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Agrimony Agrimonia Eupatoria Keel
Agrimony Agrimonia Eupatoria Keel
Agrimony Agrimonia Eupatoria Keel
org
A GRIMONY
agrimonia eupatoria, A. procera,
A. pilosa & other Agrimonia spp.
"The Indispensable Relaxant”
“The most reliable magical herb in
herbalism” - Matthew Wood
Plant Family: Rosaceae (Rose family)
Common N ames
Liverwort [for its liver action], Church Steeples [for its spikes
of yellow flowers], Sticklewort Stickwort, Burr Marigold &
Cocklebur [for its hooked bristles seeds], Philanthropos [old
name mean ‘who love man’], Harvest Lice, Rat’s Tail, White
Tansy, Potentilla, roadside rosaceae, woodland groovebur. --
Eupatoire des Grecs, Odermennig, Leberklette, Leberkraut,
Koenigkraut. herbe de saint-guillaume, longyacao,
odermenning, Medieval names: Garclife / Garclive [Old
English gar, "a spear," and clifan, "to cleave, adhere, stick"]
Immortal Crane Herb, Xian He Cao [China]
Etymology:
Agrimonia is derived from the Greek word for "shining,"
(one source says ‘speck in the eye’) and then Greek
Argemone meaning healing to the eyes as the herb was used
as an eyewash particularly for cataracts. Some connect the
word to the Old French word for sour ‘aigre’,
Eupatoria is derived from Mithridates Eupator (134-63 BCE), King of Pontus in modern day Turkey, who is
famed for developing mithridate, a 'universal antidote' from bitter and carminative herbs (including agrimony) to
protect from earthly poisons and also used agrimony to the treat liver. Other references note that word eupator
also bears an ancient reference to the liver, likely due to Mithridates liver clearing remedy.
Botany
A native European and N. African herb, Agrimony is an
erect, downy, and slightly aromatic perennial that grows
to about three feet in height. It is common throughout
most of the British Iles, and now naturalized in north
America and other northern temperate zones. The herb
is commonly found in Meadows hedges, marshes,
roadsides and woodland edges places and other grassy
open areas.
Related Species: A. gryposepala: native to North
America commonly known as tall hairy agrimony was
used by the Iroquois, Cherokee, Ojibwe and other tribe
for much the same purposes of the common agrimony
in Europe. In China A. pilosa, known as xian he cao, is
also used similarly to A. eupatoria
Not be confused with: Hemp Agrimony,
Eupatorium Cannabinum OR Water Agrimony
Eupatorium Aquaticum have similar common and
botanical names (though reversed) and somewhat
similar properties but are not botanically related
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✜ Roots: deep rhizomes
✜ Stem/ Stalk: single, firm, erect and round grows 20-36" tall.
✜ Leaves: typical serrated edged pinnate leaves, hairy, of a pale green,
and notched at the edges similar to strawberry leaves, but narrower.
They are subtly scented of apricot, as is the long, dark green root. The
paired leaves are green above and silvery-green beneath.
✜ Flowers: sunny yellow apricot-scented flowers appear from June to
September, The flowers are five-petaled small, and numerous growing
on long terminal spikes. The bi-sexual flower has fivefold radial
symmetry. 5 to 20 stamens rise above the tip of the flower cup. The
flowers offer their abundant pollen to honey bees, hoverflies, flies and
other pollinators
✜ Seeds: seeds have tiny hooks that cleave strongly to animal fur
or human clothing, hence the name clife, cleave, grip and are
spread over a large area
Cultivation
Agrimony prefers rather full sun and can also tolerate partial
shade. It is naturally adapted to moisture rich alkaline soils and
will also grow in most all soil types. It is often grows in wet
meadows and marshlands but also grow well on dry soils. (Though
will need to be watered during dry spells if it is to flower. The
plant is sturdy and accommodating.
Seeds should be sown out of doors on open ground, in the early
spring. Germination of the seeds can be significantly promoted by
storing the seeds in damp soil within the refrigerator for a period
of six weeks prior to the planting. Seedlings and seeds may be
planted a cm or half an inch deep into the soil. Agrimony will
perpetuate by self-seeding once it has become established in the
soil. Agrimony can also be propagated by root division. It is best
to divide growing plants in the springtime so as to provide the time
necessary for the winter buds to form within the plants. Make sure
that a live stem is included, when dividing the crown of the plant.
Medicine Preparation
Tincture [1:5, 50% alcohol, or Fresh Plant, 1:2], Infusion,
poultice, eyewash, skin wash and gargle
M ajor Constituents :
Tannins (4–10%), glycosidal bitters, including euscapic acid
tormentic acid and, nictotanic acid, coumarins, flavonoids, including
luteolin, quercetin and qpigenin, triterpenes, phenolic acids,
polysaccharides volatile oils, silicic acid, iron, vitamins B and K
The medicinal benefits of agrimony herb were known and used by the
ancient people of Egypt and Greece. Greeks and Romans called it
“Argemone” because of its ability to heal the eyes and used it for
cataracts. The Greeks also employed agrimony to remedy diarrhea and
other internal disorders of vital organs such as the gallbladder, liver, and
kidneys. Mithridates Eupator, king of Pontus who reigned from 120 – 63
BC, (and for whom the plant is named) used agrimony to treat liver
problems and poisonings. Discordes referred to it as a “remedy for
them that have bad livers.” Pliny the Elder called it as “an herb
of princely authority”. I interpret this to mean an herb that
strongly directs its actions and gets the job done.
Up north, the ancient Welsh physicians of Myddfai used agrimonia for
numerous applications such as for wound healing, mastitis (boiled in
ale and milk), eye ailments, to prevent drunkenness and insomnia. So
great was its effect on sleep that traditional British folklore declares
that if a sprig of the plant was placed under a person s
head, they would sleep until it was removed.
Anglo-Saxons, used it in their ‘holy salve’ to heal wounds, warts
and snakebites, and well for as protection from goblins, evil and
poison. Chaucer recommends egrimoyne, mugwort and vinegar for 'a
bad back' and 'alle woundes'.
Agrimony continued to be a primary remedy for wounds and it was the prime ingredient of French
arquebusade water (i.e. aid for wounds inflicted by an arquebus, or musket), a battlefield remedy, first
mentioned by Philip de Comines in his account of the battle of Morat, 1476. Eau de arquebusade is still
used in France today though now mostly for sprains and bruises. In Elizabethan times, Gerard wrote of
using agrimony for “naughty livers”
In China a related variety, A. pilosa, (pin yin: xian he cao), is used in a similar way to A. eupatoria. In
Traditional Chinese Medicine, agrimony is a major astringing fluid herb and used to stop bleeding
wounds as well as to treat profuse menstruation, internal bleeding and tuberculosis. Modern research on
agrimonia in China confirms this physiological action, finding it can increase blood coagulation by 50%.
Native Americans mainly used A. gryposepal but incorporated A. eupatoria as it naturalized in the
Americas. Generally, it was noted they “used it to reduce fevers, skin and mouth conditions and for
diarrhea. The Cherokee used it to normalize bowels, treat fever, ease hunger pangs in children, and build
up the blood.” [Ana Price –Eckes] Other uses included treating snakebites, jaundice, gout, and worms.
Agrimony is sacred to the Celtic goddess Danu and has ancient magical associations. Common
folklore held that it ward off witchcraft (and goblins as mentioned above). The herb was used in
protection spells, to help build a psychic shield, to reduce the influence of another's negativity and to
banish negative energies and spirits. It is said to reverse harmful spells cast on a person. For these
purposes, it is used interchangeably with its cousin cinquefoil that also has protective, magical properties.
The herb was extensively used in the treatment of many types of illnesses in the US and Canada till late
into the 19th century, notably to treat numerous types of skin diseases and scrufulous lesions, and also for
asthma persistent coughs, and gynecological complaints of all kinds. The herbal remedy was also used as
a gargle for treating sore throat in affected patients. It has antibacterial and anti-parasitic actions and is
used for Trichomonas vaginalis, tapeworm, dysentery and malaria.
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It is an ingredient of spring tonics in many parts of Europe and a popular tisane in France. The whole plant yields
a yellow dye.
In the 1930’s Dr. Edward Bach choose agrimony as one of the first flower essence he made and researched,
becoming one of the famed Twelve Healers. The English poet Michael Drayton proclaimed it as an “all-heal”
remedy and it indeed been seen as a healing panacea through the ages.
Seeds: “reaches out to touch you” i.e. the seeds attach to those who passerby.
Growing Habitat: often grows by roadsides and paths where people (and animals) pass yet
solitary and doesn't grow in masses.
Specific Indications
Nervous system - Tension & Pain (physical & emotional):
℘ Tension “The Indispensable Relaxant” “Gentle Alternative To Kava Kava” “We always need a
remedy to relax tension and remove ‘wind’ or constriction and in this agrimony is inferior to none.
Intensify by combining 7 parts agrimony to 4 parts Solomon’s seal. Works well with the nervines.”
Matthew Wood Astringent –AND-- profoundly relaxes tension, both physical and mental.
“It’s a tense looking plant, and is indicated for tension.
It can be used for people who drink to relieve their tension, for adult children of
alcoholics, for people who feel caught in a bind, for job related tension and tension at
home that’s caused by work. (I must warn you that I used this for job tension and
quit my job).
It lessens the pain when you hold your breath to stop the pain, when you’re having
trouble and it helps to breathe through it. The flower essence helps when you’re
leading a double life. It helps to incorporate the inner and outer person. For a strong
sense of separation from what you’re doing and what you’d like to do.”
-William LeSassier
℘ Specifically indicated when you hold breath to stop pain and for work related tension. For when
feeling frazzled, when stress and tension or pain are causing torment.
℘ Alcoholism for the tension that leads to addictions (also drugs) “To prevent drunkenness, drink
as much of the juice of the agrimony as will fill an eggshell.” [Physicians of Myddvai]
I think of agrimony particularly for those who drink to relax.
℘ Sleep: An ancient sleep remedy and
If it (Agrimony) be leyd under man’s head, particularly for those with tension and
He shal sleepyn as he were dead;
He shal never drede ne wakyn restlessness. The herb is not a sedative and
Til fro under his head it be takyn. has no narcotic properties but offers a deep
sleep.
℘ Pain (physical & emotional): Agrimony is not analgesic, but pain (particularly sharp pain) causes
tension to be held in the body and agrimony helps to release held tension there by lessening the
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experience of pain considerable. Agrimony is a specific for sharp pains such with kidney stones,
gallstones and burn pain. Also poultices of the leaves applied to the for migraine headaches.
℘ Holding Breath (to control pain or emotional tension):
“It is specifically indicated for mental tension “Dr. Daniel Smith...recommended a
and pain hidden behind a facade – outwardly decoction of agrimony to cure
cheerful, suave and sophisticated, inwardly lunacy. As my friends and
tormented and pained. Likewise for physical acquaintances seem reasonably sane,
I have not had the opportunity to
tension and pain.” [Matt Wood] It is common to hold try this, but I do find agrimony
ones breath when we are in pain. Some studies indicate useful for so many purposes…’
we feel less pain when we hold our breath but that is for - Adele Dawson Herbs: Partners in Life
an acute pain not on going pain. (Think of the
recommendation to breath through pain of childbirth.)
Yet the tendency is to hold our breath when we are tense
or in pain. This pain can be an unconscious emotional
pain as well. Either way this is a primary indication for
agrimony.
Tonic
“In general Agrimony has an affinity for toning
mucous membranes, checking profuse secretions and
bleeding such as in hemorrhages or wounds.” [Anne
McIntyre]
In all the numerous indications for agrimony, if there is an
accompanying inner tension and holding in the personality
(or the personality coping with a physical conditions),
agrimony is well used. The flower essence indications help
point to the applications of the herb for physical ailments.
The tincture is has a greater drying effect than the tea (which
gives water) and this vehicle is indicated for “more serious
conditions where phlegm and mucous stubbornly remain”.
Cutaneous system
℘ Vulnerary & Styptic for Wounds: Agrimony has an ancient tradition as a wound herb and I well
included in first aid kits. It staunches bleeding and will promote the formation of clots in the area of
the wound, and is used in trauma treatment and surgery in Chinese hospitals. It also relieves pain of
as noted above. Agrimony is perhaps best known as a wound herb used on medieval battlefields to
staunch bleeding, and a primary ingredient in arquebusade water used to treat gunshot wounds.
℘ Astringent for wet skin and eruptions: including wet eczema. an ancient remedy topically for
scrofula leisions. Agrimony also helps to stops itching of the skin.
℘ For pimples and skin eruptions related to liver and gallbladder skin eruptions due to tension
℘
℘ Burns burn pain: herbalist Jim McDonald finds it a very effective remedy for burn pain
Agrimony plant extracts are very well known for the treatment of snake bites.
Do not use where there is dryness of the secretions, (For example while agrimony is an effective treatment for
diarrhea, it can aggravate constipation)
Of note for specific applications: Agrimony personality uses humor to hide how he / she feels - not just
hiding emotions, they usually say they are great and all is fine. Other people may hide emotions for other
reasons – they may be shy (Mimulus) want to keep things private (Water Violet) or busy and want to get
on with things (Impatiens) “Agrimony is the remedy for people who keep their troubles hidden under a
mask of pleasure and happiness. The sad clown masking inner hurt by being the life and soul of the party
is an Agrimony archetype. Friends are often the last to know that anything is wrong in the Agrimony
person's life.” “They don't want to burden other people with their
worries with carefree, happy go lucky outlook” They “like peace
and [are] harmonizers and often give in
“Sometimes Agrimony people turn to drink or drugs to help them
stay 'happy'. They tend not to like being alone: the mask slips when
there is no company. They seek out friends, parties and bright
lights. Only at night when they are alone with their thoughts will
the mental torture they have repressed come back to haunt them.”
Agrimony types can “sleep badly from inner torture and turmoil
“Agrimony helps us come to terms with the darker side of our lives
and personalities, so that we can become more rounded human
beings. We won't lose our sense of humor or our ability to get
through the day, but will find that laughing at our troubles dispels
them rather than hides them. As a mood remedy, Agrimony helps
anyone who is trying not to face a trouble and using jokes and false
smiles to avoid a painful reality.”
Excerpted from class of Nora Weeks [Dr. Bach’s student
and colleague]
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Agrimony as Drink
In France agrimony is commonly used to bring a delicate and citrusy taste to teas. It was known as a “spring drink”
or “diet drink” and was used as a blood purifier after a long winter. When brewing beer fresh, adding flowers of
the agrimony will enhance its taste while also bringing its many beneficial effects.
Agrimony has been used in veterinary medicine for its hemostatic and alterative properties A safe food for even
very young animals.