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AGRIMONY
Agrimonia eupatoria
Other Names: Church steeples, Cocklebur,
Sticklewort, Philanthropos
Habitat: In its wild state, 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. Its one to two foot branchy stems are covered with a fine, silky down and
terminate in spikes of cream-colored 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 the plant in a hedgerow. For garden growing, give the herb
sun or partial sun and regular watering, an plant from seed or propagate by root
division in spring or fall. Gather the herb in summer while the flowers are in
bloom.
Properties: Agrimony contains tannin and a
volatile essential oil. Like most samples, 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 and fevers. As Agrimony also possesses an astringent
action, it is frequently used as an herbal mouthwash and gargle ingredient, and is
applied externally in the form of a lotion to minor sores and ulcers. It has also
been recommended, as a strong decoction, to cure sores, blemishes, and pimples.
Agrimony Tea: (a Gentle Blood Purifier)
Preparation: Infuse 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.
View our pictures of Agrimony
here
Copyright 1996, 1998 by Lori Herron, R.N.and Alternative Nature
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