Agrimony - Powerful, Antibacterial, Anti-Inflammatory, Found in Your Backyard.

Agrimony is a plant that you may have in your backyard. There are many other names it goes by. Agrimony is also called sticklewort, cocklebur, or church steeples. Agrimony can be found in Europe and North America. 

Identifying Agrimony

Agrimony typically has pinnate leaves with serrated edges. Each leaf is divided into several leaflets arranged along a central stem. The stem of agrimony is often hairy and can grow upright, reaching up to several feet in height. Agrimony flowers are small and yellow, forming clusters on spikes that arise from the main stem.

They bloom from late spring to midsummer. After flowering, agrimony develops small burr-like fruits that cling to clothing or animal fur, aiding in seed dispersal. Agrimony tends to grow in sunny areas, along roadsides, meadows, and in open woodland edges.

Medicinal Properties

Having issues with sleep? If you are having issues with sleep then agrimony can help. While you are laying in bed you can place a few leaves of this plant under your head to induce sleep. 

Anti-Inflammatory, Wound Healing, Skin Care.

Agrimony has been used traditionally to reduce inflammation, particularly in conditions like arthritis and other inflammatory disorders. This is attributed to its content of bioactive compounds such as flavonoids and tannins, which have anti-inflammatory effects.

Agrimony has a history of use in wound care due to its astringent and hemostatic properties. It can help stop bleeding and promote the healing of cuts, wounds, and minor skin irritations. Agrimony extracts or poultices are sometimes applied topically to wounds to aid in their healing process.

Due to its astringent properties, agrimony is used in skincare products to tone and tighten the skin. It is believed to help reduce the appearance of pores and improve overall skin texture. Agrimony extracts are sometimes included in creams, lotions, and facial toners for these purposes.

Digestive Problems, Migraines, Infection Treating

Agrimony is believed to help tone the digestive system and reduce inflammation in the intestines. Traditionally, agrimony tea or extracts have been used to alleviate these symptoms.

Its mild analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties may help reduce the severity of headaches. The effectiveness depends on the individual. 

Agrimony has been used as a traditional remedy for treating eye ailments such as conjunctivitis (pink eye) and other minor infections. Its astringent and antimicrobial properties are thought to help reduce inflammation and fight bacterial infections.

Agrimony extracts or eyewashes made from agrimony tea have been applied topically to the eyes for soothing effects.

Harvesting Agrimony

The best time to harvest agrimony is typically in mid to late summer when the plant is in full bloom. This is when the medicinal compounds are most concentrated in the aerial parts of the plant, including the leaves, flowers, and sometimes the upper stems.

For medicinal use, focus on harvesting the aerial parts of the plant, especially the leaves and flowers. These parts contain the highest concentration of active compounds such as flavonoids, tannins, and volatile oils.

Use sharp scissors or pruning shears to carefully cut the stems just above the ground level. Leave enough stem on the plant so that it can regenerate. Avoid pulling the entire plant from the ground unless you intend to harvest the roots, which are sometimes used medicinally as well.

It's generally recommended to harvest agrimony in the morning after the dew has dried but before the sun is too intense. This helps preserve the plant's essential oils and volatile compounds.

Be mindful of the plant's lifecycle. Avoid harvesting from plants that are stressed, diseased, or growing in polluted areas. Choose healthy, vibrant plants for harvesting.

After harvesting, immediately spread the agrimony in a single layer in a well-ventilated area out of direct sunlight to dry. Proper drying is crucial to retain the plant's medicinal properties.

God gave us our medicine and our food. This wasn't by accident. Modern medicines use petroleum in manufacturing. Use common sense, do you think we should be ingesting oil? Me neither. Agrimony tea is delicious too! Happy gardening folks. 🪴