Herbal Fact Sheets: Agrimony

Herbal Fact Sheets: Agrimony

Agrimony is a hardy perennial native to the English countryside where it is a popular medicinal herb. The herb plant has stems covered with fine, silky down and notched leaves. This herb bears small, cream-colored flowers that bloom from June to September and give off a faint lemony scent.

Agrimony has the Latin name,Agrimonia eupatoria. The first name is derived from “agremone,” which is Greek for “luminous,” because it was believed to cure eye cataracts. Eupatoria is derived from the name Mithridates Eupator, king of Pontus, who was a noted herbalist.

Other common names include: Cocklebur, Steeples, Philanthropos, Sticklewort

The herb is also named Cockleburr because once its flowers fade, they leave behind tiny, clinging “burrs” that attach to cloths or skin when brushed.

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 either in spring or autumn. Although it can grow in almost all types of soil, Agrimony grows best in alkaline soil. The herb prefers partial shade to full sun and should be watered regularly.

Agrimony should be collected in summer while the flowers are in full bloom, which is late spring to early summer. It can be used fresh for herbal remedies or dried for later use.

Medical parts used andActive Ingredients

The aerial parts are used for medical purposes. Active ingredients in agriculture include tannins, flavonoids, coumarins, polysaccharides, vitamin C and volatile essential oils.

Medical applications

Since the Middle Ages, Agrimon has been used as an antiseptic to treat wounds. When applied topically, it helps stop bleeding and promotes clot formation at the site of minor wounds, sores, and abrasions. Taken orally, it is a useful natural remedy for stomach ulcers.

Agrimony has an astringent effect and is often used as an ingredient in herbal mouthwashes and gargles for acute sore throats. It is also a useful natural remedy for stomach ulcers.

The astringency of this herb is also effective in treating diarrhea. Due to its low toxicity, it is particularly suitable for treating diarrhea in children.

Other uses include urinary incontinence, cystitis and mucous membrane inflammation.

How to Brew Agrimony Herbal Tea

Lightly crush dried agrimony leaves and measure three teaspoons into a cup. (Use two teaspoons of powdered agrimony if fresh agrimony is not available.) Cover the herb with a cup of boiling water and let steep for 10 to 15 minutes. Strain and sweeten with honey or licorice if desired.

Dosage of Agrimony

The following is the recommended dosage of Agrimony:

• Infusion: 2 bis 4 getrocknete Blätter durch dreimal tägliche Infusion
• Flüssiger Extrakt: 1 ml bis 3 ml dreimal täglich (1: 1 in 25% Alkohol)
• Tinktur: 1 ml bis 4 ml dreimal täglich (1: 5 in 45% Alkohol)
• Umschlag: 10% Abkochung des Krauts

Agrimony side effects

Possible side effects of using Agrimony include the following:

• Wie bei den meisten tanninreichen Kräutern sollte ein übermäßiger Gebrauch von Agrimon vermieden werden.
• Aufgrund des Mangels an Toxizitätsdaten sollte die Verwendung dieses Kraut von schwangeren und stillenden Frauen vermieden werden.
• Die topische Anwendung von Agrimony kann das Risiko von Sonnenbrand erhöhen.