Agrimony

Agrimony has been used for centuries in European folk medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine lineages, and classical Western herbalism as a cooling astringent to tone relaxed tissues, regulate fluids, and ease inflammatory irritation. Traditionally, it supported digestive and urinary imbalances marked by laxity, heat, or dampness; soothed sore throats and vocal strain; and offered gentle liver support when heaviness or stagnation was present. Energetically, it was regarded as an herb that “gathers the scattered,” restoring cohesion on both physical and emotional levels.

Current uses include:

• supporting loose stools and mild diarrhea

• toning relaxed GI tissues and reducing damp-lax patterns

• easing urinary irritation and regulating mild fluid leakage

• cooling heat and reducing low-grade inflammation in digestive or urinary pathways

• soothing throat irritation and supporting vocal clarity

• assisting mild liver stagnation with damp-heat tendencies

• reducing excessive perspiration

• supporting convalescence when tissues feel weak or “unbound”

• offering emotional support for those who mask internal tension behind a composed exterior

Cautions

Generally safe.

Use mindfully in:

• individuals with dryness, coldness, or constipation

• pregnancy when strong astringents may be contraindicated

• conditions where excessive tightening may be unwanted ⁹

No known significant herb–drug interactions.

Known Chemical Constituents

Tannins (Primary Astringent Group)

• Agrimoniin

• Pedunculagin

• Ellagic acid derivatives

Flavonoids

• Quercetin glycosides

• Kaempferol glycosides

Triterpenes & Phenolic Acids

• Ursolic acid

• Oleanolic acid

• Caffeic acid

• Chlorogenic acid

Volatile Aromatics (Trace)

• mild essential-oil components contributing subtle fragrance

Botanical Description

A graceful perennial with upright, softly hairy stems and pinnate leaves that alternate along the stalk. Its slender flowering spikes are lined with tiny, bright yellow star-like blossoms that open sequentially from base to tip. After flowering, the plant forms burr-like seed pods that readily cling to animals and clothing—a physical signature of its gathering, binding energy. ³

Fun Facts

• Medieval charm bags used Agrimony to encourage “unbroken sleep” and emotional ease.

• Its burr-like seeds symbolized loyalty and connection in European folklore.

• Historically used by singers to support throat clarity before performance. ¹⁰

Parts Used

Aerial parts (leaves, stems, flowering tops)

Harvest

Harvest aerial parts during peak flowering, late spring to midsummer, when the yellow blooms are vital and resinous. Freshly opened blossoms carry the strongest energetic and medicinal qualities.

Preparations

Tea: cooling, drying, toning; supportive for digestion and throat

Tincture: 1:5 dried herb; 40–50% ethanol; 1–3 mL up to 3x/day (8)

Glycerite: gentle, child-friendly option

Topical wash/compress: for mild skin inflammation or lax tissues

Blends: pairs well with nervines, bitters, or lymphatics when tension and stagnation co-occur

Sacred Rituals

Agrimony supports rituals of:

• boundary repair

• reclaiming scattered energy

• emotional cleansing after conflict

• stabilizing the subtle body after stress or depletion

Commonly infused or burned for clearing and realignment.

Affirmations

“I gather myself with steadiness and clarity.”

Spiritual Associations

A plant of subtle truth-telling and quiet restoration.

Agrimony:

• reveals tension hidden beneath a composed exterior

• mends subtle energetic leaks

• strengthens boundary integrity

• restores cohesion after emotional fragmentation

Its presence is steady, protective, and grounding.

References