The Agrimony Herb

Agrimonia eupatoria

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The Agrimony herb is a pretty perennial with serrated leaves which are known as Church Steeples for their tall elegant spikes of small, yellow, honey-scented flowers that grow in early summer.

When the herb and roots are dried they have a long lasting apricot scent.

Agrimony’s dried herb and roots are ideal for sachets because of the apricot scent. It contains tannin and a volatile essential oil.

TARGET AILMENTS:

Take internally as a tea for:

* jaundice

* indigestion

* urinary incontinence

* cystitis

* diarrhea - especially when caused by mild food poisoning or an infection has upset the bowels. Has the healing power to heal inflamed and swollen membrane lining the gut.

Use a gargle for:

* sore gums

* sore throat

* laryngitis

Use as an ointment for:

* wounds

* bruises

* psoriasis

PREPARATIONS

Over the counter:

Can be bought as a dried herb, liquid extract, or powder.

Infusion

Pour a cup of boiling water onto 1 to 2 teaspoonfuls of the dried herb and leave to . infuse for 10 to 15 minutes. This infusion should be drunk three times a day.

Tincture

Take 1 to 3 ml of the tincture three times a day

Parts Used: Dried aerial parts.

Collection: The leaves can be harvested in early summer or the whole flowering plant in late summer before the burrs develop. Air-dry slowly in warm shade not above 104*F.

Constituents: The Agrimony herb contains tannins, silicic acid, glycosidal bitters, iron, vitamin B and is high in vitamin K.

Actions: Astringent, tonic, diuretic, hepatic, cholagogue, vulnerary

Combinations: This herb is often used with a drug or agent that induces the expulsion of gas from the stomach or intestines for digestive problems.

SIDE EFFECTS

* None Serious

SPECIAL INFORMATION

* Do not use if suffering from constipation.