Agrimonia eupatoria
resonates with jupiter
Common names:Agrimony,Burr Marigold, Church Steeples. Cocklebur, Harvest Lice,
Liverwort, Philanthropos, Rat's Tail, Stickwort, White Tansy
The herb has spikes that bear rows of tiny yellow flowers-known as church steeples. Agrimony is also characterized by having fruits that are marked by hooked bristles - cockleburs - at the top or towards the tips. The flower is found growing wild on the side of agricultural fields and by the roadsides, woods also have many agrimony plants growing wild within them. Traditionally used in healing, agrimony is typically used by herbalist as a
Sleep inducing remedy-though, the plant itself possess no known narcotic properties. It is believed that when agrimony is placed under a person's head, it will induce a deep
Sleep in the person and the
Sleep will last as long as the herb is kept near the person.
Parts used: Aerial parts.
Uses: The other traditional use of the agrimony in herbal remedy has been as a healing aid for
Wounds-applications of this herb will staunch
Bleeding and will promote the formation of clots in the area of the
Wound, the herb has been used in this role for a very long time. Agrimony is slightly bitter tasting and acts as an
Astringent on
Wounds. The herbal remedy prepared from agrimony is also used as an effective remedy for the treatment of
Diarrhea. A gentle
Tonic prepared from the herb also aids the
Digestion and is beneficial to the
Digestive system.
Agrimony is also used in combination herbal formulas along with other herbs such as the corn silk-such a combination herbal remedy helps in treating cystitis and problems related to
Urinary incontinence in an affected person. The combination remedy has also been successfully employed in the treatment of
Kidney Stones, common disorders like
Sore throats and
Rheumatism, and even disorders like
Arthritis in many people.
Agrimony has a very long history as far as its use in herbal medicine is concerned, this is besides the folklores connected to its reputed remedial properties. It has indeed been seen as a panacea through the ages, and the English poet Michael Drayton once proclaimed it as an "all-heal" remedy-thus all these remarkable powers were attributed to this herb. In other cultures, notably the ancient Greeks, all eye ailments were commonly treated using herbal remedies prepared from agrimony.
They also used the plant to make herbal brews as a cure for
Diarrhea and other internal disorders of vital organs such as the gall
Bladder, the
Liver, and the
Kidneys. Other societies such as the Anglo-Saxons were also known to prepare an herbal solution from the leaves and seeds of agrimony to be used in the healing of all kinds of physical
Wounds on the body. The herbal use of agrimony continued all through the Middle Ages and is used even now, in the form of a herbal preparation known as the eau d' arquebusade, or the "musket-shot water."
These days, herbal remedies made from the agrimony herb are suggested in the treatment of
Athlete's foot in all individuals affected by this disorder.
The herb was extensively used in the treatment of many types of illnesses, and in the United States and Canada, till late into the 19th century, herbal remedies prepared from agrimony were being used to treat all types of
Skin diseases, the remedy was also usually prescribed for
Asthma, to treat persistent
Coughs, and the remedy was also used in the treatment of gynecological complaints of all kinds. The herbal remedy was also used as a
Gargle for treating
Sore throat in affected patients.
Other medical uses: Food
Allergies, Celiac disease, Emphysema, Eyelid problems,
Hangover
Culinary uses: The herb can be used in the preparation of a very pleasant tasting and honey-flavored tea. Prepare the herbal remedy in this way, use 250ml or a cup of boiling water to steep 5 to 10 ml-about 1 to 2 teaspoons of powdered agrimony, if this is unavailable, you can also use 15 ml-or three teaspoons of lightly crushed fresh agrimony leaves in 250 ml-let the herb diffuse slowly into the water. This tea can then be cooled and strained, and if you prefer it, then it can be sweetened using some honey or it may be flavored with the herbal sweetener licorice.
Another great idea is to add the fresh flowers of the agrimony to home brewed beer as an herbal taste enhancers-which will also bring many beneficial effects.
Agrimony Herbal Uses and Medicinal Properties: Agrimony is not commonly used today, but has its place in traditional herbal medicine. This herb is safe in moderation for most healthy people. Like most herbs, the uses to which it is put are remarkably varied. The English use it to make a delicious "spring" or "diet" drink as a
Blood Purifier. It is considered especially useful as a
Tonic for aiding recovery from winter
Colds,
Fevers, and
Diarrhea.
Agrimony contains tannin and a volatile essential oil. As Agrimony also possesses an
Astringent action, it is frequently used in alternative medicine as an herbal mouthwash and
Gargle ingredient, and is applied externally in the form of a lotion to minor
Sores and
Ulcers. Agrimony has also been recommended, as a strong decoction, to cure
Sores, blemishes, and pimples.
Agrimonia parviflora, Agrimonia Striata
Other Names: Church steeples, Cocklebur, Sticklewort, Philanthropos
Agrimony is called XIAN HE CAO in Chinese herbal medicine and is used to stop
Bleeding. - Dr. Michael Tierrra L.Ac., O.M.D., The Way of Chinese Herbs
Caution: This is an
Astringent herb, do not use if constipated. Do not use internally during
Pregnancy without discussing with your obstetrician.
