Description
Medicinal Parts
The drug consists of the flowering plant, which is cut a few fingers width above the ground and dried.
Flower and Fruit
The flowers are yellow, arranged along small, spike-like racemes. They have an epicalyx and 5 sepals, 5 ovate petals, 5 to 20 stamens and 2 ovaries. The calyx is rough-haired with deep furrows. The fruit is obconical and thorny (burdocks).
Leaves, Stem, and Root
The plant is 50 to 100 cm high, with a villous, erect stem. The leaves are alternate and irregularly pinnate. The leaflets are deeply serrate and downy beneath.
Characteristics
Agrimony has a slight pleasant fragrance and a tangy, bitter taste.
Habitat
The plant is indigenous to middle and northern Europe, temperate Asia and North America.
Production
Agrimony herb consists of the dried, above-ground parts of Agrimonia eupatoria and/or Agrimonia procera gathered just before or during flowering, as well as its preparations in effective dosage.
Other Names
Stickwort, Cocklebur, Liverwort, Common Agrimony, Philanthropos, Church Steeples, Sticklewort
Actions & Pharmacology
Compounds
Catechin tannins
Effects
Agrimony is an astringent.
Indications & Usage
Approved by Commission E:
- Diarrhea
- Inflammation of the skin
- Inflammation of the mouth and pharynx
Unproven Uses
Agrimony is used internally for mild, nonspecific, acute diarrhea, cholestasis, inflammation of oral and pharyngeal mucosa, inflammation of kidney and bladder, diabetes and childhood bedwetting; externally for poorly healing wounds, chronic pharyngitis, psoriasis, seborrhoeic eczema as well in hip-baths for lower abdominal conditions.
Chinese Medicine
Agrimony is used as a hemostyptic. It is also used for certain forms of cancer and as an anthelmintic.
Precautions & Adverse Reactions
No health hazards or side effects are known in conjunction with the proper administration of designated therapeutic dosages. Because of the constituent tannins, the intake of larger quantities could lead to digestive complaints and constipation.
Dosage
Daily Dosage
Internally, the average daily dose is 3 to 6 gm of herb or equivalent preparations. Externally, a poultice prepared from a decoction (10%) several times a day is applied.
