Botanical Overview
Agrimonia eupatoria, commonly called Agrimony, Church Steeples, or Sticklewort, is a perennial herbaceous plant of the Rosaceae family. It is native to Europe, Asia, and North America. The aerial parts, including leaves, flowers, and herbaceous stems, are traditionally used in herbal medicine.
Energetics
Agrimony is considered cooling and drying energetically, with a bitter, sweet, and astringent taste profile. Its directionality is ascending and outward, and it has tonifying effects primarily on qi and blood.
Primary Actions
- Astringent
- Anti-inflammatory
- Diuretic
- Mild antimicrobial
- Tonic
Indications
Western
- Diarrhea
- Dysentery
- Inflammation of mucous membranes
- Urinary tract infections
- Wounds and skin inflammation
- Sore throat
- Respiratory catarrh
Syndromes
- Gastrointestinal irritation with diarrhea
- Mild urinary complaints
- External wounds and inflammations
TCM
No traditional indications documented.
Ayurveda
No traditional indications documented.
Unani
No traditional indications documented.
Constituents & Mechanisms
Main phytochemicals include tannins, flavonoids, essential oils, phenolic acids, and mucilage. The tannins contribute to its astringent and anti-inflammatory properties, while flavonoids and essential oils provide antimicrobial and tonic effects.
Dosage & Preparations
- Infusion: 1.5–4 g of dried herb in boiling water, 1–3 times daily
- Tincture: 1:5 in 40% ethanol, 2–5 mL 1–3 times daily
- Standardized extracts based on tannin content with dosage varying
Safety & Contraindications
Agrimony is generally safe in traditional doses. Pregnancy use is not well studied; caution advised. Avoid in bile duct obstruction and gallstones. Rare allergic reactions may occur. Potential interactions with antidiabetic and anticoagulant medications require monitoring.
Astrological Correspondences
No well-supported planetary or elemental rulership established.
Selected References
- Phytotherapy: A Quick Reference to Herbal Medicine
- European Medicines Agency Herbal Monograph on Agrimonia eupatoria L., herba
- Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects, 2nd Edition
- Drug Interactions and Herbal Medicines, Ernst E.