Agrimonia Eupatoria Rosaceae Also Called Cockleburr, Church steeples
A slender hedgerow plant Jound throughout Europe, agrimony grows up to a metre in
height. It has rough stems and large dark green leaves with a whitish downy underside.
The spikes of yellowflowers have a slightly spicy scent and appear from June to
early SeptemberJollowed by burr-like seedpods with hooked spines.
Parts used
Flowerheads
Gather in full flower in July and August and dry in a warm place.
For internal use, agrimony is usually made into an infusion, but can be bought as
tablets. Externally, it is used in gargles and compresses
Constituents
The flowers contain three types of active components: tannins - which have antioxidant,
antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties; flavonoids - antioxidants believed
to prevent cardiovascular disease and fight cancer; and terpenes - the plant's volatile
oils that give it its pleasing aroma.
Medicinal uses
The anti-inflammatory qualities of agrimony make it useful for treating skin rashes
and stomach upsets, as well as sore throats and rheumatism.
Weak infusions can be given to children with diarrhoea and mild tummy upsets. A
Swedish study has confirmed that agrimony infusions can help to ease inflammatory
skin conditions. A cooled infusion applied on a cloth soothes skin allergies and
improves blood circulation, and a compress may reduce haemorrhoids.
Gargling with an infusion of agrimony can heal sore throats while rinsing is good
for mouth ulcers. Drinking infusions of agrimony improves digestion by stimulating
the stomach and gall bladder. It can also soothe an irritable bowel.
Historically, agrimony was used to heal gunshot wounds, and research has shown that
it helps blood to clot.
Cautions
Do not use if pregnant or breastfeeding.
Avoid exposure to bright sunlight when taking agrimony.
No contraindications have yet been reported, but agrimony is usually combined with
other plants, which modifies its effect.
Preparation and Dosages
For Internal Use
-
TO TREAT mild diarrhoea, sluggish digestion, poor circulation, haemorrhoids
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INFUSION Use 2 teaspoons of dried flowers to 250ml of boiling water. Leave to infuse
for 5 minutes and then strain. Drink 3-4 cups a day. Haemorrhoid treatments are
available over-the-counter.
For Externals Use
-
For a healthy mouth and throat GARGLES, RINSES Make an infusion using 1 teaspoon
of the dried flowers to 250ml of boiling water. Cool and use as a mouthwash or gargle
two or three times a day.
-
TO TREAT haemorrhoids, circulation problems, skin problems COMPRESS Use 5 dessertspoons
of the dried plant to 250ml of cold water. Bring to the boil and let boil for 5
minutes. Cool and strain. Soak a soft cloth in the liquid and apply four or five
times a day.
If Symptoms Persists Consult a Doctor
Cultivation
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Prefers well-drained soil and is suited to sunny positions. Agrimony is harvested
when it is in flower..