Eggarton Cottages, Eggarton Lane, Godmersham, Kent, CT4 7DY
Tel/Fax: 01227 730242
Visit the shop for Wildflowers, Herbs, Cottage Garden Plants, Seeds, Hedging and Wedding Favours
Perennial wild flower growing 1 - 2 ft (30 - 60 cm) with spikes of small, yellow star-shaped flowers during July to September. Also known as Sicklewort, Cockeburr and Church Steeples. Plant is part of the Rose order. Known in Anglo-Saxon times as "garclive". Found in pastures, clearings, hedgerows and roadsides, particularly chalky areas. The name may come from the Greek "arghemon", a name given to plants which were used for eye ailments (Agrimony was thought to cure eye problems); or from the Latin "agri moenia", meaning defender of the fields, due to the large amounts of Agrimony found by fields. Therefore, it makes an ideal wildflower meadow border if you are creating one. After the flowers have gone, hairy burrs are produced which attach to animal fur and clothing, thereby widely dispersing the seed.
Its Latin name could also derive from Mithradates Eupator, King of Pontus in the first century BC. He was a practitioner of magic, made herbal potions and was believed to be immune from injury by soaking his body with poisons.
Agrimony has an apricot flavour and is used to flavour drinks and cider. Has been used since medieval times for treating cuts and grazes because of its antiseptic qualities, and as an antidote to snake bite. Also used to treat digestive disorders. It is also used as an anti-inflammatory for liver, stomach and gall bladder disorders. If used for medicinal purposes the flowering tops are collected before the seeds have formed, usually during July and August. The Anglos-Saxons regarded Agrimony as a magical plant and used it in charms. In the fifteenth-century, Agrimony was an ingredient in Arquebusade water, used on wounds made by the Arquebusade hand-gun. Mixed with frog and human blood, Agrimony could also halt bleeding! An Agrimony bath is good for tired muscles as is an Agrimony linament used to massage horses with tired or strained limbs . Good bloodclotting agent as it is rich in vitamin K. Gargle for sore throats or flu. Ancient Greeks used the plant to treat cataracts. The old herbalist, Gerard, recommended it for those with "naughty lives".
Flowers make a yellow dye. If gathered in September this dye is a pale yellow, later in the year it'll be a deeper colour. Agrimonmy attracts flies and bees, and finches love the seeds. Food for Grizzled Skipper caterpillars and butterflies from April to August. Sheep and cattle will eat the plant but horses, cattle and pigs won't. Wounded deer are said to cure themselves by grazing the plant.
Agrimony can reverse negative spells, returning them to their sender. Said to cause a deep sleep if placed beneath your head - you won't wake up until it is removed. Keep Agrimony near you and you will see witches ride at night. Carry it with you, together with Rue, Broom, Maidenhair and Ground Ivy and you will recognise people as witches. Of the seven herbs in the Anglo-Saxon "Holy Salve", Agrimony was believed to protect from goblins, evil and poison.
*This sheet is provided for information only and is in no way a prescription for use. Please seek the advice of a qualified herbalist before using*