Agrimonia eupatoria

Description

Common agrimony, church steeples or sticklewort.

Agrimonia eupatoria is a species of agrimony that is often referred to as common agrimony, church steeples, or sticklewort. The common agrimony grows as a deciduous, perennial herbaceous plant and reached heights of up to 100 cm (39 in). Its roots are deep rhizomes, from which spring the stems. It is not frost tender. Edible Uses:  refreshing tea is made from fresh or dried leaves, flowers, and stems. It can be drunk hot or cold. It was formerly very popular either on its own or added to China tea, having a peculiar delicacy and aroma. Seed – dried and ground into a meal. A famine food, used when all else fails. Medicinal uses 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. An astringent and mildly bitter herb, it is a helpful remedy for diarrhoea and a gentle tonic for the digestion as a whole. The whole plant is antiphonic, astringent, blood purifier, cholagogue, diuretic, tonic and vulnerary. It contains up to 5% tannin, which has a strong astringent effect. When taken internally, an infusion of the plant has a great reputation in the treatment of jaundice and other complaints of the liver, it is also used to treat diarrhoea and as a gargle for sore throats. Externally, a strong decoction is used to treat wounds, skin problems, haemorrhoids etc. The plant is harvested in late spring and early summer and can be dried for later use. The plant is used in Bach flower remedies. Contraindicated for hypersensitivity to plants from the rose family. Contraindicated in pregnancy and during lactation. 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.

Sow in a cold frame or directly in autumn or spring. Surface sow onto moist, well-drained seed compost. Cover the seed to its own depth with soil. Ideal temp. 20°C. If germination does not occur within 4 weeks cold stratify. Move seeds to -4°C-+4°C for 2-4 weeks then return to warmth for germination. Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle individual pots and grow on. Plant out when the danger of frost has passed.