Summary

Agrimony was traditionally used for gastrointestinal inflammation, ulcers, diarrhea, mucousy colitis and in particular for grumbling (chronic or subacute) appendicitis. Unlike powerful astringent herbs, like oak and witch hazel, agrimony is gentle and suitable for childrens diarrhea and the elderly. It contains ellagitannins (agrimoniin) that impart its astringent action. Various flavonoids (apigenin, quercetin, luteolin) contribute to its antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory effects. Agrimony tastes bitter, and thus tonifys the digestive tract and supports the liver function. It has a reputation for being able to cure jaundice and other liver issues.

It acts as a vulnerary to hasten wound healing and can be used both internally and topically. As a gargle, it aids ulcerations and infection in the mouth and throat including tonsilitis and aphthous ulcers.

Agrimony acts on the urinary tract in several ways. Although it does have some mild antiseptic properties, its diuretic effect helps flush out urinary tract infections (UTIs) and gravel. It relaxes smooth muscles in the urinary tract to relieve renal colic and pain associated with the passing of kidney stones. The astringency also helps decrease inflammation and bleeding in the urinary tract, and even improve tone to help enuresis (bed wetting).

Indications

Agrimony is primarily used with inflammatory and infectious conditions affecting the digestive and urinary tract:

Gastrointestinal
• inflammation and infections of the GI tract
• diarrhea
• irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• colitis
• gastric ulcer
• gastritis
• early stage appendicitis

Hepatobiliary
• hepatitis B virus (HBV)

Urinary
• bladder and kidney infections that produce foul smelling, turbid urine with mucous
• urinary incontinence
• renal colic

Actions

• Antimicrobial
• Bitter
• Astringent
• Diuretic
• Genitourinary Tonic
• Gastroprotective

Constituents

• Tannins
• Coumarins & Volatile Oils
• Bitter Compounds
• Flavonoids

Posology

• Tincture (1:5 in 45% EtOH): 1-4 ml tid
• Liquid extract (1:1 in 25% EtOH): 1-3 ml tid
• Decoction (dried herb): 2-4 g tid

Safety

Generally considered safe when used as indicated.

Interactions

• No specific interactions with this herb is known.
• Tannins may reduce the absorption of some drugs.

References

"Show references"

"Hide references"

Barnes J, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines, 3rd ed. London: Pharmaceutical Press, 2007.

Bone K. Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone, 2000.

Bone K. A Clinical Guide to Blending Liquid Herbs: Herbal Formulations for the Individual Patient. St Louis, MO: Churchill Livingstone, 2003.

Brinker F. The Toxicology of Botanical Medicines, 3rd ed. Sandy, Oregon: Eclectic Medical Publications, 2000.

Felter HW, Lloyd JU. King's American Dispensatory. 1898. http://www.ibiblio.org/herbmed/eclectic/kings/main.html. Accessed: August 19, 2006.

Hoffman D. Medical Herbalism. Rochester, Vermont: Healing Arts Press, 2003.

Weiss RF. Herbal Medicine. Beaconsfield, England: Beaconsfield Publishers Ltd, 1988.

Williamson EM, ed. Major Herbs of Ayurveda. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone, 2002