Other Names: Church steeples, Cocklebur, Sticklewort, Philanthropos

Habitat: (Agrimonia eupatoria) is a perennial herb, native to Europe, found growing throughout Canada, and the United States in woods and fields and thickets. Cultivation is easy, it prefers moist rich, alkaline soil in a semi-shady position. The plant is subject to a considerable amount of variation, some specimens being larger than others, with other minor differences. It has, by some botanists, been divided into two species. The larger variety, having a greater fragrance, was named (Agrimonia odorata). The whole plant is deep green and covered with soft hairs. From a long woody root, the erect stem grows to 3 feet high or more, mostly unbranched, or very slightly branched, terminating in spikes of yellow flowers. The leaves are alternate, terminal pinnate, and divided into pairs of serrate oblong-oval leaflets, with several smaller leaves arranged in intervals between them. They are finely haired on top and rough beneath. Near the ground they are often 7 or 8 inches long, while the upper leaves are about 3 inches in length. Upper leaves have far fewer leaflets than the lower. The flowers are small, about 3/8 inch, slightly aromatic, stalkless, five petaled, bright yellow and numerous, arranged closely on slender, terminal spikes. As flowers mature they become rather woody, thickly covered with a mass of small bristly hairs, that spread and develop into a burr-like ball that adheres to clothing or animal fur. Flowers bloom from June to August. Gather the entire plant in summer while the flowers are in bloom.

Properties: Agrimony has a long history of use and was once much sought after as a delicacy tea, for its delicious aroma and flavor. Often used as a diet drink or spring tonic. The seed can be dried and ground into a meal used in baking. The plants constituents include tannins, coumarins, the flavonoid luteolin, polysaccharides (stimulate the immune system), and a volatile essential oil. The whole plant is anti-inflammatory, astringent, blood purifier, cholagogue, diuretic, hepatic, tonic and vulnerary. It is usful for diarrhoea, a gentle tonic for digestion and is considered a tonic for aiding recovery from winter colds and fevers. Agrimony has an astringent action, it is frequently used in alternative medicine as a treatment for jaundice and other complaints of the liver. As an herbal mouthwash and gargle for sore throats. It is also applied externally in the form of a lotion or strong decoction to cure infected sores and ulcers or used to treat wounds, skin problems, haemorrhoids, blemishes, and pimples.

CLICK HERE TO FIND MANY AGRIMONY PRODUCTS!

Folklore: Once (in medieval times) recommended that it be taken with a mixture of pounded frogs and human blood, as a remedy for all internal haemorrhages. Agrimony was said to cause a deep sleep. When placed beneath a mans head this sleep would last until it was removed. This passage is from an old English medical manuscript:

'If it be leyd under mann's heed,
He shal sleepyn as he were deed;
He shal never drede ne wakyn
Till fro under his heed it be takyn.'

TRY THIS RECIPE

Infusion: 1 teaspoon dried agrimony root, leaves, or flowers in 1 cup of boiling water for 15 minutes. Strain and flavor with honey and a little licorice root if desired. Take up to 1 cup per day.