Agrimony Herb Uses and Medicinal Properties
Agrimony is not commonly used today, but has
its place in traditional herbal medicine. This herb is
safe for use for minor ailments in most healthy people.
Like most herb simples, the uses to which it is put are remarkably varied. The
English use it to make a delicious "spring" or "diet" drink for purifying the
blood. 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.
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.
Habitat and Description
Agrimony
can be found growing extensively throughout Europe, Canada, and the
United States. A hardy perennial, its natural habitat is woods and
fields, but it takes to cultivation easily. Agrimonies have one to two
foot branchy stems covered with a fine, silky down and terminate in
spikes of yellow flowers. Both the flowers and the notched leaves give
off a faint characteristic lemony scent when crushed. After the flowers
fade they give place to tiny clinging "burrs" which will quickly adhere
to your clothing if you brush by an it plant in a hedgerow.
How
to grow Agrimony
For garden
growing, give Agrimony sun or partial sun and regular watering, a plant
from seed or propagate by root division in spring or fall. Gather the
herb in summer while the flowers are in bloom.
Harvesting Information
Agrimony is usually common enough to harvest
freely in the wild, as long as you take only a small portion from any given
area. 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. 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. |
