Health benefits of Agrimony

Agrimonia eupatoria commonly known as agrimony is a genus of 12–15 species of perennial herbaceous flowering plants in the family Rosaceae. The herb is native to the Europe, Western Asia and Northern Africa. Its name agrimony came from the Greek word Agermone meaning healing to the eyes and Eupatoria from  Mithridates Eupator, a Pontus king famous for having invented a complex ‘universal antidote’ against poisoning.  Thus agrimony from whence its name was derived has long been valued as an important herbal medicine through the ages. Agrimony was once considered a panacea or “all-heal” for illnesses. Apart from Agrimony it is also known as Churchsteeples, Cocklebur , stickwort , liverwort, Common Agrimony, Cockeburr, Sticklewort, Philanthropos, Ackerkraut, Agrimonia, Funffing, Herbe de Saint-Guillaume, Acrimony, Harvest lice, Aigremoine, Odermennig, Agrimonia, Herba agrimoniae, Agrimoniae herba, Burr Marigold, Garclive and Fairy’s Wand. 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.

Plant Description

Agrimony is perennial herbaceous flowering plants that grow about 0.5–2 m (1.6–6.6 ft.) tall. Agrimony is a peripheral plant, best suited for hedge banks, field margins, roadsides, dry thickets, and other shrubby waste areas of temperate regions in sun and semi-shaded places in dry, alkaline soils. The plant has long, black and somewhat woody perennial root. Stem is erect cylindrical and slightly rough, short haired and groove less, mostly unbranched, or very somewhat branched in large specimens. The whole plant is deep green and covered with soft hairs, and has a slightly aromatic scent; even the small root is sweet scented, especially in spring.

Leaves

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. Crushed leaves weakly fragrant.

Flower

Flowers, though small, are numerous, arranged closely on slender, terminal spikes, which lengthen much when the blossoms have withered and the seed-vessels are maturing. At the base of each flower, which is placed stalk less on the long spike, is a small bract, cleft into three acute segments. The flowers, about 3/8 inch across, have five conspicuous and spreading petals, which are egg-shaped in form and somewhat narrow in proportion to their length, slightly notched at the end and of a bright yellow color. The stamens are five to twelve in number. The flowers face boldly outwards and upwards towards the light, but after they have withered, the calyx points downwards.

Fruit

The plant later offers distinctive reddish-brown woody fruit, deeply furrowed and fringed with hooked bristles. 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.

Health benefits of Agrimony

In ancient times, agrimony was often used in numerous brews, solutions, and tonics. Leaves and flowers contain a unique chemical composition that can act on the body as a detoxifying, astringent, coagulating, and anti-inflammatory substance. For this reason, it has been used in the direct or secondary treatment of a wide variety of ailments over time. Now, let’s take a closer look at the health benefits of agrimony.

1. Diabetes

Agrimony has long been studied for its potential anti-diabetic properties, which would be a huge step forward in solving one of the great medical mysteries of our generation. Apparently, the active components of agrimony moderate the glucose and insulin uptake processes in the body better than many other natural diabetic treatments.(1)

2. Skin Health

If you are suffering from blemishes, pimples, rashes, acne, psoriasis, eczema, or any other skin condition, you can topically apply agrimony to the affected area and it can help to alleviate the issue. It can also be taken orally for the same effect. It works on irritation as well as blood eruptions that happen beneath the skin, like blotching and easy bruising due to its astringent properties.(2)

3. Hair and Nail Strength

Agrimony consists of Silicic acid, and this exclusive compound is recognized to considerably boost the strength, appearance, and overall health of the nails and hair, preventing easy breakage or a dull appearance. It may not seem like the most important “health benefit”, but every little bit helps!(3)

4. Respiratory Issues

Agrimony is widely used to improve respiratory conditions that may involve inflammation, such as sore throats, chronic coughing, bronchitis, and other sinus issues. For colds, coughs, and flus, it can be an effective way to speed up the recovery and healing process.(4)

5. Bladder Control

When we are very old and very young, bladder control is a major issue. The astringent quality of agrimony makes bladder control easier, removing those embarrassing bed-wetting moments and accidents. Since it is non-toxic and has shown no signs of having negative effects on health, children have been using it for generations with no side effects or issues.(5)

6. Anti-Cancer Effects

Although research on the anti-cancerous effects of agrimony are still under consideration in various research studies, the potential of certain catechins and antioxidant compounds found in this perennial genus could contribute to treatments for cancer. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals, the dangerous byproducts of cellular respiration that can cause chronic diseases like cancer by causing health cells to mutate. The high count of antioxidants in it promises well for this research.(6)

7. Manageable and Shiny hairs

Due to its cleansing properties in agrimony, it helps to promote hair growth, minimizes hair fall, and encourages softness and shine in the manes along with being a great detangler when used after shampooing.

8. Menstrual Issues

Agrimony is used as a coagulant that can reduce bleeding in the body and help heal wounds. Although menstruation isn’t a wound, agrimony can be used orally to reduce heavy menstrual bleeding and reduce inflammation to make those difficult periods a bit more tolerable.(7)

9. Detoxify the Body

Agrimony consists of thiamin, quercitrin, and catechins which have been directly linked to liver and gallbladder health. By enhancing the function of the liver and gallbladder, the body can more easily remove toxins that have built up, thus preventing more serious health issues and promoting overall metabolic efficiency.(8)

10. Digestive Issues

As an anti-inflammatory agent, agrimony has often been used to eliminate digestive and gastrointestinal issues, mainly diarrhea and other irritable bowel syndrome symptoms. By reducing irritation and inflammation in the membranes and tissues of the gut, it can considerably soothe the stomach.

Ayurvedic Health benefits of Agrimony

• Parasite: It contains Agrimophol, thus it expels parasites.
• Jaundice: It exhibits tonic and diuretic properties. It is used to treat Jaundice.
• Diabetes: It lowers blood sugars and counters excessive thirst in Diabetes.
• Bed wetting: Agrimony stops irritation of the Urinary tract.
• Acid Reflux: Prepare a tea by adding 3-5 grams of dried Agrimony. Drink twice a day. OR Take liquid extract (2-4 drops)
• Diarrhea: Sip Agrimony as tea. It will control loose motions. Drink one cup, up to six times a day.
• Bruises: Make a poultice from fresh Agrimony leaves and roots. Use it as a wash for bruises and wounds.
• Impotence: Steep 3-4 tbsp dried Agrimony leaves in one cup boiling water. Take unsweetened, 1 cup throughout the day.
• Sore Throat: Boil 5 gram dried Agrimony in one cup of water. Have it once a day.
• Skin Disease: Take 50 gram of dried Agrimony. Boil in 2 liters of water until it remains half. Cool and strain. Apply it on the affected parts for 20 minutes. ( Do not do outside after applying the decoction)
• Aphonia: Prepare a cup of tea by adding half tbsp of dry Agrimony to it. Have it once a day.
• Cuts: Prepare a strong Agrimony tea and use as a wash for minor cuts to stop bleeding.
• Eczema: Make a strong decoction by boiling a handful of Agrimony leaves in some water. Use as a bath additive for skin infections like Eczema.
• Diarrhea: Prepare a decoction of caraway, Agrimony and Bay berry. Take twice a day.
• Diphtheria: Mix one tbsp each of Mullein, Raspberry leaves, Agrimony, bayberry, Cayenne, Myrrh. Prepare a decoction. Have a glass two times a day.
• Sore Throat: Boil a tsp of dried Agrimony in a cup of water. Add one tsp of honey and few drops of lemon juice. Sip it as tea.
• Bed Wetting: Take one tbsp for each of St Johns Wort, Raspberry and Agrimony. Steep in one cup of hot water for 5 minutes. Drink before retiring.

Other Traditional uses and benefits of Agrimony

• Agrimony has long been used as a popular domestic herbal remedy.
• An astringent and mildly bitter herb, it is a helpful remedy for diarrhea and a gentle tonic for the digestion as a whole.
• The whole plant is antiaphonic, astringent, blood purifier, cholagogue, diuretic, tonic and vulnerary.
• When taken internally, an infusion of the plant has a great reputation in the treatment of jaundice and other complaints of the liver.
• It is also used to treat diarrhea and as a gargle for sore throats.
• Externally, a strong decoction is used to treat wounds, skin problems, hemorrhoids etc.
• Agrimony is considered a very useful agent in skin eruptions and diseases of the blood, pimples, blotches, etc.
• A strong decoction of the root and leaves, sweetened with honey or sugar, has been taken successfully to cure scrofulous sores.
• In North America, it is said to be used in fevers with great success.
• It is good cure for Athlete’s foot.
• The ancient Greeks used agrimony to treat eye ailments.
• Traditional British folklore states that if a sprig of Agrimonia eupatoria was placed under a person’s head, they would sleep until it was removed.
• Due to its diuretic effect agrimony can help shed excess water weight and helps to flush the kidneys and bladder and helps to get rid of kidney stones.
• It is sometimes combined with corn silk to alleviate the symptoms of cystitis and urinary incontinence.
• Extract from agrimony mixed with oil was used to treat gout and arthritis.

Culinary Uses

• Refreshing tea is made from the fresh or dried leaves, flowers and stems.
• It was previously very popular either on its own or added to China tea, having a peculiar delicacy and aroma.
• Seeds are dried and ground into a meal. A famine food, used when all else fails

How to Use Agrimony Herb

One of the most common methods of enjoying this useful herb is by making tea. To treat diarrhea a cup of weak tea should be sipped up to six times a day. A stronger tea is used as a gargle to sooth 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. Agrimony is available as dried leaves, stems, and flowers, ground power, fluid extract, and essential oil.

Other Facts

• A yellow dye is obtained from the root.
• Sheep and goats will eat this plant, but cattle, horses and swine leave it untouched.
• It was used for foot baths and tired feet in ancient times.
• Witches frequently 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.
• The entire plant has a sweet citrusy scent.
• This plant also contains a good deal of tannin and may be useful in dressing leather.
• It was used as an antidote for poison and snake bites in ancient Northern Europe.

Precautions

• Large quantities could lead to digestive complaints and constipation due to its tannins.
• Avoid during Pregnant and breast feeding.
• Do not consume if you are suffering from kidney or liver disease.
• Do not consume if you are suffering from constipations.
• Do not expose yourself to sunlight or artificial lights if you are using Agrimony.
• Allergic reactions or itchy rashes may result from handling fresh or dried Agrimony plants.
• If you are allergic to roses, then you are allergic to Agrimony.
• It consists of coumarins, so coagulation problems may arise.
• Avoid it if you are suffering from acute inflammations.
• Prolonged usage may cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting and allergic reaction for sensitive people due to tannin content.

References:

https://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=25094#null

http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/1120/

http://www.pfaf.org/USER/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Agrimonia+eupatoria

http://www.floracatalana.net/agrimonia-eupatoria-l-subsp-grandis-asch-et-graebn-bornm-

https://www.drugs.com/npp/agrimony.html

http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/a/agrim015.html

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agrimonia

https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=AGRIM

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