Agrimony - Agrimonia eupatoria

Agrimony, Agrmonia eupatoria, is an herbaceous perennial native to Europe, Asia, and N. Africa. It is primarily the aerial parts that are used medicinally. It is used for such diverse conditions as dysentery, diarrhea, sore throat, cold, cough, nausea, bad breath, bladder and kidney, worms, diabetes, and ruptured blood vessels. It is known as a source of abundant polyphenols. 

Agrimony also contains phenolic tannins that have astringent properties. This makes it a treatment for diarrhea, and irritation of the urinary tract. It is considered styptic, and is used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for bleeding and heavy menstruation. It is sometimes used as a general tonic. It is used as a poultice for eczema and psoriasis as well as general irritation of the skin. It is antimicrobial and has been shown to have bactericidal action, in particular against Staphylococcus aureus in infected wounds. 1

It contains astragalin, cynaroside, hyperoside, isoquercitrin, isovitexin, rutin, catechin, procyanidin B3 and agrimoniin. These substances are antioxidant, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective.

Dosing: Tincture 1-3 ml 3 times a day. The fresh or dried plant can be made into a tea or gargle which will impart a dry feeling in the mouth.

Possible side effects: This herb is generally considered safe. Allergies though, are always possible. It can aggravate constipation in large amounts.

Contraindications:  Agrimony lowers blood sugar so if you are on a blood sugar lowering medication speak to your doctor before using

1Paluch Z, Biriczová L, Pallag G, Carvalheiro Marques E, Vargová N, Kmoníčková E. The therapeutic effects of Agrimonia eupatoria L. Physiol Res. 2020 Dec 31;69(Suppl 4):S555-S571. doi: 10.33549/physiolres.934641. PMID: 33646008; PMCID: PMC8603700.