From the end of spring and during the summer it is easy to find this slender plant, the agrimony, on the edges of forests and in meadows throughout almost all of Europe.Agrimony eupatoria). Receives its name from argemonewhich is the word with which the ancient Greeks designated the herbs that could heal the eyes, while «eupatorium» refers to King Eupator, who was said to have great knowledge in herbal medicine.
The Agrimony is a plant up to one meter high, covered with patent hairiness, with leaves divided into toothed segments and yellow flowers, gathered in thin spikes. For medicinal purposes, the flowers and leaves are harvested.
Medicinal properties of agrimony
Like other plants in its family, the Rosaceae, it stands out for the abundance of tannins it contains, which explains its quality as an astringent plant. It also contains an essential oil, ursolic and ascorbic acids, and alkaloids.
- Due to its astringent effectits main use is as a natural remedy to mediate diarrheaproduced by a water change, food poisoning or a bacterial infection, but also to relieve hepatobiliary disorders such as jaundice and the liver inflammation.
- As an anti-inflammatory and astringent planthas been shown to be very useful in reducing inflammation of the respiratory mucous membranes in ailments as common as tonsillitisthe pharyngitis and the laryngitis.
- It is also effective in case of spring allergy with rhinitis and conjunctivitisin flu processes and bronchial asthma.
- Externally applies to treat the irritated eyesinflammation around the eyes and eyelids, dermatitis, minor wounds, mouth sores and skin ulcers.
Natural remedies with agrimony
Infusion for diarrhea. Agrimony is combined with two other plants that are very suitable for this purpose: loosestrife and wild rose (the fruits or rose hips). How to prepare it: Four tablespoons of the mixture are placed in equal parts per one liter of water. Let it boil for about two minutes, let it rest for another ten minutes and strain it. It is about drinking the infusion every two or three hours until it is seen that the diarrhea has subsided.
Rinse for throat irritation. You can try a rinse made from agrimony, walnut leaves and mint. It is applied as a gargle up to five times a day. You can add a pinch of baking soda.
Infusion improves aphonia or loss of voice. Experts propose a formula that combines agrimony with erisimo – also known as singers’ grass –, plantain and marshmallow, in equal parts. Four tablespoons of the mixture per liter of water. How to prepare the infusion: The formula is boiled for about five minutes and allowed to rest for another ten. Strain and drink the infusion during the day, reheating it if it has cooled.
How to use
Dry plant for infusion, in tincture, liquid extract and nebulized extract. There is also a decoction to apply topically in washes, eye drops, mouthwashes, to soak compresses or in inhalations.
Precautions and contraindications
Adverse reactions have been described in the form of skin irritation due to contact with the fresh plant after there has been a sun exposureespecially if the skin was damp.
Jordi Cebrián. Advisor: J Mª Teixé, herbalist from “El Manantial de Salud”