Agrimony is a hardy perennial that is native to the English countryside, where it is a popular medicinal herb. The herbal plant has stems that are covered in a fine, silky down and notched leaves. This herb bears little, cream-colored flowers that bloom from June to September, and give off a faint lemony fragrance.
Entomology of Agrimony
The entomology of "agrimony" is as follows:
- Latin Name: Agrimonia Eupatoria
- Other Common Names: Cocklebur, Church steeples, Philanthropos, Sticklewort
Agrimony goes by the Latin name, Agrimonia eupatoria. The first name is derived from “agremone,” which is the Greek” for “shining,” because it was believed to cure eye cataracts. Eupatoria is derived from the name Mithridates Eupator, King of Pontus, who was a renowned herbalist.
The herb also goes by the name Cockleburr because once its blooms fade, they leave behind tiny, clingy “burrs” that attach to the cloths or skin when brushed against.
In your Herb Garden
Agrimony can be grown from seed or propagated by root division. It will also self-seed once established in the garden soil. The seed should be sown in either the spring or fall. Although it can grow in almost all types of soils, agrimony grows best in alkaline soils. The herb favors partial shade to full sun and should be watered regularly.
Agrimony should be gathered in the summer while its flowers are in full bloom, which occurs in late spring to early summer. It can be used fresh for herbal remedies or dried for later use.
Medicinal Parts Used and Active Constituents
The aerial parts are used for medicinal purposes. Active compounds in agrimony include tannins, flavonoids, coumarins, polysaccharides vitamin C and volatile essential oil.
Medicinal Uses
Since the Middle Ages, agrimony has been used as an antiseptic to treat wounds. Applied topically, it helps to staunch bleeding and promote clot formation at the site of minor wounds, sores and abrasions. Taken orally, it is a useful natural remedy for peptic ulcers.
Agrimony possesses an astringent action, and is frequently used as an ingredient in herbal mouthwashes and in gargles for acute sore throat. It is also a useful natural remedy for peptic ulcers, as well.
The astringency of this herb is also effective in treating diarrhea. Given its low toxicity, it is especially suited for treating diarrhea in children.
Other uses include urinary incontinence, cystitis and mucous colitis.
How to Brew Agrimony Herbal Tea
Lightly crush dried agrimony leaves and measure out three teaspoons into a cup. (Use two teaspoons of powdered agrimony if fresh agrimony is not available). Cover the herb with one cup of boiling water and let it steep for 10 to 15 minutes. Strain and sweeten with honey or licorice if desired.
Dosage of Agrimony
Following is the recommended dosage of agrimony:
- Infusion: 2 to 4 dried leaf by infusion three times a day
- Liquid extract: 1ml to 3ml three times a day (1:1 in 25% alcohol)
- Tincture: 1ml to 4ml three times a day (1:5 in 45% alcohol)
- Poultice: 10% decoction of the herb
Side Effects of Agrimony
Possible side effects of use of agrimony include the following:
- As with most tannin-rich herbs, any excessive use of agrimony should be avoided.
- Given the lack of toxicity data, the use of this herb should be avoided by pregnant and nursing women.
- Topical application of agrimony may increase the risk of sun burn.
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