Traditional names: church steeples, sticklewort, “inhale grass”, “lung-grass”, “strawberry leave grass”.

Description:

Common agrimony is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the family of Rosaceae. It occurs Europe-wide on diverse habitats: clearings, fringe of forests, fields, scrublands. It can overwinter through its short rhizome. It has a 15-100 cm high simple or branching, hairy stem. The completed leaves are 10-15 cm long and stand alternately. The yellow flower garland appears from June to September. The small, acorn-like fruits have burs and attach easily to passing animals’ fur.

History:

In ancient times common agrimony was used for cataract, snake-bite and jaundice.  Dioscride recommended it against different ulcers. Saint Hildegard used it in case of fever and amnesia.  At the beginning of the last century, due to its astringent effect, it was recommended for tuberculosis. It has been recorded in the 18th century that the infusion of common agrimony was successfully used against jaundice. American and Canadian Indians also used it for soothing fever. In the Middle Ages agrimony has been stated to have magical properties: according to the legends it helps falling asleep if placed under the pillow.

Collection:

Pick the upper 30-50 cm (Agrimoniae herba) of the flowering stem between June and August. According to the examination it has the highest concentration of tannins during developing rhizome leaves and fruits. We can gain 1 kg of dried drug from 4 kg of fresh herb.    

Active substances:

Its main substances are the tannins, silica derivatives, bitter substances, quercetin flavonglicozide, lemon-, apple- and tartaric acids,  anthocyanine and a little bit of volatile oils.

Use:

Due to its antibacerial effect, common agrimony can be used in case of diarrhea, gastro-enteritis, and chronic hepatitis. It is a well-known antibilious. In case of diabetes common agrimony reduces urine quantity and thirst, stimulates the digestive system.

Thanks to the anti-inflammatory effect of its flavonoid content, common agrimony can be used for buccal inflammation, sore throat, hoarseness and angina. Its tea is a good remedy for babies in case of thrush. It also can be used for high urine acid level, rheumatic pains and joint gout. Due to its diuretic effect, using common agrimony can prevent kidney stone and urinary sand. It stimulates digestion and regulates the function of spleen. It is also useful against bladder insufficiency, incontinence of urine or bed-wetting by children.

For herbal tea infuse 1 teaspoon of dried herb with 3 dl of boiling water, then strain it in 10-15 minutes. In case of a sore throat or other inflammations drink 3-4 cups of warmish tea for 4-5 days. In order to heal respiratory problems, sweeten agrimony tea with honey or blackberry syrup.  In order to prevent the formation of kidney stone or urinary sand, drink 1 cup weekly on an empty stomach.  For liver diseases one cup daily is recommended. In case of high urine acid level, incontinence of urine or for diuretic affects 1 cup on empty stomach is recommended.

Externally: boil 100 g of herb in 1 l of water. This infusion can be used for rinsing 5-6 times daily in case of sore throat or other respiratory diseases. Use this infusion as a poultice for strain or rick. In order to soothe rheumatic pains, pour 3-4 l of agrimony tea into your bath. The same bath might help in case of bed-wetting or incontinence of urine. Externally might also be used for treating wounds, boils and pimples.