Agrimony
Agrimonia eupatoria
Also known as: Church Steeples, Sticklewort
French: Aigremoine
Agrimony is a longstanding herb of the European materia medica, recognized for its gently toning character and balanced nature. Neither strongly stimulating nor deeply sedating, it has traditionally been incorporated into formulas intended to support overall digestive integrity and tissue tone. It is often regarded as a plant of moderation, used where steadiness and gradual restoration are desired.
Energetics (Traditional Herbal Perspective)
Mildly cooling
Drying
Astringent
Stabilizing to lax or overactive tissuesWithin Western herbal tradition, agrimony is considered appropriate where there is a need for gentle consolidation rather than forceful intervention.
Primary Body Systems Traditionally Associated
Digestive system
Hepatic system
Urinary system
Integumentary system
Mucosal tissuesHerbal Actions (Materia Medica Language)
Astringent
Digestive tonic
Hepatic supportive
Mucosal toner
Vulnerary (traditional external applications)These actions describe historical herbal classification rather than pharmacological effect.
Traditional Context of Use
Agrimony appears frequently in early European herbals where it was prepared as a simple infusion and taken as part of seasonal or daily routines. It was valued by village practitioners for its ability to bring a sense of order and tone when systems were described as both tense and weakened. Historical writings often portray it as a harmonizing addition to broader formulas rather than a dominant herb.
Preparation Methods
Commonly prepared as an infusion.
Also included in traditional tinctures or external washes within historical practice.Taste & Sensory Qualities
Mildly bitter
Drying
Slightly aromaticIts taste reflects its classic placement among the gentle astringent tonics of Western herbalism.
Plant Part Used
Aerial parts harvested during flowering.
Bioregional Note
Agrimony is native to Europe and Western Asia and was introduced to North America through settlement traditions. It is now naturalized in some regions but is not considered native to Nova Scotia.
Available Format
Dried cut and sifted herb suitable for traditional apothecary preparation.
Educational Disclaimer
This botanical is provided as a traditional herbal material intended for personal and educational use within the practice of herbal preparation. It is not represented as a therapeutic product under Health Canada’s Natural Health Product regulations.




