Agrimony is an herb which has a long history of being one of the traditional herbal remedies for treating different ailments.
This medicinal plant is commonly grown in different parts of Canada, Europe, United States, Brazil and Africa. Agrimony is a genus Agrimonia belonging to the Rosaceae family, characterized by unique features such as: spikes bearing rows of small yellow flowers called church steeples, fruits having hooked bristles-cockleburs towards or on top of their tips.
Other Botanical Names
Agrimony has other common names such as: Burr Marigold, Church Steeples, Cocklebur, Harvest Lice, Liverwort, Philanthropos, Rat’s Tail, Stickwort, White Tansy,
Constituents of typical Agrimony product: Tannins, Coumarins, Flavonoids, Volatile oil, Polysaccharides
Uses
Agrimony has been used as home remedies for numerous diseases such as:
- Wounds treatment: For a long time, Agrimony has been used as a Chinese herbal medicine called Xian He CAO as a wound treatment. According to Dr. Michael Tierra L. A c., O.M.D, application of Agrimony on a wound staunches bleeding and speeding up the clotting of blood on the wounded area. This is based on the fact that it has a slightly bitter taste; therefore, acting as an acerbic or astringent on wounds.
- Curing liver complaints and jaundice: According to Dr. Hill`s work published form year 1751 to 1771, decoction prepared form Agrimony leaves is vital remedy for bad livers, jaundice as well as treating snake bites as it provides the system with a tone and helps in promotion of food absorption. In this case, a decoction is prepared by boiling 6 oz of root crown in quarter glass of water and honey for sweetening, and then taking half a pint thrice per day.
- Treating skin disorders: This medicinal herb plays a very useful role in treating skin eruption and disorders such as: blotches, blood, pimples and acne. Tannins contained in Agrimony works against inflammation occurring in mucus membrane and skin surface hence relieving symptoms such as swelling, itching and burning sensation.
- Treating digestive problems: According to research, a moderate tonic prepared form Agrimony aids in treating diarrhea, digestion and improving overall digestive system. Flavonoids in this an herb acts as antioxidants; therefore, helping in eradication of free radicals in the digestive system , an act that restores the normal functioning of digestive system. Besides, these flavonoids perform other roles such as: mitigating stress, most especially environmental stress, improving heart health and circulatory system.
Other health uses include: treatment of urinary incontinence problems and cystitis, treatment of sore throats, arthritis, rheumatism, as a remedy for kidney stones, and food allergies, helps Emphysema, eases Hangover symptoms, and a treatment for Eyelid problems and Celiac disease.
Side Effects and Cautions
Like any other herbal medicine,herbal remedies prepared form Agrimony must be utilized carefully as they have a history of causing certain susceptible users to suffer from symptoms such as: photo dermatitis, a skin rash; low blood pressure; menstrual cycle irregularities; chest pains; breathing problems and skin hives.
How Safe Is Agrimony?
Research indicates that this medicinal herb is safe for human use despite minor side effects as all its active ingredients are natural; therefore, less likely to cause major harm to the users.However, it is highly recommendable to consume the right dosage by adding 1 or 2 teasponfulls of Agrimony to a cup of water.