We have received questions related to the agrimony plant benefits and contraindications. Here we are going to detail it, but first let’s see its botanical aspect.
What is the agrimony plant and what is it used for? It is a medium-sized flowering plant with a height of 0.5 to 2 meters. It is full, with vibrant vegetation of pinnate leaves and small yellow flowers growing from a single spike. The leaves and stems are covered with fine hairs with spike-like tips. The leaves have a resinous texture on the underside.
The entire plant is slightly aromatic, including the roots, which have an apricot aroma. The numerous yellow flowers are tightly grouped into slender spikes, which tend to stretch out as the seed vessels mature.
Agrimony blooms from June to early September in most locations. The long flower spikes are the reason the plant goes by the name church steeples in some areas and the beard and palo stick in others. Plant roots produce a yellow dye.
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The agrimony in history
Agrimony gets its genus name from the Greek word agermone, meaning «healing of the eyes.» Its species name, Eupatoria, is from Mithridates Eupator, a Pontic king famous for his deep knowledge of plant lore and for inventing it as a complex «universal antidote» against poisoning.
In ancient Greece, agrimony was used to remedy eye ailments, and it is also well known in traditional Chinese medicine as a natural remedy for menstrual discomfort.
According to folklore, witches used agrimony to protect themselves from curses. Voodoo practitioners also used it as protection to ward off curses and banish negative spirits: agrimony was believed to protect against spells and send curses to the originator. During the Victorian era, agrimony flowers were used to express gratitude and appreciation.
Aromatic spices form a significant part of the export industry worldwide, estimated in 2012 to be worth $1.6 million USD. Particularly in southern European countries, agrimony contributes greatly to that end.
Spain leads the way in its production, generating 90% of the world’s supply of its essential oil, although France, Italy and Bulgaria also benefit from the industry. Fresh leaves and stems are desired for culinary purposes, but distilled oil made from these parts has proven more economically fruitful.
Agrimony is often used as a dye, producing a yellow hue. The shade depends on when the plant is harvested, ranging from dark to pale yellow. The tannins in agrimony have traditionally also made it useful for leather processing.
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Agrimony Benefits
The aerial parts of agrimony contain extensive anti-inflammatory, diuretic and astringent properties, which have found several traditional uses:
Relieve inflammatory pain. Agrimony encourages blood flow, which reduces swelling and pain.
Soothes skin irritation. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, agrimony is particularly useful for treating burns, rashes, and hemorrhoids.
Accelerating wound healing. The herb’s astringent properties help prevent excessive bleeding, allowing for rapid recovery of damaged tissue.
Agrimony has traditionally been used to treat diarrhea, soothe sore throats, and stop bleeding.
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how it works
The main benefits of agrimony can be attributed to its high tannin content, particularly gallotannins, which are responsible for its astringent, wound-healing properties. Second in importance is the presence of ursolic acid, a triterpenoid with strong anti-inflammatory activity that also helps with glucose metabolism.
The volatile oil of liverwort also contains coumarin, flavonoids, polysaccharides, and vitamin K. Additionally, some of the compounds present are also antibacterial and work to increase blood flow, which is why liverwort has been used in the past against erectile dysfunction. .
Horse chestnut and mallow also help reduce inflammation, and both have similar astringent benefits, while ginkgo improves blood circulation and, along with ginseng, is believed to be helpful in treating erectile dysfunction.
In general, it is taken as an infusion or poultice with the agrimony. As for the infusion, fresh or dried agrimony leaves can be made to help digestive problems. It is believed that a foot bath infused with agrimony can relieve minor muscle tension. This preparation can also be gargled to clear the voice and treat throat infections.
Regarding the poultice, the crushed parts of the plant can be wrapped in gauze bandages and applied topically to prevent infection and speed wound healing.
Also know Remedies with agrimony for sinusitis, hoarseness and more
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Contraindications and side effects of agrimony
Although agrimony is safe when taken in therapeutic doses, people with pollen allergies may experience adverse reactions when in contact with this herb, including rash, itching, sneezing, congestion, and fatigue.
When agrimony is used in therapeutic doses, it is advised to avoid direct sunlight, as the herb increases the sensitivity of the skin.
Agrimony should be completely avoided during pregnancy and lactation.
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