Agrimony

Agrimonia eupatoria

A pretty plant, bearing spikes of tiny yellow flowers (church steeples) and fruit with hooked bristles at the top (cockleburs), agrimony grows wild by roadsides, fields, and woods. Although the plant has no narcotic properties, tradition holds that when placed under a person's head, agrimony will induce a deep sleep that will last until it is removed.

Folklore aside, agrimony has a long history of medicinal use. The English poet Michael Drayton once hailed it as an "all-heal," and through the ages it did seem to be a panacea. The ancient Greeks used agrimony to treat eye ailments, and it was made into brews to cure diarrhea and disorders of the gallbladder, liver, and kidneys. Anglo-Saxons made a solution from the leaves and seeds for healing wounds; this use continued through the Middle Ages and afterward, in a preparation called eau d' arquebusade, or "musket-shot water." Later, agrimony was prescribed for athlete's foot.

In the United States and Canada, late into the 19th century, the plant was prescribed for many of these ills and more: for skin diseases, asthma, coughs, and gynecological complaints, and as a gargle for sore throat.

Other names

• Burr Marigold
• Church Steeples
• Cocklebur
• Harvest Lice
• Liverwort
• Philanthropos
• Rat's Tail
• Stickwort
• White Tansy

Parts used

Aerial parts.

Uses

Agrimony has long been used to heal wounds because it staunches bleeding and encourages clot formation. Astringent and mildly bitter; it is also a helpful remedy for diarrhea and a gentle tonic for the digestion as a whole. Combined with other herbs such as corn silk, agrimony is a valuable remedy for cystitis and urinary incontinence, and has also been used for kidney stones, sore throats, rheumatism, and arthritis.
Culinary uses - For a pleasant honey-flavored tea, steep 5 to 10 ml (1 to 2 teaspoons) of powdered agrimony or 15 ml (3 teaspoons) of lightly crushed fresh agrimony in 250 ml (1cup) of boiling water. If desired, sweeten with honey or flavor with licorice.
Add the flowers to home-brewed beer.
Craft uses - Include fragrant agrimony in sweet-smelling sachets and potpourris.

Habitat & cultivation

Agrimony is a native European herb commonly found in marshes, wet meadows, and in open areas. Agrimony is harvested when in flower in summer.
Agrimony grows in most types of soil. It is naturally adapted to alkaline soils, but also tolerates somewhat acidic soil. While easy to cultivate in dry soil, the plants do need water during dry periods or they may not flower.
Prefers full sun, but keep the soil moderately moist. Also tolerates partial shade.
Sow seeds outdoors in the early spring. (You can improve germination considerably by storing the seeds in damp soil in the refrigerator for 6 weeks prior to planting.) Plant seeds 1 cm (1/2 inch) deep. Once established, agrimony tends to self-seed.
May also be propagated by root division. Divide the plants in spring to provide time for the winter buds to form. When dividing the crown, be sure to include a live stem.
Space plants 25 cm (10 inches) apart.
Usually pest- and disease-free.

Research

Agrimony's blood-staunching and anti-inflammatory properties have been established by experiments in China.

Constituents

Agrimony contains tannins, coumarins, flavonoids, including luteolin, volatile oil, and polysaccharides.

How much to take

Infusion: pour a cup of boiling water onto 1-2 teaspoonfuls of the dried herb and leave to infuse for 10-15 minutes. This should be drunk three times a day.
Tincture: take 1-3ml of the tincture three times a day.

Side effects

Agrimony may cause some people to experience photo dermatitis, a skin rash that appears after eating the herb and subsequently being exposed to sunlight.
Some studies have shown that agrimony can lower blood pressure. Don't consume this herb if you are undergoing anticoagulant therapy or drug treatment for high or low blood pressure.
Agrimony is reputed to affect the menstrual cycle, so you should avoid it if you are pregnant or nursing.
Because agrimony tea has a high tannin content, it should be consumed in moderation. Adding milk to your tea helps prevent tannins from being harmful.

Applications

AERIAL PARTS / LEAVES:

INFUSION - A gentle remedy, ideal for diarrhea, especially in infants and children. Can be taken by breastfeeding mothers to dose babies.

TINCTURE - More potent and drying than the infusion, and effective if the condition involves excess phlegm or mucus. Use for cystitis, urinary infections, bronchitis, and heavy menstrual bleeding.

POULTICE - Apply a poultice of the leaves for migraines.

WASH - Use the infusion for wounds, sores, eczema, and varicose ulcers.

EYEWASH - Use a weak infusion (10 g herb to 500 ml water) for conjunctivitis.

GARGLE - Use the infusion for sore throats and nasal mucus.

Collection & harvesting

Pick the leaves, flowers, and stems in early summer, when the plant is in flower. All parts may be used fresh or dried.
To dry agrimony, spread out the leaves, flowers, and stems on a wire rack in a warm, shaded location. When dry, crumble the material to powder, and store in airtight jars.

Back To Top