Hairy Agrimony

Agrimonia pilosa

Physical Characteristics

Agrimonia pilosa is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). 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. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Distribution

E. Europe to E. Asia - China, Japan.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Seed Edible Uses: Young leaves - cooked[177]. Seed - dried and ground into a meal[179]. Mixed with noodles[177].

Medicinal Uses

Analgesic Antibacterial Antiinflammatory Antipyretic Astringent Cardiotonic Dysentery Haemostatic Hypoglycaemic Vasoconstrictor Vermifuge The stems and the leaves are analgesic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, astringent, cardiotonic, haemostatic, hypoglycaemic, taenicide and vasoconstrictor[147, 176, 218, 279]. The plant is used in the treatment of abdominal pain, sore throat, headaches, bloody and mucoid dysentery, bloody and white discharge and heat-stroke[147, 272]. It is used in Korea to treat parasitic worms, bois and ezema[279]. The leaves are rich in vitamin K and are used to promote blood clotting and control bleeding[238]. The plant contains agrimonin, this is haemostatic, cardiotonic and lowers blood sugar, though it can also produce palpitations and congestion of the blood in the face[176]. The root ia astringent, diuretic and tonic[272]. It is used in the treatment of coughs, colds, tuberculosis and diarrhoea[272]. The root juice is used in the treatment of peptic ulcer[272]. A paste of the root is used to treat stomach ache[272]. Plants are harvested as they come into flower and can be dried for later use[238].

Known Hazards

None known