Agrimony, Churchsteeples

Agrimonia eupatoria

Physical Characteristics

Agrimonia eupatoria is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in). It is not frost tender. It is in flower from June to August, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, flies. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Distribution

Most of Europe, including Britain, south to N. Africa and east to Iran.

Habitats

Meadow; Hedgerow; East Wall. In.

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Seed Edible Uses: Tea A refreshing tea is made from the fresh or dried leaves, flowers and stems[2, 183]. It can be drunk hot or cold[183]. It was formerly very popular either on its own or added to China tea, having a peculiar delicacy and aroma[4]. Seed - dried and ground into a meal. A famine food, used when all else fails[179]. This report could refer to A. pilosa. Ledeb. (q.v.).

Medicinal Uses

Antiaphonic Antidiarrhoeal Astringent Bach Blood purifier Cholagogue Diuretic Hepatic Skin Tonic Vulnerary Medical part: the flowering plant cut an inch or 2 above the ground and dried. Agrimony has long been used as a popular domestic herbal remedy[4]. An astringent and mildly bitter herb, it is a helpful remedy for diarrhoea and a gentle tonic for the digestion as a whole[254]. The whole plant is antiaphonic, astringent, blood purifier, cholagogue, diuretic, tonic and vulnerary. It contains up to 5% tannin, which has a strongly astringent effect[244]. When taken internally, an infusion of the plant has a great reputation in the treatment of jaundice and other complaints of the liver[4, 7, 9, 13, 14, 21, 165], it is also used to treat diarrhoea and as a gargle for sore throats[244]. Externally, a strong decoction is used to treat wounds, skin problems, haemorrhoids etc[4, 7, 238, 244]. The plant is harvested in late spring and early summer and can be dried for later use[9]. The plant is used in Bach flower remedies - the keywords for prescribing it are 'Mental torture' and 'Worry, concealed from others'[209]. Contraindicated for hypersensitivity to plants from rose family. Contraindicated in pregnancy and during lactation[301]. The German Commission E Monographs, a therapeutic guide to herbal medicine approve Agrimonia eupatoria for diarrhoea, inflammation of the skin, inflammation of the mouth and pharynx (see [302] for critics of commission E).

Known Hazards

Large quantities could lead to digestive complaints and constipation due to its tannins.