Ladys' Mantle (Digitalis lutea)

Ladys' Mantle (Digitalis lutea) is a member of the Plantaginaceae family, native to Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa. Traditionally, its leaves, stems, and flowers have been used for infusions, decoctions, and powders.

This herb is particularly valued for its tonic, bitter, and anti-inflammatory actions, and has a long history of use in european herbal medicine, mediterranean herbal traditions, and traditional chinese medicine.

Ladys' Mantle (Digitalis lutea) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Ladys' Mantle (Digitalis lutea) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Ladys' Mantle
Scientific Name	Digitalis lutea
Plant Family	Plantaginaceae
Genus	Digitalis
Species	lutea
Native Range	Europe, Western Asia, North Africa
Plant Parts Used	Leaves, Stems, Flowers
Primary Medicinal Actions	Tonic, Bitter, Anti-Inflammatory
Primary Traditional Systems	European Herbal Medicine, Mediterranean Herbal Traditions, Traditional Chinese Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Infusion, Decoction, Powder

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Digitalis lutea
Common Name: Ladys' Mantle
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Common Foxglove, Yellow Foxglove, Woolly Foxglove
Plant Family: Plantaginaceae
Genus: Digitalis

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically grows to a height of 30 to 60 centimeters.
Leaves: Ovate leaves with upper surface glabrous and pale green, lower surface pubescent and dark green, bearing distinct stomatal bands along the midrib.
Flowers: Radially symmetrical flowers with five yellowish-white petals and a prominent red calyx tube, arranged in a spike with five stamens and a two-lobed stigma.
Stems: Erect growth habit with opposite branching, glabrous surface, and presence of tuberculate nodes.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

European Herbal Medicine
Mediterranean Herbal Traditions

Historical Preparation Methods

Infusion
Decoction
Powder
Tincture

Medicinal Actions

Tonic: As described in traditional systems, a moderate tonic, for foundational support.
Bitter: Commonly referenced as a mild bitter, for flavor-based applications.
Anti-inflammatory: In herbal literature, noted as a warming anti-inflammatory, in inflammation-focused discussions.
Stimulant: In herbal texts, considered a calming stimulant, for alertness-focused applications.

Active Compounds

Glycoside: A broad class of compounds composed of a sugar bound to a non-sugar component.
Alkaloid: Organic compounds biosynthesized by plants as part of secondary metabolism.
Flavonoid: Plant-based polyphenolic compounds frequently distributed throughout aerial plant parts.

Modern Research Overview

This section is reserved for future summaries of scientific research related to this plant. As additional verified sources are reviewed, relevant study information will be added here.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: There is limited information regarding general precautions related to the use of this herb.
Contraindications: Reported information suggests that this herb may be contraindicated in specific circumstances.
Allergies: Allergic reactions associated with this herb have not been well documented.
Drug Interactions: This herb has been associated with interactions when used alongside certain pharmaceutical medications.
Toxicity: This herb has been associated with toxic effects under certain conditions.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Available information regarding use during pregnancy or breastfeeding is limited.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: Plant material is steeped in hot water to extract water-soluble compounds.
Decoction: A preparation method involving prolonged boiling of roots, bark, or dense plant material.
Poultice: A topical preparation made by applying softened plant material externally.
Powder: This method converts dried plant material into a uniform powder.
Tincture: A preparation involving soaking plant parts in alcohol for extended extraction.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with moderately well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in organically rich soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in partial shade. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers moist soils. Tolerates periodic dry conditions.