Agrimony

History:

Agrimony grows throughout England and in the United States and southern Canada. It is a perennial plant with graceful yellow flowers on slender stalks that may reach a height of three feet, and it grows as a crop in well-drained soil in full sun and will tolerate dry and alkaline conditions. Agrimony has a delicate flavor and the scent of apricot and was often brewed as a spring tonic and table drink. All the above-ground (aerial) parts of the plant are used in herbal medicine, and plants are cut when flowering, avoiding flower spikes that have started to develop spiny burs, and then dried for use. Its botanical genus and species name, Agrimonia eupatoria, is derived both from the Persian King, Mithridates Eupator, who was known to be a "concoctor" of herbal medicine and the Greek word, argemone, meaning "healing to the eyes."  Medical references date back as early as the first-century Roman scholar, Pliny, and later, Dr. Hill in the mid-1700s, who praised the use of Agrimony for liver disorders, serpent bites and skin eruptions. An astrigent herb, it was once an important wound herb, known in Anglo-Saxon times as "garclive."  Because of its tannin content, which acts as a natural astringent, it was employed in the tanning of leather, and the flowers were also used as a yellow dye. In France, Agrimony is included in Eau d'arquebusade, an all-purpose lotion that was originally applied to wounds caused by an arquebus, a fifteenth-century, long-barrelled gun. Some of the constituents in Agrimony include polysaccharides, agrimophol, tannins, flavonoids, coumarins, silica, malic acid, phytosterols, vitamins B and K and iron.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Agrimony has been used over the centuries to stop excessive menstrual bleeding. Its natural astringency is reputed to support the body's own healing qualities to relieve skin disorders and has been considered effective both internally and externally for thousands of years to stop bleeding and bruising by "tanning" skin cells, making them impermeable to bleeding. Further, its vitamin K content works by working with the body to promote blood clotting that also controls bleeding. When used externally, this action may also inhibit bacteria from entering the wound.

Agrimony is believed to relieve irritation of the urinary tract that may increase a child's urge to urinate and, therefore, may be useful as a support to manage bladder leakage (inability to hold urine), bed-wetting, adult incontinence and other urinary tract disorders.

Further supporting the bladder, Agrimony's natural diuretic properties are also thought to promote the flow of urine and thus potentially relieve bladder infection, including cystitis.

The chemical compound agrimophol, which is a component of Agrimony, is said to have the ability to expel parasites by causing them to lose their hold on the lining of the bladder or intestine and become evacuated with urine and stool. That same substance is also reputed to kill the organism that causes river blindness and many common bacteria such as Escherichia coli (E. coli), Staphylococcus and other bacteria that cause dysentery and typhoid fever.

Agrimony's natural botanical astringency is believed to be an effective support for the body's efforts to control diarrhea, especially in small children, and because of its low toxicity, the herb may be particularly suitable for children's illnesses. Its gastrointestinal qualities are also believed to work with the body's resources to control mucous colitis (swelling of the colon) and other gastrointestinal problems.

Further supporting its gastrointestinal effects, Agrimony works as a "bitter" and has thus long been used as a natural means to improve digestion, supporting the body's efforts to give tone to the digestive system and promoting the assimilation of food. It is said to support the relief of dyspepsia and inhibit food allergies. Moreover, it has a reputation for working with the body's own natural capacity to improve liver and gallbladder function, managing jaundice, cirrhosis, gallstones and other complaints.

The herb may be an effective botanical means to support a healthy immune system by stimulating the body's own ability to produce immune bodies known as B-cells. These cells produce complex chemicals known as antigens that attack invading microbes.

Agrimony is fully appreciated in herbal practice as a mild astringent and a tonic that can be useful for alleviating the symptoms of coughs, bronchitis and asthma. It has also been used in combination with other herbs (Sanguisorba and Bletilla) to treat silicosis, a serious lung disease (always under the care of knowledgeable practitioners).

Used externally, the tannins in Agrimony have also been used as a traditional means to ease hemorrhoids and stanch bleeding.  In a gargle, it has also been used to relieve sore throat. As an eyebath, it is believed to add sparkle to tired eyes and support the body's efforts to alleviate conjunctivitis symptoms. As a wash, it is an old-time rinse to improve minor injuries and chronic skin conditions.

Recommended Dosage:
Take two (2) capsules, one (1) to two (2) times each day with water at mealtimes.

Contraindications:
While Agrimony Herbal Supplement is effective treatment for diarrhea, it may aggravate constipation, and blockage can result if Agrimony is taken at the same time as psyllium powders (Metamucil) or with prunes or prune juice. It is not recommended during pregnancy. People with lupus, myasthenia gravis or any other autoimmune disease should avoid Agrimony. Do not exceed recommended dosage, as high doses (many times the recommended dosage) may slow heartbeat. Tell your doctor if you have any other health problems, such as high blood pressure or heart or blood vessel disease.

Capsule Information:
Our Agrimony supplements are encapsulated in 100% Gluten-free, Vegetable Cellulose, Certified Kosher, size "00" Capsules.(click here for size comparison) Each capsule contains approximately 600 mgs."

Special Note:
If any medical terms on our website are confusing or unknown, we have compiled a small dictionary of terms for you. Click here for our Definitions, and go directly to the word in question for further information.

Disclaimer:
The information presented herein by Herbal Extracts Plus is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.