Alchemilla arvensis (Scop.)
Synonyms: Aphanes arvensis (L.), parsley breakstone, parsley piercestone, field lady's mantle
Order: Rosaceae
Description: Alchemilla arvensis is a small, much-branched green annual herb 2-7cm high. It is covered in soft hair; with sharply divided leaves on short stalks. Tiny green sessile flowers without petals occur in axillary clusters, surrounded by toothed, leaf-like stipules. More or less prostrate, it grows on stony ground walls throughout Britain, Europe and Western Asia.
Parts used: aerial parts
Collection: in summer, when in flower
Constituents: Constituents largely unknown. Tannins are present.
Actions: diuretic, demulcent to urinary mucosa, antilithic
Indications: kidney and bladder calculi, dysuria, strangury, oedema of hepatic or renal origin.
Therapeutics and Pharmacology: Alchemilla arvensis is commonly used for the removal of kidney and urinary stones and gravel. It has a potent diuretic action as well as a soothing demulcent on the urinary tract and is of benefit in all cases of painful urination. It may be used where there is water retention, especially where this is due to kidney or liver problems.
Combinations: It combines well with Parietaria, Scoparium or Barosma in cases of kidney stones or gravel, and with Althaea as a demulcent.
Preparation and Dosage: (thrice daily)
Regulatory status GSL
Dried plant: 2-4g or by infusion
Liquid Extract: 1:1 in 25% alcohol, 2-4ml
Tincture: 1:5 in 45% alcohol, 2-10ml
Bibliography
BHMA 1983 British Herbal Pharmacopoeia, BHMA, Bournemouth.
Grieve, M. 1931 A Modern Herbal, (ed. C.F. Leyel 1985), London.
Hoffmann, D. 1990 The New Holistic Herbal, Second Edition, Element, Shaftesbury.
Mills, S.Y. 1993 The A-Z of Modern Herbalism, Diamond Books, London.
Polunin, M. and Robbins, C. 1992 The Natural Pharmacy, Dorling Kindersley, London.
Wren, R.C. 1988 Potter's New Cyclopaedia of Botanical Drugs and Preparations, C.W.Daniel, Saffron Walden.
