Agrimony is a plant in the family of Rosaceae. It means in in the family of Rose plants. So, my first question is what do I do with it? How do I use it? You guessed it, the most common way to use Agrimony is in tea or a tonic. You can use it as a decoction, herbal tea, topically or as an extract. Just to review, a decoction simmers an herb where a tea will steep.
So really what is a tonic. Most of us know it is a drink. Depending on where you live in the country, it’s also soda. In the herbal world a tonic is used as a drink to refresh, invigorate, restore, or stimulate (Tonic, 2020). The way you use a tonic with herbs will depend on what you need. There are tonics for overall health, tonics for the GI system, female system, immunity, and so on.
Agrimony contains something called tannins and is commonly used for the antibacterial and antiviral properties it is thought to have. People use agrimony for GI symptoms such as upset stomach, mild diarrhea, and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). It’s also used for sore throats, diabetes to reduce blood sugar, gallbladder problems, fluid retention, cancer, corns, warts, as a gargle, heart tonic, antihistamine and sedative (WEB MD Agrimony, 2005-2020). So, it may make you sleepy.
Alright, so know you have an idea of what you might want to use it for. What next? Use 1-2 teaspoons to make a tea. Simmer for longer for a decoction. Some people will use it up to three times a day. Just be careful. Too much can cause constipation. You should refrigerate it if you are making more, use it as a gargle, or make it for the day. It contains vitamins B3, K, iron, and niacin. Caution if you are taking prunes, prune juice or Metamucil (Herbal Lore Agrimony, 2020). Agrimony has a lemony taste. You can use it with other herbs like rose hips, lemon balm, raspberry.
I found a great recipe online (Sciarini, n.d.)
Calming Tea
by Crystal Lynn Sciarini
This calming tea can also be used to help insomnia. All the ingredients are
flavorful, but any ingredient can be eliminated.
Tea Blend:
1 oz. dried chamomile
1 oz. dried linden flowers
1 oz. dried catnip leaves
1 oz. dried lemon balm leaves
1 oz. dried skullcap leaves
How to Brew:
Spoon 1 TBSP of tea blend into the tea ball. Boil one cup of water. Remove from
the heat and add the tea ball to the water. Cover and steep for 15 minutes.
Drink one cup three or four times a day.
NOTE: You can also make a calming tincture. Purchase each herb in tincture form
and combine equal amounts in a dark glass jar. Take 30 – 40 drops, three or four
times a day.
Now as I always need to say, If you have a medical condition, active infection, are on medicine, are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have allergies, please talk with your health care provider. Some of these herbs lower blood pressure, blood glucose, and/or interact with medications.
References
Agrimonia. (2020, March 15). Retrieved from wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agrimonia
Herbal Lore Agrimony. (2020, February 7). Retrieved from witchpedia: https://witchipedia.com/book-of-shadows/herblore/agrimony/
Sciarini, C. L. (n.d.). The Kirchen Witch’s Cottage Teas. Retrieved from The Kirchen Witch’s Cottage: https://sites.google.com/site/thekirchenwitchscottage/home/magical-brews-and-potions
Tonic. (2020). Retrieved from Merriam-Webster Dictionary: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tonic
WEB MD Agrimony. (2005-2020). Retrieved from Web MD: https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-604/agrimony
Comments