 Agrimonia eupatorium
Other Names: Church steeples, Cocklebur, Sticklewort,
Philanthropies
HABITAT : In its wild state, Agrimony can be found
growing extensively throughout Europe, Canada, and the United States. A hardy
perennial, its natural habitat is woods and fields, but it takes to cultivation
easily. Its one to two foot branchy stems are covered with a fine, silky down
and terminate in spikes of cream-colored flowers. Both the flowers and the
notched leaves give off a faint characteristic lemony scent when crushed. After
the flowers fade they give place to tiny clinging "burrs" which will quickly
adhere to your clothing if you brush by the plant in a hedgerow. For garden
growing, give the herb sun or partial sun and regular watering, an plant from
seed or propagate by root division in spring or fall. Gather the herb in summer
while the flowers are in bloom.
PROPERTIES: Agrimony contains tannin and a volatile,
essential oil. Like most samples, the uses to which it is put are remarkably
varied. The English use it to make a delicious "spring" or "diet" drink for
purifying the blood. It is considered especially useful as a tonic for aiding
recovery from winter colds and fevers. As Agrimony also posses an astringent
action, it is frequently used as an herbal mouthwash and gargle ingredient, and
is applied externally in the form of a lotion to minor sores and ulcers. It has
also been recommended, as a strong decoction, to cure sores, blemishes, and
pimples.
TRY THIS RECIPE
Agrimony Tea: (a Gentle Blood Purifier)
Preparation: Infuse 1 teaspoon dried Agrimony root,
leaves, or flowers in 1 cup of boiling water for 15 minutes. Strain and flavor
with honey and a little licorice root if desired. Take up to 1 cup per day.
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