Alchemilla Fairy Eye Drops

Is it true that people once used eyedrops made alchemilla (Lady's Mantle) dew and other substances to seek out fairies. The legend tells that the alchemilla attracts fairies.

Ophelia Fey says -- Very interesting question. Yes, there have been many legends and folklore about the wonderful alchemilla leaves and flowers -- part of the rosaceae or rose family.

Legends ranged from helping to see fairies, to use by the Virgin Mary, to tricking the fairy Titania, to assisting with turning base metals into gold, to producing the Philosopher's Stone, to becoming lover's tears, to attracting love. And more. Human legends, though, tend to get a bit carried away with themselves.

During the mortal Middle Ages, alchemilla ("little alchemist") was very important in the practice of Alchemy and Magic (thus its name, from the Arab word Alkemelych, or alchemy). It is still popular withing those circles today. Because the broad, fuzzy leaves have such a remarkable way of collecting dew that almost looked like diamond drops, some thought it must come from fairies. Alchemilla was also known as "dewcup."

There was a recipe on how to see fairies at the time, using the dew along with rose water and marigold water, plus buds of hollyhock and hazel and other ingredients collected from a fairy hill or fairy throne. Quite an extensive formula, actually. And quite clever. But did it work? I would highly doubt it. Seeing fairies has nothing to do with dew. The power can only come from within.

Indeed, fairies do love this particular dew because it is so plentiful and perfect, like round crystals. But we don't make it. We love to drink it and bathe in it, though. And there are particular fairies who love to take care of the alchemilla. If you plant it in your garden you may attract them. And then you may perhaps, if you are very still and peaceful, catch a glance of them.

But don't count on the dew to do it.

Ophelia Fey, fairy