Agrimony

Also Known As: Agrimone, Church Steeples, Sticklewort, and Cocklebur

Botanical Name: Agrimonia

Family Name: Rosaceae

Native To: Europe, Asia, North America, and Africa

Parts To Use: All Parts of the Herb Above Ground

How It’s Used: Contains chemicals called tannins, which are thought to help conditions such as sore throat, upset stomach, mild diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, diabetes, gallbladder disorders, fluid retention, bleeding, blemishes and warts; and as a gargle, heart tonic, sedative, and antihistamine.

Harvesting: Tie in small bundles and hang in a dark, dry place for a few days to a week (depending on temperature), or place small amounts in large paper bags to dry. Dry herbs in well ventilated areas away from smoke, pets, and rodents. Harvest Agrimony seeds in late summer or early fall, and plant right away or store in freezer.

Agrimony has been used since ancient times by the Greeks and Romans. The Greeks used it as a remedy for ailments of the eye and the herb's name is derived from the Greek word Argemone which means, “plant that heals the eye.” Chinese medicine often used Agrimony to treat menstrual difficulties and during the middle ages this herb was used frequently as a sleep aid. In North America Agrimony was used for a variety of ailments by Native Americans and up until the late 19th century Agrimony was used throughout Europe and North America to treat skin conditions, cough, sore throat, and diarrhea.

Agrimony is a fairly common herb that is a member of the Rosaceae or rose family. There are more than twelve different species of this perennial herb. It can be found growing wild in woodlands and fields, but also takes well to garden cultivation. In the garden it prefers partial sun and requires regular watering. Agrimony grows to a height of 1 -2 feet with a woody stem covered in a silky down. The leaves are dark green and it produces small bright yellow flowers that are arranged tightly on individual spikes. Both the leaves and the flowers are scented, and depending on species, the aroma varies from that of apricots to lemons.

One of the most common methods of enjoying this useful herb is by making tea. To treat diarrhea, a cup of weak tea should be sipped up to six times a day. A stronger tea can be used as a gargle to soothe sore throats and suppress coughs. To make the tea add one to two teaspoons of dried leaves stems or flowers to one liter of hot water and steep five to fifteen minutes depending on desired strength. For skin inflammation and to treat wounds, soak a compress in very strong tea and apply several times daily. For skin issues essential oil may also be used. Agrimony is available as dried leaves, stems, and flowers, ground power, fluid extract, and essential oil.