Agrimony
Agrimonia Eupatori

Family:  Rosaceae (Rose)
Genus:  Agrimonia
Species: Eupatoria

Synonyms and Common names:  Common Agrimony. Church Steeples. Cockeburr. Sticklewort. Philanthropos

Description and Habitat:  The plant is found abundantly throughout England, on hedge-banks and the sides of fields, in dry thickets and on all waste places. In Scotland it is much more local and does not penetrate very far north.

A hardy perennial, it’s natural habitat is woods and fields, but it takes to cultivation easily. Agrimonies have one to two foot branchy stems covered with a fine, silky down and terminate in spikes of yellow flowers. Both the flowers and the notched leaves give off a faint characteristic lemony scent A hardy perennial, natural habitat is woods and fields, but it takes to cultivation easily. Agrimonies have one to two foot branchy stems covered with a fine, silky down and terminate in spikes of yellow flowers. Both the flowers and the notched leaves give off a faint characteristic lemony scent when crushed. After the flowers fade they give place to tiny clinging "burrs" which will quickly adhere to your clothing if you brush by an it plant in a hedgerow. when crushed. After the flowers fade they give place to tiny clinging "burrs" which will quickly adhere to your clothing if you brush by an it plant in a hedgerow.

Parts used: dried aerial parts

Collection and preparation: the whole of the plant above the ground should be collected when the flowers are just blooming. It should be dried in a cool, dark and dry place, an airing cupboard is ideal.

Constituents: tannins, glycosidal bitters, nicotinic acid, silicic acid, iron, vitamins B and K, essential oil

Actions: anti-inflammatory, mild astringent, diuretic, tonic, vulnerary

Indications: diarrhoea in children, mucous colitis, grumbling appendicitis, urinary incontinence, cystitis, cholecystopathy (gall bladder problems) with gastric acidity. 

Therapeutics: Agrimonia is a digestive tonic; its tannins tone the mucous membranes, improving their secretion and absorption. It is of particular benefit in the treatment of irritation and infection of the digestive tract in children. It is also of use in peptic ulceration and for controlling colitis. The bitter principles regulate the liver and gallbladder function, and in Germany it has been used to treat gallstones and cirrhosis of the liver. It is indicated in gallbladder disease associated with gastric hyperacidity

Agrimonia is also used to counter high uric acid levels in rheumatism and gout. Internally, it is used in haematuria (blood in the urine is often a sign of urinary infection)  and externally for wounds and cuts. This action is attributed to the high silica content of the herb. It can be used as a mouthwash or gargle for inflamed gums and sore throats. As a douche, it is used in the treatment of leucorrhoea and it is beneficial as an eyewash for conjunctivitis. A poultice can be used in the external treatment of varicose veins

The herb may be used in urinary incontinence and cystitis. As a gargle it's beneficial in the relief of sore throats and laryngitis. As an ointment it will aid the healing of wounds and bruises, and is the herb of choice for appendicitis.

Agrimony Herb Tea: Infuse 1 teaspoon dried Agrimony root, leaves, or flowers in 1 cup of boiling water for 15 minutes. Strain and flavor with honey and a little licorice root if desired. Take up to 1 cup per day. Said to be a good blood purifier.

Contraindications: As the herb is astringent, it should not be taken if constipated

Preparation and dosage: 
Infusion: pour a cup of boiling water onto 1 to 2 teaspoonsful of the dried herb and leave to infuse for 10 to 15           minutes. Drink three times a day.
Tincture: take 1 to 3 ml of the tincture three times a day

Additional comments: Agrimony has an old reputation as a popular, domestic medicinal herb, being a simple well known to all country-folk. Agrimony is not commonly used today, but has it's place in traditional herbal medicine The name Agrimony is from Argemone, a word given by the Greeks to plants which were healing to the eyes; the name Eupatoria refers to Mithridates Eupator, a king who was a renowned concoctor of herbal remedies.

Agrimony was one of the most famous vulnerary herbs. The Anglo-Saxons, who called it Garclive, taught that it would heal wounds, snake bites, warts, etc. In the time of Chaucer, when we find it's name appearing in the form of Egrimoyne, it was used with Mugwort and vinegar for 'a bad back' and 'alle woundes'
There is a long history of using Agrimony as a spring tonic to purify the blood.