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Agrimony for centuries held an important place in medicine. It is reported that agrimony opens obstructions of the liver, and cleanses it; it helps jaundice, and strengthens the inward parts, and is very beneficial to the bowel.
Agrimony Distinctive Features:-
The distinctive features of Agrimony are as follows: its leaves, which may be up to 20cm long, are neatly serrated, very downy, green on top and whitish on the underside, with very small leaflets in between; its yellow flowers with five petals, are arranged in a long upright spike at the top of the stem; they bloom consecutively, from the bottom to the top, throughout the summer, leaving seed-urns in the form of burrs that stick to the clothing; it reaches a height of 40-60cm and grows in almost any kind of soil, along paths and hedges, on slopes and embankments, on the edges of woodland, in meadows and on waste ground.
Uses Of Agrimony
It is used in many unguents, balms, and vulneraries by reason of its astringent action and its pleasant, slightly aromatic scent (which is, unfortunately, loses when dried, although this is no way detracts from its healing properties). Then it was forgotten; only the peasants remained faithful to it, for they knew its many uses.
How to Use Agrimony
In some regions, particularly in the North of France, a week of infusion of fresh leaves (3gm per cup) is drunk instead of tea. This drink, which Dalechamps found ‘pleasing, being the colour of claret wine’, has beneficial effects on chronic disorders of the liver, kidneys, and bladder (urinary incontinence). However, it should be borne in mind that, being astringent, whilst it is salutary in cases of diarrhoea and dysentery, it is not to be recommended for anyone inclined to be constipated.
For Asthma, spitting or vomiting blood, diarrhoea, dysentery: infusion or weak decoction of dried leaves ( 3-5gm into 100gm of water), 3-5 times a day, between or immediately after meals.
For Aphthae, stomatitis, gingivitis, inflammation of the throat, tonsillitis, chronic pharyngeal Quinsey affecting public speakers and singers: gargle 4-5 times a day with a decoction of 100gm of leaves to a litre of water, which should be boiled down until reduced by a third, with the optional addition of 5gm of rose honey and a few drops of vinegar.
For badly healing wounds, varicose ulcers, contusions, sprains: boil 200gm of dried leaves in a litre of red wine for five minutes, then leave to infuse for an hour; clean the wounds with the tepid decoction, then apply on a compress. This treatment is naturally also good for animals wounds.
1g dried aerial parts of Agrimony eupatoria is added to 200mL of boiled water and consumed twice a day for the duration of one month. This concoction has a great impact on lipid profile and has got great antioxidant effect.
For skin conditions like cutaneous porphyria:-
In people with cutaneous porphyria, there is an accumulation of a chemical called porphyrin which makes the skin sensitive to sunlight. Research suggests that taking agrimony concoction for 3-4 times on a daily basis reduces the formation of sores on the skin. So, when the skin is exposed to sunlight they are no sensitive reactions in people with cutaneous porphyria.
Side effects and Safety
Agrimony is possible the safe and natural option for treating many diseases. However, if used in larger amount that is more than the required amount can cause certain reactions in people who are sensitive to the sun as it contains a chemical called tannins. These tannins are probably unsafe for human body if taken in the large amount.
Precautions and Warnings
It is possibly unsafe for the expectant mother and those who are breastfeeding there child. Agrimony is unsafe during pregnancy because it affects the menstrual cycle.
In case of diabetic patients, it lowers the blood sugar levels but blood glucose levels should be monitored by patients. So, it is best to take advice from the healthcare professional before starting the use of Agrimony.
In case of surgery, it is best to stop using Agrimony at least two weeks prior to the surgery as it might interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgery.
