Agrimony

Agrimoniae eupatoria

Agrimony is a perennial herb that has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties. It is known for its antiseptic qualities and has been used to treat a variety of conditions, including wounds, infections, and skin problems. Agrimony is also a good source of vitamins and minerals and has been shown to boost the immune system and promote overall health. Some cultures call this the ‘Green Antibiotic’. It must be consumed as a short-term treatment, for a maximum of 4-6 weeks, then take a break of c. 4 weeks.

Alternative names

Churchsteeples | Cocklebur | Stickwort | Liverwort | Common Agrimony | Cockeburr | Sticklewort | Herbe de Saint-Guillaume | Acrimony | Harvest Lice | Burr Marigold | Garclive | Fairy’s Wand

Benefits

Agrimony has a wide range of benefits, including:

  • Antiseptic: Agrimony contains compounds that have antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. This makes it a natural remedy for wounds, infections, and skin problems.
  • Immune-boosting: Agrimony is a good source of vitamins A, C, and E, which are all essential for a healthy immune system. It also contains minerals such as iron, zinc, and manganese, which are all important for immune function.
  • Detoxifying: Agrimony is a diuretic, which means it helps to remove toxins from the body through urine. It can also help to stimulate the liver and gallbladder, which are both important for detoxification.
  • Digestive: Agrimony is a bitter herb that can stimulate the appetite and improve digestion. It can also help to relieve indigestion and heartburn. Agrimony is often used to treat conditions such as gastritis, colitis, and irritable bowel syndrome.
  • Pain-relieving: Agrimony contains compounds that have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. This makes it a natural remedy for headaches, muscle aches, and joint pain.
  • Astringent: Agrimony contains tannins, which have astringent properties. This means that they can help to tighten and shrink tissues. Agrimony is often used as a gargle to soothe a sore throat and to tighten loose gums. It can also be applied topically to help reduce inflammation and bleeding.
  • Diuretic: Agrimony is a diuretic, which means that it helps to increase urine production. This can help to flush out toxins and waste products from the body. Agrimony is often used to treat conditions such as kidney stones, oedema, and urinary tract infections.
  • Hepatoprotective: Agrimony has been shown to protect the liver from damage. It can also help to improve liver function. Agrimony is often used to treat conditions such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, and fatty liver disease.
  • Antioxidant: Agrimony contains antioxidants, which can help to protect the body from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells, tissues, and organs. Agrimony is often used to treat conditions such as cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s disease.
  • Anti-inflammatory: Agrimony contains compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties. This means that they can help to reduce inflammation. Agrimony is often used to treat conditions such as arthritis, rheumatism, and gout.
  • Antibacterial: Agrimony has been shown to be effective against a variety of bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Escherichia coli.
  • Anti-Viral: Agrimony has been shown to be effective against a variety of viruses, including the common cold, influenza, and herpes simplex virus.
  • Antifungal: Agrimony has been shown to be effective against a variety of fungi, including Candida albicans, the fungus that causes yeast infections.

Agrimony is generally safe to use when taken in moderation. However, it is important to note that it can interact with certain medications, so it is important to talk to your doctor before taking it.

Botanical Description

Agrimony (Agrimoniae eupatoria) is a perennial herb that grows up to 1.5 metres tall. It has a long, erect stem with alternate, compound leaves. The leaves are divided into three leaflets, each of which is further divided into several smaller leaflets. The flowers are yellow and are borne in spikes at the top of the stem. The fruit is a small, dry achene.

It is found in a variety of habitats, including meadows, woodlands, and roadsides. It is native to Europe, Asia, and North America.

Active Ingredients

Tannin, Orthosilicic acid, Bitters, Antibiotic-effect flavonoids

Harvesting

Agrimony is best harvested in the spring or autumn when the plant is in full bloom. The upper 20-30 cm part of the flower-leaf shoot should be collected.

Agrimony can be used fresh or dried. Fresh agrimony can be added to salads, soups, and stews. Dried agrimony can be made into a tea or used in tinctures and herbal extracts.

Some tips for harvesting agrimony:

  • Harvest the plant in the morning, when the dew is still on the leaves. This will help to preserve the plant’s essential oils.
  • Cut the stems of the plant just above a node. This will help the plant to regrow.
  • Avoid harvesting plants that are growing in areas that have been sprayed with pesticides or herbicides.
  • Dry the herbs in a cool, dark place. Do not expose the herbs to direct sunlight or heat, as this will damage the essential oils.
  • Store the herbs in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.

Mythology/Folklore

In Greek mythology, agrimony was associated with the goddess Artemis. It was said that Artemis used the plant to heal wounds and protect her followers from harm. Agrimony was also associated with the Celtic goddess Brigid. Brigid was a goddess of healing, poetry, and fire. She was said to have taught the use of agrimony to humans.

In mediaeval Europe, agrimony was used as a treatment for a variety of ailments, including wounds, infections, kidney stones, and digestive problems. It was also used as a diuretic and a blood purifier. Agrimony was also believed to be a powerful aphrodisiac.

In the 19th century, agrimony was used as a treatment for cholera and other infectious diseases. It was also used as a tonic to improve overall health.

Today, agrimony is still used in folk medicine, but it is not as widely used as it once was. It is still used as a treatment for a variety of ailments, including wounds, infections, and digestive problems. Agrimony is also still used as a diuretic and a blood purifier.

Here are some of the mythological and folk beliefs associated with agrimony:

  • Agrimony was believed to be a powerful protection against evil spirits.
  • It was believed that agrimony could heal wounds and protect people from harm.
  • Agrimony was believed to be a fertility herb.
  • It was believed that agrimony could help to promote good luck and fortune.
  • Agrimony was believed to be a powerful aphrodisiac.

Use

Consume before meals, preferably without sweeteners.

Babies – only recommended externally. It can be given diluted to children from the age of 6 (one teaspoon of tea herb to 2.5 dl of water).

Possible Side Effects

Agrimony is generally safe when used in moderation. However, it can cause some side effects in some people, including:

  • Stomach upset
  • Diarrhoea
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue
  • Skin rash
  • Allergic reaction

It is important to talk to your doctor before taking agrimony, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Agrimony can interact with certain medications, so it is important to let your doctor know if you are taking any other medications before taking agrimony.

It is also important to note that agrimony can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. If you take agrimony, it is important to wear sunscreen and protective clothing when you are outdoors.

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