Agrimony (Agrimonia eupatoria, A. gryposepala, A odorata)
Folk Names: Church Steeples, Cocklebur, Egrimoyne, Garclive (Anglo-Saxon), Philanthropos, Sticklewort, Stickwort
Description: Agrimony is a member of the rose family. This perennial grows wild along roadsides, in fields, and in woods throughout Europe and Asia, the US, and Southern Canada. The somewhat woody root of agrimony is long, narrow, and black. Overall, agrimony has a dark green color. The stem is two to three feet and covered with soft hairs. As the plant ages, the stem will grow brown and furrowed. It usually does not branch, or branches only slightly. The pinnate, alternating leaves are also hairy with course toothed-leaflets. Closer to the ground, the leaves may be seven to eight inches long with upper leaves approximately three inches long. The upper leaves have fewer leaflets than the lower, and are less course. The leaves are aromatic, compared most often to apricots, and astringent with a slightly bitter taste. From July to early September, tiny brush-like yellow flowers with five egg-shaped petals grow in loose clusters at the top of the plant. These flowers are where it acquired its name, Church Steeples. Each flower has five to twelve stamens. At the base of each flower is a small bract with three acute segments. The calyx forms a little green bur called the Cocklebur, another name for this plant, with little hooked bristles. Agrimony is subject to a wide amount of variation in size and hairiness. A odorata is the larger form of agrimony. (Though they have similar medical applications, agrimony should not be confused with hemp agrimony Eupatorium cannabinum and Water Agrimony Bidens tripartia.)
Effects: strong
Planet: Jupiter Zodiac: Cancer, Sagittarius
Element: air
Associated Deities:
Traditions:
If it be leyd under mann’s heed,
He shal sleepyn as he were deed;
He shal never drede ne wakyn
Till fro under his heed it be takyn. (Old English tradition as noted by Grieve)
Magic:
Agrimony may be incorporated into any daily ritual if you are concerned over psychic attack or feel unable to disperse the negative influences of others. Use it in any and all protective sachets or to reverse spells back to the sender. It is known to banish negativity and evil, and spirits, especially goblins. According to folklore it is even proof against poison. It was once used to detect the presence of witches, and carried, it is said to assure the defeat of any enemy you might encounter on your travels.
Placed under the pillow, it was once said to cause sleep till it was removed.
As a rinse or oil, agrimony enhances magical healing, ritual healing, psychic healing, any healing which employs energy at a distance. The oil may be used to anoint your hands before attempting to cleanse another's aura.
Known Combinations:
It has been combined with mugwort for sleep in dream pillows and sachets. In the time of Chaucer, it was combined with mugwort and vinegar as a rub for a bad back and to treat all wounds.
Medical Indications: Parts Used : leaves, stalks, flowers, root, whole plant
Agrimony has been used as an anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, tonic, and diuretic. It contains large amounts of tannin and so makes an excellent astringent. It has been a well known “simple” since time immemorial. An infusion may be mixed with honey for a sore or husky throat. The Greeks used it for eye problems and brewed an infusion to cure diarrhea, gallbladder disorders, and disorders of the liver and the kidneys. The Anglo-Saxons considered it a universal healer. They made a solution including the leaves and seeds of agrimony, which was later called eau "musket-shot water” for its use in healing wounds caused by gunshot. This blend was used in healing wounds, snakebite, warts, etc. D'arquebusade is still used in France for sprains and bruises. It may also be used as a poultice, the fresh herb wrapped in a hot, damp towel and applied to problem area. Later herbalists prescribed agrimony for athlete's foot, and it is still applied to slow healing wounds. Into the 19th century, agrimony was prescribed for skin disease (including acne and other eruptions), asthma, cough, and gynecological problems.
Nutrition:
At one time, the leaves and flowers were a popular tea additive or substitution. It was referred to as a “spring drink” or diet drink. Combined with other herbs, it was drunk as a spring tonic and “blood purifier.” It is most popular in France.
Mercantile Uses:
The leaves and stalks make a yellow-tan dye combined with alum. Gathered in September, the color is pale. Later in the year, the color is richer and suitable for wool.
Sheep and goats will eat agrimony, but cattle, horse, and swine give it a wide berth.
Due to the presence of tannin, it has been suggested as a dressing for leather.