Agrimony (Agrimonia) has been used since ancient times. The Greeks used it as a remedy for ailments of the eye and the herb’s name is derived from the Greek word Argemone which means plant that heals the eye. In ancient Rome the great author and naturalist Pliny the elder deemed agrimony “an herb of princely authorite”. Anglo-Saxons used the leaves of this herb to help stop bleeding and heal wounds.

Species of Agrimony

Agrimony is a fairly common herb that is a member of the Rosaceae or rose family. There are more than twelve different species of this perennial herb throughout Europe, Asia and North America. Agrimonia eupatoria or Common Agrimony is the most prevalent species in Europe while Agrimonia gryposepala, or hairy Agrimony is the most prevalent in North America.

Agrimony Habitat

This hardy herb can be found growing in woodlands and fields, but also takes well to garden cultivation. In the garden it prefers partial sun and requires regular watering.

Agrimony Plant Description

Common Agrimony reaches a height of 1 -2 feet with a woody stem covered in a silky down. In some species this down is quite thick giving these the designation of Hairy Agrimony. The leaves are dark green and at the bottom of the plant can be rather large; often seven or more inches long. The leaves reduce in size from the bottom of the plant to the top with those nearest the top being on average about three inches.

The small bright yellow flowers are arranged tightly on individual spikes. Both the leaves and the flowers are scented and depending on species the aroma varies from that of apricots to lemons. Once the flowers fade they leave behind prickly burrs that cling to clothes or fur. These are the origin of one of the most common colloquial names for agrimony; the cocklebur.

Agrimony Active Ingredients

Agrimony contains beneficial active compounds including catechin – a water soluble polyphenol and antioxidant and thiamin – a water soluble B vitamin. It also contains quercitrin an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory that is also the source of its yellow pigmentation.

Agrimony contains the complex polyphenol tannin. This bitter plant compound is a natural astringent. Also present in agrimony are palmitic, silicic and ursolic acids. Palmitic acid is one of the most common saturated fatty acids in both animals and plants.

Agrimony Folklore

The herb has been used extensively in folklore. Witches often used agrimony in spells and to ward off hexes. When placed in a sachet and hung in the home, it was said to provide protection against goblins, evil spirits, and poisoning.

Practitioners of voodoo use agrimony to repel jinxes and block curses. It is believed the herb not only repels jinxes and curses, it sends them back against their perpetrator.

Today modern day Wiccans often place leaves of the plant in pillowcases to ensure a good night’s sleep.

Agrimony Health Benefits

Agrimony has a history of use in traditional herbal medicine, where it has been employed for conditions related to the digestive system, respiratory system, and skin.

It is often associated with astringent properties, which may help tighten and tone tissues.

Agrimony has been used in folk medicine for various purposes, but it’s important to note that scientific research on agrimony’s medicinal properties is limited, and more studies are needed to establish its efficacy and safety.

Chinese medicine often used Agrimony to treat menstrual difficulties and during the middle ages this herb was used frequently as a sleep aid. In North America agrimony was used for a variety of ailments by Native Americans and up until the late 19th century agrimony was used throughout Europe and North America to treat skin conditions, cough, sore throat, and diarrhea.

Silicic acid is a compound of hydrogen, oxygen, and silicon that has been shown to be beneficial to hair, skin and nails. Ursolic acid is a pentacyclic triterpenoid found in many herbs and fruits that acts as a diuretic and anti-inflammatory.

New studies have found that palmetic acid may help fight skin cancer.

Parts of Agrimony Used Medicinally

The most commonly utilized parts are the aerial parts of the plant, including the leaves and flowers. Here are the key parts of agrimony that are used medicinally:

Leaves
Harvesting: The leaves of agrimony are typically harvested during the flowering season.
Traditional Uses: Agrimony leaves are used in herbal preparations for their astringent properties. They are believed to have potential benefits for conditions related to mucous membranes and may be used to address issues like diarrhoea and mild digestive discomfort.

Flowers
Harvesting: The flowers of agrimony are collected during the flowering stage.
Traditional Uses: Agrimony flowers are valued for their astringent and tonic properties. They are often used in herbal teas and infusions.

Whole Aerial Parts
Harvesting: In some cases, the entire aerial part of the agrimony plant (leaves, flowers, and stems) may be used.
Traditional Uses: Herbal formulations containing the whole aerial parts of agrimony are employed for various purposes, including gastrointestinal health and overall well-being.

Roots
Harvesting: While less common, the roots of agrimony may also be used.
Traditional Uses: Agrimony roots are believed to have certain medicinal properties, although their use is not as widespread as that of the aerial parts. Roots are sometimes used for their potential astringent and tonic effects.

How To Use Agrimony

Agrimony is available as dried leaves, stems, and flowers, ground power, fluid extract and essential oil.

One of the most common methods of enjoying this useful herb is by making tea. To treat diarrhoea a cup of weak tea should be sipped up to six times a day. A stronger tea is used as a gargle to soothe sore throats and quiet coughs.

To make the tea add one to two teaspoons of dried leaves stems or flowers to one liter of hot water and steep five to fifteen minutes depending on desired strength. For skin inflammation and to treat wounds soak a compress in very strong tea and apply several times daily.

For skin issues, essential oil may also be used.

Yellow Dye from Agrimony

In addition to its medicinal properties, the plant is also used as a dye. The entire plant is used to make dye and when gathered from spring through September, it yields a pale yellow hue. When gathered late in the year, the dye results in a deep rich yellow.

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Agrimony Herb Notes / Side Effects

Agrimony, while generally well-tolerated, can cause several side effects, especially when consumed in excess or under specific conditions:

Digestive Issues: Due to its high tannin content, agrimony can cause constipation, stomach discomfort, or colic if consumed in large amounts. It is also not recommended for people suffering from acute inflammation in the digestive tract, such as gastritis or ulcers
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Photosensitivity: Agrimony contains coumarins, which can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight, leading to rashes or dermatitis upon sun exposure

Allergic Reactions: Individuals allergic to plants in the Rosaceae family (e.g., roses) may experience skin irritation, itching, or rashes when handling agrimony
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Blood Clotting Concerns: Because of its mild anticoagulant properties, agrimony might exacerbate bleeding disorders or interfere with blood-clotting medications

Hypoglycemia Risk: Agrimony can lower blood sugar levels, which may be risky for individuals taking diabetic medication, potentially leading to hypoglycemia
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Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Agrimony is unsafe during pregnancy as it may influence menstrual cycles. Its safety during breastfeeding is unknown, so it is best avoided.

Iron Absorption: Prolonged use of agrimony can hinder iron absorption due to its tannin content, making it unsuitable for individuals with anemia.