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AGRIMONY
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(Agrimonia eupatoria)
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Other Names
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Church Steeples, Cocklebur, Common Agrimony, Stickwart,
Sticklewart.
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Description
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Agrimony is a scented perennial plant native to Europe. It is
also found in dry thickets and waste lands throughout the
world. This perennial grows to 24 inches, producing rough textured leaflets
and slender spikes of yellow flowers that bloom from June through
September. It is known for its ability to cling to whatever is
nearby. Agrimony is one of the most delicate and graceful looking of all the
small herbs. The bees also love it.
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Classification
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Dry
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Taste
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Bitter
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Balance Yin/Yang
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Cool
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Humor
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Fire
ê
Water
ê Air
Û
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Uses/Applications
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This is the herb of choice in treating appendicitis. Use it to treat childhood
diarrhea, indigestion, cystitis, and incontinence. It is also used to treat
constipation, liver problems, gal-bladder, and an acidic stomach. Agrimony has a reputation for
curing jaundice and other liver ailments.
As a gargle use for sore throats and
laryngitis. As an ointment use to heal wounds, and for aches and pains. It is also well
known for treating diseases of the blood.
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Aerial
Parts/Leaves
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Compress
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Soak a clean pad in the decoction and use for boils
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Decoction
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Used for heavy uterine bleeding, blood in the urine and digestive
parasites.
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Douche
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Use a cool strained decoction as a douche.
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Eyewash
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Use a weak infusion for conjunctivitis.
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Infusion
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Ideal for diarrhea, especially in infants
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Poultice
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Use for migraines.
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Tincture
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More potent than an infusion.
Use for cystitis, urinary infection, bronchitis, and heavy
menstruation.
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Wash
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Use for wounds, sores, eczema, and varicose ulcers.
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Combinations
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Constituents
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5
% Tannins, Glycosidal Bitters, Nicotinic Acid, Silicic Acid, Essential Oils, Volatile
Oil.
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Action
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Demulcent, Astringent, Diuretic.
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Food Values
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Vitamins B & K, Niacin, Iron.
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Part Used
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Dried Aerial Parts.
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Collection
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Collect Agrimony when the flowers first bloom. Be sure to collect the entire
plant that is above the ground.
Dry in the shade, where the temperature will not go above
40o C.
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Preparation
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Decoction
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For external use boil 2 - 4 oz. dried leaves in 1 liter of
water
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Infusion
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Pour a cup of boiling water onto 1 - 2 Tsp. of dried
herb. Infuse 10 minutes.
Drink three times per day.
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Powder
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1
Tsp. - 1 Tbsp. per day.
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Tincture
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Take 1 - 3 ml of tincture three times per day.
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Growing Directions
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Start Agrimony
from seeds planted in groups of 8, with 6 inches between
each plant. Once established it will self propogate. Watch for powdery mildew
as Agrimony is susceptible to it.
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History
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Agrimony is one of the most famous vulnerary herbs dating back to Saxon times for
healing wounds and snake bites.
In the 15th Century it was the prime ingredient for
battlefield and gun shot remedies.
Its healing powers are attributed to the high silica
content. It was at one time included in the London Materia Medica as a
vulnerary herb but modern medicine has forgotten many of its
virtues.
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Additional Information
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1. Because of Agrimony’s astringent properties it makes an excellent skin
lotion.
2. It is best known for the yellow dye made from the leaves and
stems.
3. The name Agrimony is from “Argemone” a word given by the Greeks to plants
which were healing to the eyes.
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Cautions
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1. If you have gal-bladder disease do not use
Agrimony.
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Magick Information
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Gender:
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Masculine
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Planet:
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Jupiter
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Element:
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Air
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Deity:
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None
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Powers:
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Protection, Sleep
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Magickal Uses:
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Use Agrimony in all protection sachets and spells. It banishes negative energies
and spirits. It also protects against evil, and poison.
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