AGRIMONY (Agrimonia Eupatoria)

About- Agrimony is in the rose family. It is found near fences and hedges in England. It bears yellow flowers with egg shaped petals. It has a hairy stem and lets off a scent similar to an apricot, but not as sweet.

Typical Preparations- powder, tea, oil, decoction

Parts used- Ariel (everything exposed to air) Harvest before or during Summer flowering.

Therapeutic Actions: Astringent, digestive, cholagogue, hepatic, carminative, anti-spasmodic, diaphoretic, emmenagogue, vulnerary, calming

Uses: aids in digestion, improves respiratory health, improves bladder control, improves skin health, improves hair & nails, detoxifies the body, potential anti-cancer, helps with sore throat, upset stomach, mild diarrhea, fluid retention, IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), corns, warts, heart tonic, sedative, antihistamine, diabetes, gallbladder issues, bleeding, tuberculosis.

Dosage: 1-2 tsp per 1 cup of boiled water to make a tea. Drink up to 6 times per day. 1-4 ml of tincture up to 3 times per day.

Caution! may interact with blood thinners, diabetes medication, medicine used to lower blood pressure. Be sure to ask your doctor or natural health doctor before taking any herbs, tinctures, capsules, teas, supplements.

ALERT- HEMP- AGRIMONY is toxic! It has dangerous levels of the carcinogenic and highly toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Do not use.

USES: DIGESTION: Agrimony is an anti-inflammatory agent. It has been used to eliminate digestive and gastrointestinal issues. By reducing irritation and inflammation in the gut, it helps sooth the stomach.

Respiratory health- Agrimony reduces inflammation. It is used to improve respiratory conditions such as coughs, cold, and flu. It can help speed up the healing process. Bladder- Agrimony is an astringent. It has been used to help with bladder control. It has been given to children for many years with no known issues.

Skin health- applying Agrimony topically has been known to help with pimples, rashes, acne, excema, psoriasis, and blemishes. Agrimony is an astringent. People with Cutaneous Porphyria accumulate a chemical called porphyrin on their skin. This makes them sensitive to sunlight. Research suggests that crushing Agrimoy and taking by mouth 3-4 times per day reduces sores on skin exposed to sunlight.

Hair & Nails- Agrimony has Silicic Acid which is known to significantly boost the strength, appearance, and overall health of the hair and nails. Helps prevent breakage and dull appearance.

Detoxify- Some active ingredients in Agrimony have been directly linked to helping with the gallbladder and liver health. With the gallbladder and liver being at optimum health, the body is able to eliminate toxins that have built up, thus preventing other major health issues and helping promote overall metabolic efficiency.

Anti-cancer- A research article on Basil Cell Carcinoma suggests that the leaves and seeds of Agrimony were used topically against various health issues like cancer and ulcers. In a publication in the Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical Technology (https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/74a2/853bf94e2b43d027c86497245cb80163caf5.pdf) suggest that an Agrimony extract has anti-tumor properties. Agrimony possibly has anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants. It may protect against free radical damage linked to cancer. Furthur studies are needed to explore anti-cancer potential.

Diabetes- the active components of Agrimony moderate glucose and insulin processes in the body better than any other natural treatments.

Tuberculosis- at the beginning of the last century, due to its astringent effect, Agrimony was recommended for Tuberculosis.

Due to its antibacterial effect, uses are: diarrhea, chronic hepatitis, gastro enteritis, upset stomach.

Due to its anti-inflammatory effects, uses are: inflammation, sore throat, angina, rheumatic pain, gout, thrush for babies. It also has a diuretic effect which can help prevent kidney stones and urinary sand. It helps with bed-wetting and incontinence. Helps with fluid retention. Agrimony stimulates digestion and regulates the function of the spleen.

Agrimony has many useful benefits. It helps with many health issues. There are some precautions to take. Always do your research. Talk to your doctor or Natural Health Care Doctor before adding Agrimony to your routine. These statements are for educational purposes only. They are not FDA approved. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure.