Agrimony (Agrimonia eupatoria, Rosaceae)

Other Names: Common Agrimony, Church Steeples, Sticklewort

A slender plant found across Europe along natural hedges, agrimony grows up to one meter tall. It has coarse stems and large, dark green leaves covered with white hairs on the underside. Its yellow flower inflorescences emit a slightly pungent odor and bloom from June to early September. The seeds are encased in prickly fruits.

Parts for Use

Flowers

1. Harvest during full bloom in July and August, drying them in a warm place.
2. For internal use, agrimony is typically prepared as an infusion and is also available in tablet form.
3. For external use, it is used as a rinse for the throat or as a dressing solution.

Ingredients

Agrimony flowers contain three main active compounds: tannins with antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties; flavonoids, antioxidants believed to prevent cardiovascular disease and combat cancer; and terpenes, volatile essential oils that give the plant its pleasant aroma.

Use in Treatment

The anti-inflammatory properties of agrimony make it effective for treating skin rashes, stomach upset, sore throats, and rheumatism. A weak infusion can be given to children for mild diarrhea and stomach upset. Swedish studies confirm that agrimony infusions alleviate skin inflammation. Cooled infusions applied to a cloth can reduce skin allergies, improve blood circulation, and shrink hemorrhoids. Rinsing with agrimony treats sore throats, while mouthwashes address mouth ulcers. Drinking its decoction enhances digestion by stimulating stomach and gallbladder function and soothes irritated bowels. Historically, agrimony was used for bullet wounds, and research shows it promotes blood clotting.

Cultivation

Agrimony thrives in well-drained soil and sunny locations. It is harvested when in bloom.

Preparation and Dosage

For Internal Use (Mild Diarrhea, Slow Digestion, Poor Circulation, Hemorrhoids)

1. Infusion: Place two teaspoons of dried flowers in 250 ml of boiling water, steep for five minutes, strain, and drink three to four cups daily.

For External Use (Mouth Ulcers, Hemorrhoids, Circulatory and Skin Problems)

1. Rinse Water: Prepare a decoction with one teaspoon of dried flowers in 250 ml of boiling water, cool, and rinse the mouth two to three times daily.
2. Compress: Combine five teaspoons of dried herbs with 250 ml of cold water, heat to boiling, simmer for five minutes, cool, strain, soak a soft cloth, and apply the compress four to five times daily.

Warnings

1. Consult a professional before use.
2. Avoid agrimony preparations during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
3. Avoid direct sun exposure while using agrimony.
4. No adverse side effects have been reported, but agrimony’s combination with other plants may alter its effects.