Herbal Tea for Cough, Sore throat, Diarrhea, Agrimony Tea

Agrimony has been used since ancient times. The Greeks used it as a remedy for ailments of the eye and the herb's name is derived from the Greek word Argemone which means plant that heals the eye. In ancient Rome the great author and naturalist Pliny the elder deemed agrimony "an herb of princely authorite". Anglo-Saxons used the leaves of this herb to help stop bleeding and heal wounds. Chinese medicine often used Agrimony to treat menstrual difficulties and during the middle ages this herb was used frequently as a sleep aid. In North America agrimony was used for a variety of ailments by Native Americans and up until the late 19th century agrimony was used throughout Europe and North America to treat skin conditions, cough, sore throat, and diarrhea. Click to learn Chinese medicine treats Neurodermatitis.

Agrimony is a fairly common herb that is a member of the Rosaceae or rose family. There are more than twelve different species of this perennial herb throughout the world. Agrimonia eupatoria or Common Agrimony is the most prevalent species in Europe while Agrimonia gryposepala, or hairy Agrimony is the most prevalent in North America. This hardy herb can be found growing in woodlands and fields, but also takes well to garden cultivation. In the garden it prefers partial sun and requires regular watering.

Common Agrimony reaches a height of 1 -2 feet with a woody stem covered in a silky down. In some species this down is quite thick giving these the designation of Hairy Agrimony. The leaves are dark green and at the bottom of the plant can be rather large; often seven or more inches long. The leaves reduce in size from the bottom of the plant to the top with those nearest the top being on average about three inches. The small bright yellow flowers are arranged tightly on individual spikes. Both the leaves and the flowers are scented and depending on species the aroma varies from that of apricots to lemons. Once the flowers fade they leave behind prickly burrs that cling to clothes or fur. These are the origin of one of the most common colloquial names for agrimony; the cocklebur.

How To Use
One of the most common methods of enjoying this useful herb is by making tea. To treat diarrhea a cup of weak tea should be sipped up to six times a day. A stronger tea is used as a gargle to sooth sore throats and quiet coughs. To make the tea add one to two teaspoons of dried leaves stems or flowers to one liter of hot water and steep five to fifteen minutes depending on desired strength. For skin inflammation and to treat wounds soak a compress in very strong tea and apply several times daily. For skin issues essential oil may also be used. Agrimony is available as dried leaves, stems, and flowers, ground power, fluid extract, and essential oil.