The History & Folklore of Agrimony
Agrimony or Agrimonia eupatoria is named after Mithridates Eupator, King of Pontus (132-63 B.C.) who was a renowned concoctor of herbal remedies. The plant is native to Europe, belongs to the rose family, and is one of the most graceful of the smaller herbs.
Traditional folklore states that if a sprig of Agrimonia eupatoria was placed under a person’s head, they would sleep until it was removed. It was also believed that:
“The decoction of the herb made of wine, and drank, is good against the biting and stinging of serpents, and helps them that make foul, troubled or bloody water, and makes them part with clear urine speedily. It also helpeth the colic, cleanseth the breast, and rids away the cough.”
In modern herbal practice, Agrimony is still very useful, as Dr. Shierbaum of Europe says: “A cup of Agrimony tea drunk three times a day is a remedy for enlargement of the heart, stomach and lungs as well as kidney and bladder disorders, if you drink it over a period.”
Agrimony Medicinal Properties & Health Benefits
The whole plant has medicinal properties and it is the combination of astringency and bitter tonic properties that makes agrimony a valuable remedy, especially when an astringent action on the digestive system is needed.
This herb stimulates the flow of digestive juices, facilitates liver secretions, promotes assimilation of food, helps prevent diabetes and is an excellent blood cleanser.
Agrimony counters:
- Indigestion
- Diarrhoea
- Intestinal disorders
- Mucous colitis
- Appendicitis
It is also beneficial for inflammation of the throat and mouth, tonsillitis, throat disorders, and for oral thrush or inflammation of the mucous membranes in the mouth. It is very useful for singers and actors – a gargle before a performance helps counter any throat irritations.
Agrimony Recipes
The following recipes are taken from old herbal books for the following complaints:
Diarrhoea
- 50g Agrimony
- 50g Shepherd’s purse
- 50g Yarrow
Directions:
- Place the above herbs in an airtight container, mix and shake well, and store the mixture in a dark place
- Infuse one heaped tsp of herbs with one cup of boiling water for approximately three to five minutes and strain
- Drink 2-3 cups throughout the day.
Pancreatic Disorders
- 50g Agrimony
- 50g Shepherd’s purse
- 50g Dandelion
- 50g Yarrow
Directions:
- Prepare herbal mixture as in the above recipe.
- Drink 3 cups throughout the day.
Find out more about herbs similar to Agrimony and their medicinal effect through enrolling in our Gastro-Intestinal System Lesson 3 today!