Claudia Keel| EarthFlower.

org
A GRIMONY
agrimonia eupatoria, A. procera,
A. pilosa & other Agrimonia spp.
"The Indispensable Relaxant”
“The most reliable magical herb in
herbalism” - Matthew Wood
Plant Family: Rosaceae (Rose family)
Common N ames
Liverwort [for its liver action], Church Steeples [for its spikes
of yellow flowers], Sticklewort Stickwort, Burr Marigold &
Cocklebur [for its hooked bristles seeds], Philanthropos [old
name mean ‘who love man’], Harvest Lice, Rat’s Tail, White
Tansy, Potentilla, roadside rosaceae, woodland groovebur. --
Eupatoire des Grecs, Odermennig, Leberklette, Leberkraut,
Koenigkraut. herbe de saint-guillaume, longyacao,
odermenning, Medieval names: Garclife / Garclive [Old
English gar, "a spear," and clifan, "to cleave, adhere, stick"]
Immortal Crane Herb, Xian He Cao [China]
Etymology:
Agrimonia is derived from the Greek word for "shining,"
(one source says ‘speck in the eye’) and then Greek
Argemone meaning healing to the eyes as the herb was used
as an eyewash particularly for cataracts. Some connect the
word to the Old French word for sour ‘aigre’,
Eupatoria is derived from Mithridates Eupator (134-63 BCE), King of Pontus in modern day Turkey, who is
famed for developing mithridate, a 'universal antidote' from bitter and carminative herbs (including agrimony) to
protect from earthly poisons and also used agrimony to the treat liver. Other references note that word eupator
also bears an ancient reference to the liver, likely due to Mithridates liver clearing remedy.

Botany
A native European and N. African herb, Agrimony is an
erect, downy, and slightly aromatic perennial that grows
to about three feet in height. It is common throughout
most of the British Iles, and now naturalized in north
America and other northern temperate zones. The herb
is commonly found in Meadows hedges, marshes,
roadsides and woodland edges places and other grassy
open areas.
Related Species: A. gryposepala: native to North
America commonly known as tall hairy agrimony was
used by the Iroquois, Cherokee, Ojibwe and other tribe
for much the same purposes of the common agrimony
in Europe. In China A. pilosa, known as xian he cao, is
also used similarly to A. eupatoria
Not be confused with: Hemp Agrimony,
Eupatorium Cannabinum OR Water Agrimony
Eupatorium Aquaticum have similar common and
botanical names (though reversed) and somewhat
similar properties but are not botanically related
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✜ Roots: deep rhizomes
✜ Stem/ Stalk: single, firm, erect and round grows 20-36" tall.
✜ Leaves: typical serrated edged pinnate leaves, hairy, of a pale green,
and notched at the edges similar to strawberry leaves, but narrower.
They are subtly scented of apricot, as is the long, dark green root. The
paired leaves are green above and silvery-green beneath.
✜ Flowers: sunny yellow apricot-scented flowers appear from June to
September, The flowers are five-petaled small, and numerous growing
on long terminal spikes. The bi-sexual flower has fivefold radial
symmetry. 5 to 20 stamens rise above the tip of the flower cup. The
flowers offer their abundant pollen to honey bees, hoverflies, flies and
other pollinators
✜ Seeds: seeds have tiny hooks that cleave strongly to animal fur
or human clothing, hence the name clife, cleave, grip and are
spread over a large area

Cultivation
Agrimony prefers rather full sun and can also tolerate partial
shade. It is naturally adapted to moisture rich alkaline soils and
will also grow in most all soil types. It is often grows in wet
meadows and marshlands but also grow well on dry soils. (Though
will need to be watered during dry spells if it is to flower. The
plant is sturdy and accommodating.
Seeds should be sown out of doors on open ground, in the early
spring. Germination of the seeds can be significantly promoted by
storing the seeds in damp soil within the refrigerator for a period
of six weeks prior to the planting. Seedlings and seeds may be
planted a cm or half an inch deep into the soil. Agrimony will
perpetuate by self-seeding once it has become established in the
soil. Agrimony can also be propagated by root division. It is best
to divide growing plants in the springtime so as to provide the time
necessary for the winter buds to form within the plants. Make sure
that a live stem is included, when dividing the crown of the plant.

Parts Used: Aerial parts in (or before) flower

Harvest
The normal season for harvesting agrimony is when it flowers
during the summer. Herbalist William LeSassier advises
differently however. “Pick the leaves before it flowers. When you
pick it, pick the leaf along the sides and leave the top stem.” Matt

wood notes it is more astringent after flowering

Medicine Preparation
Tincture [1:5, 50% alcohol, or Fresh Plant, 1:2], Infusion,
poultice, eyewash, skin wash and gargle

M ajor Constituents :
Tannins (4–10%), glycosidal bitters, including euscapic acid
tormentic acid and, nictotanic acid, coumarins, flavonoids, including
luteolin, quercetin and qpigenin, triterpenes, phenolic acids,
polysaccharides volatile oils, silicic acid, iron, vitamins B and K

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Cultural Traditions and Uses

The medicinal benefits of agrimony herb were known and used by the
ancient people of Egypt and Greece. Greeks and Romans called it
“Argemone” because of its ability to heal the eyes and used it for
cataracts. The Greeks also employed agrimony to remedy diarrhea and
other internal disorders of vital organs such as the gallbladder, liver, and
kidneys. Mithridates Eupator, king of Pontus who reigned from 120 – 63
BC, (and for whom the plant is named) used agrimony to treat liver
problems and poisonings. Discordes referred to it as a “remedy for
them that have bad livers.” Pliny the Elder called it as “an herb
of princely authority”. I interpret this to mean an herb that
strongly directs its actions and gets the job done.
Up north, the ancient Welsh physicians of Myddfai used agrimonia for
numerous applications such as for wound healing, mastitis (boiled in
ale and milk), eye ailments, to prevent drunkenness and insomnia. So
great was its effect on sleep that traditional British folklore declares
that if a sprig of the plant was placed under a person s
head, they would sleep until it was removed.
Anglo-Saxons, used it in their ‘holy salve’ to heal wounds, warts
and snakebites, and well for as protection from goblins, evil and
poison. Chaucer recommends egrimoyne, mugwort and vinegar for 'a
bad back' and 'alle woundes'.
Agrimony continued to be a primary remedy for wounds and it was the prime ingredient of French
arquebusade water (i.e. aid for wounds inflicted by an arquebus, or musket), a battlefield remedy, first
mentioned by Philip de Comines in his account of the battle of Morat, 1476. Eau de arquebusade is still
used in France today though now mostly for sprains and bruises. In Elizabethan times, Gerard wrote of
using agrimony for “naughty livers”
In China a related variety, A. pilosa, (pin yin: xian he cao), is used in a similar way to A. eupatoria. In
Traditional Chinese Medicine, agrimony is a major astringing fluid herb and used to stop bleeding
wounds as well as to treat profuse menstruation, internal bleeding and tuberculosis. Modern research on
agrimonia in China confirms this physiological action, finding it can increase blood coagulation by 50%.
Native Americans mainly used A. gryposepal but incorporated A. eupatoria as it naturalized in the
Americas. Generally, it was noted they “used it to reduce fevers, skin and mouth conditions and for
diarrhea. The Cherokee used it to normalize bowels, treat fever, ease hunger pangs in children, and build
up the blood.” [Ana Price –Eckes] Other uses included treating snakebites, jaundice, gout, and worms.
Agrimony is sacred to the Celtic goddess Danu and has ancient magical associations. Common
folklore held that it ward off witchcraft (and goblins as mentioned above). The herb was used in
protection spells, to help build a psychic shield, to reduce the influence of another's negativity and to
banish negative energies and spirits. It is said to reverse harmful spells cast on a person. For these
purposes, it is used interchangeably with its cousin cinquefoil that also has protective, magical properties.
The herb was extensively used in the treatment of many types of illnesses in the US and Canada till late
into the 19th century, notably to treat numerous types of skin diseases and scrufulous lesions, and also for
asthma persistent coughs, and gynecological complaints of all kinds. The herbal remedy was also used as
a gargle for treating sore throat in affected patients. It has antibacterial and anti-parasitic actions and is
used for Trichomonas vaginalis, tapeworm, dysentery and malaria.
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It is an ingredient of spring tonics in many parts of Europe and a popular tisane in France. The whole plant yields
a yellow dye.
In the 1930’s Dr. Edward Bach choose agrimony as one of the first flower essence he made and researched,
becoming one of the famed Twelve Healers. The English poet Michael Drayton proclaimed it as an “all-heal”
remedy and it indeed been seen as a healing panacea through the ages.

Agrimony as Medicine - Uses & Indications:

Taste
Astringent, bitter, pungent. mildly sweet/sour.
Energetics Q ualities
Cooling and drying
Michael Moore called it a Y ARFA for “yet another
rose family astringent” interchangeable with other
cooling, astringing rose family plants. But it has a
unique of an astringing plant that relaxes tension
Tissue State
Tension /constriction [wind] AND Relaxation, Atrophy
Ayurveda
PK– V+ While it is generally a tonic herb, I consider
this a primary pitta balancing herb on both an emotional
& physical level. It is thought to aggravate vat in excess
likely because of it drying astringing properties.
Actions:
Astringent, tonic, alterative, digestive, carminative, cholagogue, hepatic, hypoglycaemic, diuretic, vulnerary,
febrifuge, haemostatic, analgesic, antilithic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, antimicrobial, anti-parasitic,
expectorant, bronchodilator, emmenagogue,
Ayurveda Actions from Ann McIntyre Dispensing with Tradition
Ama pachana – clears toxins from the gut Artavajanana – promotes menstrual flow
Asmarighna – relieves urinary stones & calculi Jwaraghna – relieves fevers
Kasasvasahara – relieves coughs & breathing problems Mutrala – diuretic
Raktapitta – curbs bleeding from high pitta Raktashodhana – purifies the blood
Ropana – heals wounds Stambhana – dries excess secretions Yakrduttejaka – liver remedy

Traditional Chinese M edicine

“Xian He Cao (Agrimonia Pilosa) (bitter, spicy, neutral) “astringes qi, to
stop bleeding and diarrhea, treats parasites (leaves and stems), enters
through liver, lung and spleen.” [Ana Price –Eckes]
Physical Presentations
Tongue: blue, purple’ Pulse: wiry; holding breath to stop the pain.
Doses
¼ to 1 tspn of tincture or 2-4 oz. of tea 3x a day as needed [Michael Moore]
The tincture is more drying than the herbal infusion.
It is also been found to be very effective in small doses.
Matt wood who uses small dose (@3 drops 3x a day or a dropperful in
water sipped through the day) says he did not invent small dose of
agrimony and finds “the more exact you are [in diagnosing] the more a
small amount will turn case around gently the body can be overwhelmed
even if it is the right remedy.”
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Doctrine of Signatures
Leaves: The jagged edged leaves look tense and fine hairs are a often considered a sign for
nervous system and sensitivity. “The leaves and stems covered with fine hairs. There is a
delicacy about the plant and yet indented leaves suggest agitation and mental turmoil.” [Julian
Bernard] “Agrimony with leaflets on the end and leaflets
down the side – for hierarchical situation that is being
mismanaged” [Jim McDonald]

Flowers: “The flowers are golden yellow with bright
enduring strength. As each one fades other open above so
the ring of yellow fire burns up the stem like a sparkler.
The 5 petals look outwards facing in all directions - like
satellite dishes they are receptors, [seeming to] absorb
pain and stress from the surroundings.” [Julian Bernard]

Seeds: “reaches out to touch you” i.e. the seeds attach to those who passerby.

Growing Habitat: often grows by roadsides and paths where people (and animals) pass yet
solitary and doesn't grow in masses.

Specific Indications
Nervous system - Tension & Pain (physical & emotional):
℘ Tension “The Indispensable Relaxant” “Gentle Alternative To Kava Kava” “We always need a
remedy to relax tension and remove ‘wind’ or constriction and in this agrimony is inferior to none.
Intensify by combining 7 parts agrimony to 4 parts Solomon’s seal. Works well with the nervines.”
Matthew Wood Astringent –AND-- profoundly relaxes tension, both physical and mental.
“It’s a tense looking plant, and is indicated for tension.
It can be used for people who drink to relieve their tension, for adult children of
alcoholics, for people who feel caught in a bind, for job related tension and tension at
home that’s caused by work. (I must warn you that I used this for job tension and
quit my job).
It lessens the pain when you hold your breath to stop the pain, when you’re having
trouble and it helps to breathe through it. The flower essence helps when you’re
leading a double life. It helps to incorporate the inner and outer person. For a strong
sense of separation from what you’re doing and what you’d like to do.”
-William LeSassier

℘ Specifically indicated when you hold breath to stop pain and for work related tension. For when
feeling frazzled, when stress and tension or pain are causing torment.
℘ Alcoholism for the tension that leads to addictions (also drugs) “To prevent drunkenness, drink
as much of the juice of the agrimony as will fill an eggshell.” [Physicians of Myddvai]
I think of agrimony particularly for those who drink to relax.
℘ Sleep: An ancient sleep remedy and
If it (Agrimony) be leyd under man’s head, particularly for those with tension and
He shal sleepyn as he were dead;
He shal never drede ne wakyn restlessness. The herb is not a sedative and
Til fro under his head it be takyn. has no narcotic properties but offers a deep
sleep.
℘ Pain (physical & emotional): Agrimony is not analgesic, but pain (particularly sharp pain) causes
tension to be held in the body and agrimony helps to release held tension there by lessening the
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experience of pain considerable. Agrimony is a specific for sharp pains such with kidney stones,
gallstones and burn pain. Also poultices of the leaves applied to the for migraine headaches.
℘ Holding Breath (to control pain or emotional tension):
“It is specifically indicated for mental tension “Dr. Daniel Smith...recommended a
and pain hidden behind a facade – outwardly decoction of agrimony to cure
cheerful, suave and sophisticated, inwardly lunacy. As my friends and
tormented and pained. Likewise for physical acquaintances seem reasonably sane,
I have not had the opportunity to
tension and pain.” [Matt Wood] It is common to hold try this, but I do find agrimony
ones breath when we are in pain. Some studies indicate useful for so many purposes…’
we feel less pain when we hold our breath but that is for - Adele Dawson Herbs: Partners in Life
an acute pain not on going pain. (Think of the
recommendation to breath through pain of childbirth.)
Yet the tendency is to hold our breath when we are tense
or in pain. This pain can be an unconscious emotional
pain as well. Either way this is a primary indication for
agrimony.

Tonic
“In general Agrimony has an affinity for toning
mucous membranes, checking profuse secretions and
bleeding such as in hemorrhages or wounds.” [Anne
McIntyre]
In all the numerous indications for agrimony, if there is an
accompanying inner tension and holding in the personality
(or the personality coping with a physical conditions),
agrimony is well used. The flower essence indications help
point to the applications of the herb for physical ailments.
The tincture is has a greater drying effect than the tea (which
gives water) and this vehicle is indicated for “more serious
conditions where phlegm and mucous stubbornly remain”.

Liver & Digestive system

℘ Liver: ”A decoction of the leaves is good for them that have naughty livers.”
Gerard “for a damp liver, when someone has drunk too much as now retains fluid.
Rids water swelling in the abdomen” [William LeSassier]
℘ Digestive astringent & bitter stimulant: digestive problems for both or alternating tension &
relaxation. It is an excellent addition to a bitter digestive tonic
℘ Carminative cholagogue “Agrimony is an digestive aid. It stimulates the digestive
juice in the stomach and balances the liver. It is drying – you have to put
something moistening here (for a dry client with asthma)… ah yes marshmallow
root” [William LeSassier teaching transcription]
℘ Leaky Gut: a digestive vulnerary and cholagogue all of which are very needed to heal intestinal
permeability. Its tannins protect the gut lining from irritation & inflammation as well as tone the
mucous membranes, which in turn improve secretion and absorption
℘ Diarrhea & Loose stools & alternating symptoms: particularly good and gentle enough for
childhood diarrhea. The infusion can also be used by breastfeeding mothers as an herbal dose to
treat diarrhea in their babies. It is also indicated for alternating between loose stools and
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constipation as it is toning to the membranes of the gut
and intestines; stimulates bile and releases tension.
However agrimony can aggravate a dry constipation
because of its tannic content.
℘ Peptic ulcers Its cooling effect helps to reduce excess
stomach fire; prescribed in Europe for peptic ulcers
formulas, and also gastritis and colitis. Agrimonies
unique combination of being a bitter tonic, support the
function of the liver and gallbladder as well as an
astringent herb toning mucous membranes make
agrimony a valuable tonic for ulcers and for the
digestive system as a whole.
℘ Gallstones: Agrimony is often used in Germany for
gallstone Sip agrimony in water for the sharp gallstone
pain and tension of gallstones colic; and also to gentle
increase bile to prevent and resolve gallstones.
℘ Hepatitis, Jaundice, Cirrhosis: particular connection
to balancing bile - both excessive or under active, for
sallow complexion [Grieve]
℘ Constricted liver chi: cools excess liver heat gently.
Helps to release the liver after digestion.
℘ “Corrects the function of appendix, liver and reproductive organs.”
℘ Digestive infections: douches using a strained decoction for treatment of Trichomonas vaginalis has
note antimicrobial action, In China, agrimonia is used helps to counteract infection and intestinal
parasites
℘ Hyperglycemia: Agrimony also lowers blood sugar levels. Aids in fat digestion, and absorption of
nutrients

Kidneys & Urinary system

“Agrimony shows specific activity for the urinary tract, especially the bladder, urethra
and cystic ducts. It is used for inflammation, irritation and burning/ scalding urine
associated with cystitis, urethritis, and interstitial cystitis. It is also soothing to
inflammation of the bile ducts and is a mild liver tonic.” [David Winston]

Among neuralgias, nephralgia is one of the severest. It is a torture that might be

borne for an hour or a day; but continued night and day for a fortnight or a month,
the sufferer may well pray for relief or death.
Agrimony Specific indications: Deep soreness or tenderness over the
kidneys; tenderness that seems to be due to irritability in the structure of the kidney;
sharp, cutting, deep-seated pain, with general distress in the lumbar region;
pain extending from the lumbar region through to the umbilicus; inflammation of the
kidneys, or bladder, with foul-smelling urine, containing a sediment when passed,
accompanied with discoloration, and dirty appearance of the skin; renal congestion,
general irritation of the urinary organs dribbling of urine in children or the
elderly, worse from coughing or sneezing; after passage of kidney stones.
(Ellingwood, 1919, 418)

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℘ Astringent diuretic: ‘kidney wind constriction’ [Wood] Due to the
presence of diuretic properties, improves the function of kidneys,
helps to remove toxic substances and excess water from urinary
bladder, helps to clear off calculus in kidneys
℘ Cystitis & bladder irritations: Effective in the treatment of “all
manners of urinary infections”; Combine with corn silk as a tonic
to prevent the formation of cystitis,
℘ Urinary incontinence Bedwetting, atonic urinary tract;
Ellingwood considered agrimony a specific (as do numerous
herbalists) when there is bedwetting (whether for children who
wet due to anxiety or toilet training), for post menopausal women
or elderly who loose bladder muscle strength or for other reasons.
Agrimony tones the bladder and urinary muscles. Elizabeth
Blackwell's A Curious Herbal (1751) “extols ye powder of ye
dried leaves for the incontinence of urine.” It is also well
combined with corn silk to treat urinary incontinence. “Dr. Creer gives the
following recipe for bedwetting: Agrimony 1 oz., Lady Slipper 1
oz., Corn Silk 1 oz. and Shepherd s purse 1 oz. Dose:
One teaspoonful morning and night.” Illustrated Phytotherapy
by Deschauer (Note lady slipper is endangered and should not be used for such a formula if desired
the flower essence can be substituted.)
℘ Kidney Stones: The famed eclectic Scudder (and many other herbalists) recognized agrimony
specific action for severe stabbing pain in the kidney. The herb is also helpful after passing kidney
stones and helps to prevent reoccurrence of kidney stones.
℘ Pointing to pains in the kidneys: Scudder also used agrimonia for any kind of kidney pain – just
pointing to the area was enough to confirm its prescription. “Given a pain in the region of the
kidneys, and I always think of agrimonia as the remedy. In my practice I have
seen wonderful results from it, in cases of month and years duration, and when
everything had failed. I have found other uses for it, but this has been so
prominent that I always associated the medicine and the position of the pain.” -Dr.
Scudder (quoted by Matt Wood) Likewise (as noted above, Ellingwood considered agrimony a
specific when there was ”deep soreness or tenderness over the kidneys”
℘ Gout & arthritis: Agrimony aidis the elimination of toxins and uric acid and so has long ben used
for gout.

Cutaneous system
℘ Vulnerary & Styptic for Wounds: Agrimony has an ancient tradition as a wound herb and I well
included in first aid kits. It staunches bleeding and will promote the formation of clots in the area of
the wound, and is used in trauma treatment and surgery in Chinese hospitals. It also relieves pain of
as noted above. Agrimony is perhaps best known as a wound herb used on medieval battlefields to
staunch bleeding, and a primary ingredient in arquebusade water used to treat gunshot wounds.
℘ Astringent for wet skin and eruptions: including wet eczema. an ancient remedy topically for
scrofula leisions. Agrimony also helps to stops itching of the skin.
℘ For pimples and skin eruptions related to liver and gallbladder skin eruptions due to tension
℘

℘ Burns burn pain: herbalist Jim McDonald finds it a very effective remedy for burn pain
Agrimony plant extracts are very well known for the treatment of snake bites.

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℘ Spot Baldness, Alopecia areata: often due to
too much stress; very effective to help hair grow back
due to stress. “A fine preparation for the hair is
made from equal parts of Agrimony and Sage
steeped in vaseline. To improve it add some
Orris Root.” Illustrated Phytotherapy by Thomas
Deschauer 1945 (Note: Vaseline (a petroleum product)
is no longer recommended for herb preparations. A hair
pomade can be made from a number of sources such as
olive oil with a little beeswax)
℘ Boils: poultice of herb topically
℘ Varicose veins: A poultice or salve/oil can be
used in the external treatment.
℘ Culpeper commented agrimony was for “healing inwards wounds” physical but also emotional
℘ Splinters: “I used agrimony frequently in a strong infusion of the fresh or dried herb, to draw out
splinters. Hold the affected part in a cup or bowl of the hot infusion for thirty minutes. The splinter
will press out easily and without pain...” Adele Dawson, Herbs: Partners in Life
Reproductive system
℘ Birthing: cord around neck: “caught in a bind!” Matthew Wood relates of a midwife in New
Mexico has used it successfully for 20 years for getting the cord to unwrap in birthing, and also for
problems coming down the birth canal
℘ “Corrects the function of the reproductive organs.” A number of herbalists use agrimony to tone
the tissue in fibroids, endometriosis
℘ Astringent to slow heavy menstrual bleeding: long indicated in both Western and TCM traditions
The tincture being more astringing is well used here.
℘ As a douche, it is used in the treatment of leucorrhoea
Respiratory and Immune systems
℘ Fevers: Native American tribes and Canadians use agrimony in fevers and it is also a traditional
European remedy for fevers, particularly indicated for a child with intermittent with fever and
with tension. It will release the tension so the sweat can break the fever.
℘ Bronchitis: helps to dry excess mucous and secretions
℘ Sore throats and nasal mucus: Gargle agrimony infusion
℘ Colds, asthma and athlete’s foot
Magical & Emotional
℘ “Agrimony [& cinquefoil] is the most reliable magical herb in
herbalism.” [Matthew Wood]
℘ Protective: Specifically for problems from hierarchical relation-
ships; Helps work and employer-employee tension and financial
and legal problems - Helps the highest good to emerge. If issue
can’t resolve between people (with a boss and employee often one
or the other leaves) As Dr. Bach noted, “caught in a bind!”
℘ Potentilla spp. “Cinquefoil is virtually identical to agrimonia in
properties, and it is likely that these herbs can be used
interchangeably” [Matthew Wood]
℘ “Agrimony for aggravation” [Susun Weed]
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Eyes
℘ Conjunctivitis and related eye infections: A weakened herbal infusion, (usually a mix of 10 gm
herb to 500 ml water) can be used as eyewash to clear conjunctivitis.
Miscellaneous
℘ It can help relieve skin, mouth, and throat inflammations, Effective as used as a mouthwash or
gargle for inflamed gums and sore throats.
℘ cardiovascular health, provides relief from anemia,
Contraindications & Cautions:
No contraindications known [Botanical Safety Handbook]
“No information on the safety of agrimony in pregnancy or lactation was identified in the scientific or
traditional literature. Although this review did not identify any concerns for use while pregnant or
nursing, safety has not been conclusively established.” [Botanical Safety Handbook]

Do not use where there is dryness of the secretions, (For example while agrimony is an effective treatment for
diarrhea, it can aggravate constipation)

Agrimony as Flower Essence

One of the original 12 essences Dr. Bach first made,
which he named “The Twelve Healers”
Dr. Bach’s description of Agrimony temperament:
The jovial, cheerful, humorous people who
love peace and are distressed by argument or
quarrel, to avoid which they will agree to
give up much.
Though generally they have troubles and are
tormented and restless and worried in mind
or in body, they hide their cares behind their
humor and jesting and are considered very
good friends to know.
They often take alcohol or drugs in excess,
to stimulate themselves and help themselves
bear their trials with cheerfulness.
from The Twelve Healers and Other Remedies

Agrimony Profile – excerpted from: Form and

Function: Bach Remedies by Julian Barnard
“Agrimony, as a remedy state definitely belongs to
town: these people are sociable, they seek contact and
the stimulus of company. It follows that the plant is one
that reaches out to touch you, growing in places where it
will find company, on the roadside, the field edge, by the
paths and tracks where people pass. Yet Agrimony is
strangely solitary in that even when it grows across a
field each plant is distinctly separate, in its own space,
interspersed with many other grassland flowers. This is
not a plant that builds a mass population of its own kind
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– it does not grow in a group like Impatiens – Agrimony is dotted among the grasses. Because of its
isolated habit it is not even listed as a weed of arable land. Its hold among the population of grassland
plants is not strong.
Bach described the Agrimony types as tormented, suffering from restlessness in the soul. The virtue that
they seek is peace. Looking back to the words of R. L. Stevenson, it seems to be the same peace which he
found in solitary walking: the peace that passes all understanding. Bach referred to this peace of the soul
on many occasions and regarded peace as the first great quality which ‘the treatment of tomorrow’ will
bring to the patient. Quite specifically peace will come from an acceptance and understanding of our
individual soul’s purpose within life on earth: it is this which the Agrimony type finds hard to accept. To
the Agrimony person realities do not stack up. They see and experience the pain of the world (that is
their torment) but they feel themselves inadequate for the task of reconciling that pain with faith in life.
Rather than face the problem they turn the matter aside with a play of humor. Or they seek to forget
themselves with drink or drugs; there is a desire to escape from life.
Agrimony is highly sensitive, whether plant or person. Progressively the seeds form below the flowers.
They are covered in tiny hooks. Eager for passing company they attached themselves to anything that
touches.

“Agrimony is not only for the “agrimony personality” for torture or

feelings of great tension -even physical torture. It is the re medy is
to bring peace whethe r in the body or min d.”
- Nora Weeks [Dr. Bach’s student and colleague]

Of note for specific applications: Agrimony personality uses humor to hide how he / she feels - not just
hiding emotions, they usually say they are great and all is fine. Other people may hide emotions for other
reasons – they may be shy (Mimulus) want to keep things private (Water Violet) or busy and want to get
on with things (Impatiens) “Agrimony is the remedy for people who keep their troubles hidden under a
mask of pleasure and happiness. The sad clown masking inner hurt by being the life and soul of the party
is an Agrimony archetype. Friends are often the last to know that anything is wrong in the Agrimony
person's life.” “They don't want to burden other people with their
worries with carefree, happy go lucky outlook” They “like peace
and [are] harmonizers and often give in
“Sometimes Agrimony people turn to drink or drugs to help them
stay 'happy'. They tend not to like being alone: the mask slips when
there is no company. They seek out friends, parties and bright
lights. Only at night when they are alone with their thoughts will
the mental torture they have repressed come back to haunt them.”
Agrimony types can “sleep badly from inner torture and turmoil
“Agrimony helps us come to terms with the darker side of our lives
and personalities, so that we can become more rounded human
beings. We won't lose our sense of humor or our ability to get
through the day, but will find that laughing at our troubles dispels
them rather than hides them. As a mood remedy, Agrimony helps
anyone who is trying not to face a trouble and using jokes and false
smiles to avoid a painful reality.”
Excerpted from class of Nora Weeks [Dr. Bach’s student
and colleague]
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Agrimony as Homeopathic Remedy

Note: the homeopathic indication mirrors the herbal uses
Agrimonia Eupatoria: painful kidneys, impaired digestion and menstrual difficulties; Bronchorrhea and catarrh of
bladder. Cough with profuse expectoration attended with expulsion of urine. fever

Agrimony as Drink
In France agrimony is commonly used to bring a delicate and citrusy taste to teas. It was known as a “spring drink”
or “diet drink” and was used as a blood purifier after a long winter. When brewing beer fresh, adding flowers of
the agrimony will enhance its taste while also bringing its many beneficial effects.
Agrimony has been used in veterinary medicine for its hemostatic and alterative properties A safe food for even
very young animals.

Agrimony Antacid W ine from: – herbal riot

Ÿ 1 cup fresh agrimony leaves Ÿ 3 cups red wine Ÿ ¼ cup oak bark Ÿ ½ cup alfalfa leaves
Macerate the crushed plants in the wine for 1 month. Strain. Drink 2 T (25 ml) 3 times daily to eliminate stomach hyperacidity.

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