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Agrimony: Effects, Uses & Dosage

Agrimony (Agrimonia eupatoria) is a medicinal plant traditionally used for digestive complaints, inflammation, and skin conditions.

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Agrimony (Agrimonia eupatoria) is a medicinal plant traditionally used for digestive complaints, inflammation, and skin conditions.

What is Agrimony?

Agrimony (botanical name: Agrimonia eupatoria) is a perennial medicinal plant belonging to the rose family (Rosaceae). It is native to Europe, western Asia, and North Africa, and commonly grows in meadows, along roadsides, and at the edges of light woodlands. Agrimony has a long history in traditional medicine and has been used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments. In modern herbal medicine (phytotherapy), the aerial parts of the plant – leaves, stems, and flowers – are mainly used in dried form.

Active Compounds

Agrimony contains a wide range of bioactive substances responsible for its medicinal properties:

Tannins: particularly condensed tannins and ellagic acid derivatives, which have astringent and anti-inflammatory effects
Flavonoids: such as luteolin, apigenin, and quercetin, which act as antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents
Bitter compounds: stimulate digestion and bile production
Mucilages: protect the mucous membranes of the mouth and throat
Essential oils: contribute to antimicrobial activity
Vitamin K: present in small amounts, relevant for blood coagulation

Traditional Use

In folk medicine, agrimony has been used in diverse ways since antiquity. Ancient Greek and Roman healers used the plant for wounds, liver complaints, and snake bites. During the Middle Ages, agrimony was a well-regarded remedy for digestive problems and skin ailments. Typical traditional applications include:

Diarrhea and gastrointestinal complaints
Inflammation of the mouth and throat (e.g., as a gargle solution)
Wound healing and skin irritations (as a compress or wash)
Liver and gallbladder complaints
Urinary tract infections

Medical Use and Scientific Evidence

Modern phytotherapy supports several of the traditional applications of agrimony through scientific research. The German Commission E has approved agrimony herb for internal use in mild, non-specific diarrhea and for inflammation of the oral and pharyngeal mucosa. The ESCOP (European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy) confirms these indications as well.

Digestive Complaints

The tannins contained in agrimony act astringently on the intestinal mucosa, which can help to firm stool consistency in cases of mild diarrhea. The bitter compounds additionally stimulate digestive secretions and support overall gastrointestinal function.

Inflammation of the Mouth and Throat

Agrimony tea or extracts are suitable for use as a mouth rinse or gargle for inflammation of the oral mucosa, gum problems, and sore throats. The astringent and anti-inflammatory effects of tannins and flavonoids are scientifically supported.

Skin Applications

As a compress or wash, an agrimony infusion can be applied externally to mild skin inflammations, poorly healing wounds, and excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) of the hands and feet.

Dosage and Usage Notes

Agrimony is typically used as a tea (infusion) or in the form of ready-made preparations (tincture, extract, capsules):

Tea (internal use): 1–3 teaspoons (approx. 3–4 g) of dried herb in 250 ml of hot water, steeped for 10–15 minutes, 2–3 cups daily
Tea (gargling/rinsing): More concentrated infusion (approx. 5 g per 250 ml), applied several times daily
Tincture: Dosage according to manufacturer instructions or guidance from a healthcare professional

Use should generally not exceed 2–4 weeks without consulting a healthcare provider.

Side Effects and Safety

Agrimony is considered well-tolerated when used as directed. In rare cases, the following may occur:

Allergic reactions (particularly in individuals with a rose family allergy)
Constipation with excessive internal intake due to the tannin content
Photosensitization (increased sensitivity of the skin to light) from coumarins when applied externally

Use during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and in children under 12 years of age should only be undertaken after consulting a doctor.

Interactions

Due to its vitamin K content, agrimony in high doses may potentially interact with anticoagulant medications (blood thinners) such as warfarin. Individuals taking blood thinners should consult their healthcare provider before using agrimony.

References

European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy (ESCOP): ESCOP Monographs – Agrimoniae herba. 2nd edition, 2003.
German Commission E (BfArM): Monograph on Agrimony herb (Agrimoniae herba). Federal Gazette No. 43, 1986.
Wichtl M. (ed.): Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals. 5th edition. Medpharm Scientific Publishers, Stuttgart, 2004.

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