Agrimonia, from the Greek argemone, or commonly known as agrimony, is a perennial herbaceous, flowering plant. The flower spikes it produces have a spicy odor like apricots. In the Language of Flowers, agrimony translates to thankfuness or gratitude.

Agrimony has been used since antiquity. The Greeks used it as a remedy for ailments of the eye and the herb's name also suggests that a plant that heals the eye. In ancient Rome, the great author and naturalist Pliny the Elder deemed agrominy “an herb of princely authorite”. Anglo-Saxons used the leaves of the herb to help stop bleeding and heal wounds. Chinese medicine often used Agrimony to treat menstrual difficulties and during the middle ages this herb was used frewuently to promote sleep. 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.

Agrimony contains many beneficial active compounds including catechin – a water soluble polyphenol and antioxidant thiamin – a water soluble B vitamin. It also contains quercitrin an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory that is also the source of its yellow pigmentation. Agrimony contains the complex polyphenol tannin. This bitter plant compound is a natural astringent. Additionally, the herb contains palmitic, silicic and ursolic acids. Palmetic acid is a saturated fatty acid found in both animals and plants. This compound has been found to help fight skin cancer. Silicic acid is a compound of hydrogen, oxygen and silicon that is of benefit to hair, skin and nails. Ursolic acid acts as a diuretic and anti-inflammatory. In addition to the medicinal properties of this wondrous herb, it has also been used systematically as a dye and it gives a pale yellow hue when gathered from Spring to September and a deep rich yellow hue when gathered late in the year.

Medicinal Applications:

One of the most common uses of agrimony is as a coagulant thay can reduce bleeding in the body and help heal wounds. While menstruation cannot be considered a wound, per se, agrimony can be administrated orally to reduce menstrual bleeding and reduce inflammation to make the difficult periods more tolerable.

As an anti-inflammatory agent, agrimony has been used to eliminate digestive and gastrointestinal issues, particularly diarrhea and other Irritable Bowel Sundrome symptoms. By reducing irritation and inflammation in the membranes and tissues of the gut, agrimony can significantly soothe the stomach.

Agrimony has long been studied for its potential anti-diabetic properties. Apparently, the active components of agrimony moderate the glucose and insulin uptake proceses in the body better than many other natural diabetic treatments.

In a similar way as reducing inflammation in the gut, agrimony is also widely used to improve respiratory conditions that may be caused by inflammation, such as sore throats, chronic coughing, bronchitis, and other sinus issues.

The astringent properties of agrimony contribute in helping with bladder control issues, such as bedwetting. Since the plant 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.

Agrimony can help in cases of blemishes, pimples, rashes, acne, psoriasis, eczema, or any other skin conditions, when applied topically. Oral consumption is also adviced for the same reason. The plant works on irritation as well as blood eruptions that happen beneath the skin, like blotching and easy bruising due to its astringent properties.

This is to inform you that we are not doctors. What is written above has a simple character and in no way replaces medical application. Always consult your doctor about your health issues.