lion foot

In the humid meadows and in the snowdrifts and mountain snowdrifts, once the snow has receded, it is easy to discover the alchemillas and among them the lion’s foot (alchemilla vulgaris), which is common in the Pyrenees, the Cantabrian mountains and the Central System.

It is recognized by its thick leaves, rounded and toothed, which draw nine shallow lobes. The flowers are tiny, lacking a corolla, reduced to four yellowish sepals and grouped in globose inflorescences.

It blooms from the month of May and, for medicinal purposes, both the flowering parts and the root are harvested, the latter to a lesser extent.

Lion’s foot contains above all abundant tannins, although in its biochemical composition the presence of salicylic acid, flavonoids, phytosterin and palmitic and stearic acids also stands out.

Medicinal properties

The main virtue of lion’s foot lies in the astringent and hemostatic action of its tannins, which make it a very suitable herbal remedy for treatment of poor venous circulation problems and bleeding in varicose veins, phlebitis, hemorrhoids and heavy menstruation.

Its astringent capacity is useful on moderately bleeding woundsulcers, dermatitis, erythema or redness of the skin, conjunctivitis, inflammation of the eyelids, styes, sores on the tongue and palatenosebleeds and bleeding caused by shaving with a razor or razor.

how to use

Lion’s foot is integrated into the composition of many mouthwashes and ointments, and in the herbalist it is found in the form of a dried plant for infusion, alcoholic tincture, liquid extract, capsules and powders.

For hemorrhoids and varicose veins

Experts propose a very tight formula that combines lion’s foot with horse chestnut, butcher’s broom and sweet clover, in equal parts.

How is it prepared: One tablespoon of the mixture is served per glass of water. Boil for 1 or 2 minutes, let it rest for another 5, filter and drink two or three glasses a day, which can be sweetened with green or star anise.

In a sitz bath or gentle scrubs

This same formula can be applied externally in the form of a sitz bath or in soft scrubs, for which the amount must be increased to four tablespoons per liter. The bath should be taken with warm or even cold water, never with hot water.

For canker sores

The annoying canker sores or mouth ulcers that appear on the mucous membranes of the mouth, lips or the base of the gums can be relieved with a decoction of lion’s foot, applied as a mouthwash or gargle two or three times a day.

The lion’s foot helps to relieve the sensation of pain and inflammation, eliminates cells attacked by bacteria and repairs damaged cell tissue.

For heavy periods

The lion’s foot is an excellent support to reduce bleeding in menstruation and regulate the menstrual cycle. This formula combines lion’s foot with sage, mugwort and santolina or female artemisia.

How to prepare it: Three tablespoons of the mixture are needed per liter of water. Boil for a couple of minutes, let it rest for another 10 and strain. It should be taken up to three times a day from the nine days prior to the start of the menstrual period.

Precautions and contraindications

The use of this plant should be avoided orally in case of gastritis and gastroduodenal ulcer.

Jordi Cebrian. Advisor: J Mª Teixé, herbalist at “El Manantial de Salud”