Agrimonia eupatoria L
Family: Rosaceae
English common name: Agrimony Polish common name: Rzepik Pospolity German common name: Leberblumchen
1. Botanical description
A plant which reaches a height of 1 m and has a long, brown rhizome.
The stalk is mostly single, round and hairy.
The leaves are alternate, irregular pinnate, coarsely hairy and with serrated margins.
The flowers are small, pale yellow, and in spikes. The fruit is elongated and, when ripe, hangs downwards. The taste is bitter, mildly astringent. It has an unpleasant, spicy smell.
2. Origin and distribution
A native of Central Europe, it grows along roads, fences, and in fields and meadows.
3. Cultivation
Grow from seed or by division of rhizomes. Sow in rows 20- 30 em apart. Once established they will selfpropagate. No manure is required. Will grow readily on any soil but wet soil.
4. Harvest
Harvest young shoots, leaves and flowers together; midsummer is the best time.
5. Active elements
Volatile oil; tannic acid, mucilage.
6. Manner of action
Produces sweat, purges, increases production of urine and aids digestion.
7. Use
(a) External: As a poultice to heal festering cuts. As a water-extract for sore throats, and as an additive to foot-bath to relieve tiredness.
(b) Internal: An extract from roots, and a brew from leaves and flowers, is used to combat colds, catarrh, and to stimulate peristalsis.
8. Trade names
Rhizoma agrimoniae, Herba agrimoniae.