Agrimony Herb
Agrimonia eupatoria
The agrimony herb is a mild astringent and has bitter tonic properties useful for ailments of the digestive system, wounds, and rashes.
The plant grows wild throughout Europe and North America. All parts of the plant except the roots are used. Its small yellow flowers appear on tall slender spikes thus its common name "Church Steeples". Gather agrimony during the summer when it is in bloom. Tie the stems together and hang where it will be out of the sunlight until completely dried. Store in an air-tight container.
It has had medicinal uses since Roman times when it was used to treat eye problems. During the Medieval period it was used to cure insomnia. It was placed inside pillows to induce sleep. An infusion of agrimony was also used to heal musket wounds. In Chinese medicine it is used to stop bleeding.
Agrimony is reputed to have antibacterial, antiparasitic, and antiviral properties. Mountain Rose Herbs states that agrimony extracts protect against viral infections including hepatitis B if the tea made from the extract is made with boiling water rather than just hot water.
Today agrimony tea is often used as a gargle for a sore throat and laryngitis. The tea is also used for indigestion, diarrhea, colitis, incontinence, kidney stones, bladder infections, nose bleed, bed-wetting and incontinence. It is excellent when made into a salve for healing wounds, bruises, acne, and skin rashes. It is used to reduce high uric acid levels which cause gout.
To make agrimony tea pour 1 cup boiling water over 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried herb. Let it steep 15 minutes and strain into a cup. You can drink the tea three times a day. Use the tea externally to wash wounds and for acne and skin rashes if you don't have any salve or ointment that contain it.
Agrimony herb tea can be combined with feverfew, mint, bee balm, or parsley to relieve abdominal gas and bloating problems. Just use 1 teaspoon agrimony and 1 teaspoon of an additional herb of your choice to 1 cup water.
Do not use agrimony when constipated. Pregnant women should not use agrimony without a physician's approval.
For more information:
Home Remedies for Upset Stomach
