows?  I personally
think some purist prude thought that one up to explain away the coarser
aspects of the D of S.  (aggressive smile)
 
Penelope Ody's Complete Medicinal Herbal has a recipe for an ointment for
vaginal itching.
(start recipe)
==========================================================================
Ointment   To relieve vaginal itching, combine 50g ointment base with around
20 ml rose water and 15 ml of the infusion or tincture, and use night and
morning.
==========================================================================
 
She also has the portions for infusions (diarrhea), tincture (menstrual pain
and menopause), wash (eczema or sores), douche (vaginal discharge or
itching), and suppositories (vaginal discharge and itching).
 
As a final kicker she's got one of the best PMS recipes I've ever seen.  I
base that judgement on my own personal experiences with the herbs in the
combination she's using.
 
Song Bird

--- DB 1.58/003113
 * Origin: Song Bird's Eyrie (93:9902/0)
@PATH: 9902/0 9900/0 9000/0 9004/0