Common Names: Common Agrimony, Philanthropos, for its generous beneficial properties. Church Steeples, because of the long flower-spikes. Also Cockeburr,Sticklewort or Stickwort, because its seed-vessels cling by the hooked ends of their stiff hairs to any person or animal that comes into contact with the plant.

Parts Used: Aerial parts of the herb.

Description:  Warm energy. Slightly aromatic, deep green perennial with a bitter astringent taste. Long, black and somewhat woody root; erect round and slightly rough stem 1 or 2 feet long or even longer, mostly unbranched, or very slightly branched in large specimens. Numerous leaves; those near the ground are often 7 or 8 inches long, while the upper ones are generally only about 3 inches in length, divided up to the mid-rib into pairs of leaflets. The graduation in the size and richness of the leaves is noticeable. Though similar in general character, the upper leaves have far fewer leaflets than the lower, less cut into segments and with a more simple outline. The leaflets vary in size; besides the six or eight large lateral leaflets and the terminal one, the mid-rib is fringed with several others that are considerably smaller than these and ranged in the intervals between them. The main leaflets increase in size towards the apex of the leaf, where they are 1 to 1-1/2 inches long. They are oblong-oval in shape, toothed, downy above and more densely haired beneath. Small numerous flowers are arranged closely on slender, terminal spikes, which lengthen when the blossoms have withered and the seed-vessels are maturing. At the base of each flower, which is placed stalkless on the long spike, is a small bract, cleft into three acute segments. The flowers, about 3/8 inch across, have five conspicuous and spreading petals, which are egg-shaped in form and somewhat narrow in proportion to their length, slightly notched at the end and of a bright yellow color, with 5 to 12 stamens. The flowers face boldly outwards and upwards towards the light, but after they have withered, the calyx points downward, becoming woody and covered at the end with a mass of small bristly hairs that spread and develop into a burr-like form. Its sides are furrowed and nearly straight, about 1/5 inch long, and the mouth, about as wide, is surmounted by an enlarged ring armed with spines, of which the outer ones are shorter and spreading, and the inner ones longer and erect. The spikes of flowers emits a spicy odor, similar to that of apricots. The dried leaves and flowers retain most of their fragrant scent.

Habitat:

Constituents: Tannins, coumarins, flavones including luteolin, apigenin and quercitin, glycosidal bitters.

Uses: Agrimony, one of the ‘simples’ known to country folk, is an astringent that has been in domestic use for centuries to promote the healing of wounds and to stop bleeding. Studies in China report that Agrimony can increase blood coagulation up to 50%, and is indicated for any symptoms associated with bleeding, including blood in the urine or stool. It is a specific in childhood diarrhea, and its astringent properties make it important in the treatment of mucous colitis and indigestion. It is the herb of choice in appendicitis, and has a long tradition of being an effective spring tonic. It may be used in cases of urinary incontinence and cystitis, and is recommended for excessive menstrual flow. As a gargle, it may be beneficial in the relief of sore gums, sore throats, and laryngitis. In salve form, it may aid in healing of wounds, bruises, insect bites, athletes foot, and bleeding hemorrhoids. As its name implies, it does make an effective eyewash. Useful for skin eruptions and diseases of the blood. Said to be used in fevers with great success by the Indians and Canadians. All the medicinal properties are fully soluble in water, so the best way to administer it is as an infusion. Combines well with carminatives for digestive problems. To stop hemorrhage, combine equal parts of Agrimony, Cinnamon, and Yarrow.

Miscellaneous: In the Middle Ages, it was said to have magic powers, if laid under a man's head inducing heavy sleep till removed, but no narcotic properties are ascribed to it. Sheep and goats will eat this plant, but cattle, horses and pigs avoid it. Agrimony yields a yellow dye, pale early in the fall, turning deep yellow later in the fall. It falls under Jupiter and the sign of Cancer.