Agrimony

Agrimonia Eupatoria first

Rosaceae

Rosaceae

The family name Agrimonia is probably a corrupted form of argemone, the Greek name of a vallmoart who, like agrimony formerly used as a remedy for eye diseases. The species name Eupatoria recalls King Mithridates EUPAT of Pontos, which must have been the first who discovered the plant's healing properties.

The use of agrimony against eye diseases is mentioned by Dioscorides and Pliny. In ancient times, the plant also used against snake bites, dog bites, liver disease and memory loss. agrimony popularity as a medicinal plant seems to have peaked in 1400 - and 1500's. Subsequently, it fell gradually back into oblivion. Officinal was agrimony in the 1700 - century, and it was ordained, among other things, gargling the swollen tonsils.

Of the plant filed previously a very durable yellow color, and because of its high content of tanning substance used agrimony also in tanning. The plant has a beneficial effect on digestive and liver functions and is included in many blends. Topical products used agrimony in chronic wounds.

Occurrence: Somewhat common in the hills and in thickets from Skåne in southern Värmland and Västmanland and along the coast of Hälsingland.

Appearance: A 30-70 cm tall perennial herb. Leaves pinnate, green on top, over the gray-green and hairy. Leaflets vary in size, 5-9 and 5-10 are larger smaller Freshwater. Flowers yellow (July-August), small in a lengthy, narrow axlik inflorescence. Petals 5, stamens 10-20, pin 2. Flowers bottom is at maturity kägellik and deeply furrowed along their whole length. Its hook bristles at the top of the fruit sticks in the passing animals or humans. Earth Tribe creeping, rough. Nose slightly aromatic. Taste astringent, bitter.

Using parts of plants: Flowering branch tips. Leaves, dried in the shade.

Content Topics: Bitter Topic, mucus, fytosterin tannins, essential oil, nikotinsyreamid.

Medical action: astringent, anti-inflammatory, appetite stimulant, galldrivande, wound-healing.

Usage: Internally for diarrhea, chronic gallvägsbesvär with the low acidity of the stomach. Topical as sårmedel.