Agrimony by Wanderer MoonChild

Botanical Basics

1. Common Name(s): Agrimony, Church Steeples, Stickwort
2. Folk Name(s): Liverwort, Cocklebur, Philanthropos, Fairy’s Wand
3. Scientific/Latin Name: Agrimonia eupatoria
4. Family: Rosaceae (Rose family)
5. Plant Type: Perennial herb
6. Botanical Description: A slender, upright plant growing 2–3 feet tall. It bears spiked racemes of small, bright yellow 5-petaled flowers with a subtle sweet scent. The leaves are pinnate, toothed, and hairy on the underside. The seed heads are burr-like, clinging to fur and clothing.
7. Growing Zones/Climate: Hardy in USDA Zones 5–9; tolerates temperate climates.
8. Best Zones for Growth: Thrives in zones 6–8, but adaptable.
9. Habitat & Range: Native to Europe, temperate Asia, and North Africa. Naturalized in North America. Found in meadows, hedgerows, field edges, roadsides, and grassy areas.

Cultivation & Harvest

1. Soil & Sun Requirements: Prefers well-drained, loamy soil. Grows best in full sun to partial shade.
2. Propagation: From seed or root division. Seeds may require cold stratification.
3. Companion Planting: Works well near hedgerows and meadow plants; attracts pollinators.
4. Harvesting Guidelines: Harvest aerial parts (stems, leaves, flowers) when in bloom, usually mid to late summer.
5. Drying/Preservation: Air-dry in bundles in a dark, airy place; store in airtight jars away from light.

Traditional & Historical Use

1. Cultural Significance: In medieval Europe, agrimony was known as an herb of protection and banishment. Used in charms to ward off negative influences.
2. Traditional Medicine: Used historically for digestive disorders, sore throats, liver complaints, and wound healing. Featured in Anglo-Saxon “Nine Herbs Charm.”
3. Symbolism: Represents gratitude, healing, and protection; sometimes called a “warrior’s herb” for its strength in both medicine and magic.

Medicinal & Practical Properties

1. Active Constituents: Tannins, flavonoids, volatile oils, coumarins, silicic acid, vitamin K.
2. Medicinal Uses:
   
3. Astringent (stops bleeding, tightens tissues)
4. Supports liver and gallbladder health
5. Soothes sore throats and coughs
6. Mild diuretic
7. Used in skin washes for wounds and eczema
   
8. Preparation Methods:
   
9. Infusion/tea of dried leaves and flowers
10. Decoction for external use
11. Tincture (alcohol-based extract)
12. Gargle for sore throats
    
13. Dosage & Guidelines:
    
14. Tea: 1–2 tsp dried herb per cup boiling water, steep 10–15 minutes, up to 3 times daily
15. Tincture: 2–4 mL up to 3 times daily
    
16. Safety/Precautions:
    
17. Generally safe in moderation
18. Avoid with blood-thinning medications due to tannins/vitamin K
19. Not recommended in pregnancy without guidance
    

🌙 Magical & Spiritual Properties

1. Elemental Association: Air
2. Planetary/Deity Correspondence: Jupiter, Mercury (sometimes associated with Apollo in Greek tradition)
3. Magical Correspondences: Protection, banishing, breaking hexes, sleep, truth, gratitude
4. Ritual Use:
   
5. Used in protective sachets or sprinkled around the home
6. Added to dream pillows to prevent nightmares
7. Burned as incense to dispel negativity
   
8. Symbolism in Divination/Dreams: A sign of release, banishment of negativity, and restoration of inner peace.

Ecological & Culinary Uses

1. Pollinator Value: Attracts bees, butterflies, and hoverflies.
2. Wildlife Uses: Seeds attach to animals for dispersal; provides nectar for pollinators.
3. Culinary Uses: Historically used to flavor ale and wine. Mildly bitter, sometimes added to teas.

Household/Practical Uses

1. Quick Uses:
   
2. Herbal tea for sore throats or mild digestive upsets
3. Gargle for inflamed tonsils
4. External wash for wounds or rashes
   
5. Notable Traits: Burr-like seeds cling to clothing—hence “Stickwort.”
6. Special Notes: Considered one of the oldest and most respected herbs in European folk tradition.

Fast Facts

1. Used in the Anglo-Saxon “Nine Herbs Charm”
2. Associated with gratitude and truth
3. Mild, safe herb for home apothecaries

Supporting Notes

1. Grieve, M. A Modern Herbal
2. Duke, James. The Green Pharmacy
3. Hoffmann, David. Medical Herbalism
4. Wood, Matthew. The Earthwise Herbal