Agrimony - agrimonia eupatoria

Common names: Sticklewort, Cockle Burr, Church Steeples.

It grows in sunny dry places, on hedgebanks, on sides of fields, woods and path, on wasteland and near ruins. Its small flowers cluster on slender, similar to the Mullein. The whole plant is covered with soft hair, the leaves near the ground are often 10cm long and pinnate.

Agrimony, which can reach a height of 80cm., belongs to the same family of plants as Lady's Mantle. The plant is gathered when in flower, from June to August. The history of this herb, as with many others, goes back a long way and it was known to the Ancient Egyptians.

Agrimony has great healing properties for inflammation of the throat and mouth. Remember this in cases of tonsillitis, throat disorders, thrush or inflammation of the mucous membrane of the mouth. Gargling with this tea clears the voice for singers and public speakers.

The leaves are excellent for anaemia and wound and are used successfully for rheumatism, lumbago, digestive trouble, hardening of the liver and spleen disorders. Drink up to 2 cupfuls daily.

Everyone should make an effort to have an Agrimony bath once or twice a year. Children with scrofulous sores should have one daily.

Agrimony because of its astringent and healing qualities, is one of our most valued herbs. 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 bladder disorders.

Agrimony ointment, which is used in a similar way to Calendula ointment, is of benefit in varicose vains and sores on the lower legs.

For disorders of the liver mix 100gm of Agrimony, 100gm of Bedstraw and 100gm of Woodruff (Asperula odorata). Drink a cup of this tea on an empty stomach and sip 2 cupfuls during the day.