Common Agrimony (Agrimonia eupatoria) is in Greek known as agrimonia, fonohorto, asprozaki, agrimea, asproksani.



Description

This useful herb grows in most climates. It can be mainly found in clay soils, on big fences, roadsides, mounds, sunny glades and grasslands. It is a perennial, herbaceous plant growing up to 70 cm. It has a strong rhizome and an erect, hairy, slightly branched stem. Main leaves are opposite, arranged in a rosette. Leaves are pinnate in form and grow along the stem with intervals. Flowers are small, bright yellow and arranged closely on long spikes.



Constituents

Agrimony contains tannin, bitter glycosides, nicotin acid, silicic acid, iron, vitamins B and K and essential oil which is refrigerant, desiccating, bitter and acrid.



History

Pliny the Elder and Dioscorides mention this herb in the treatment of hepatic diseases. It was named after Mithridates Eupator, king in the Black Sea area, who was a renowned concoctor of herbal remedies.

In Great Britain, the Anglo-Saxons used to use it to heal wounds. In the 15th century, it formed an ingredient of the arquebusade water, which was used against musket wounds in the battle field. Agrimony owes its medicinal properties to the high concentration of silicon.



Collection

Agrimony's flowers are in bloom from June to August and it is collected at that time. Parts used are dry, above-ground ones.



Properties and uses

Agrimony is nowadays considered to cure disorders of mucous membranes and to act as an astringent in hemorrhage. It is astringent, tonic, diuretic, healing wounds, cholagogue. Astringent and bitter at the same time, agrimony can be used for digestive disorders, such as child diarrhea, mucous colitis, appendicitis and indigestion. For digestive disorders it can be combined with antiflatulent herbs. It can also be used for incontinence and cystitis. As a gargle, it relaxes the throat and cures laryngitis and as an ointment, it helps heal wounds and bruises.



Dosage

To prepare an infusion, pour a cup of boiling water on 1-2 teaspoonfuls of dry agrimony. After 10-15 minutes the infusion is ready. It is recommended to be drunk three times a day. Not recommended in case of constipation.



*Sakis Kouvatsos, “Haniotika nea”