AGRIMONY - ORGANIC
Agrimonia eupatoria

History & Folklore
Like a fairy wand beset with golden stars, Agrimony shoots up from ditches and embankments and greets the weary passer-by - yet it rarely receives the appreciation it deserves. Agrimony is one of the most benevolent 'heal-all' plants that grow quite freely in almost any soil. In ancient Greece 'Agremone' was the generic term used to describe herbs that could be applied to problems of the eyes - and that is how Agrimony derived its common name, while 'eupatoria' makes reference to the king of Pontus, Mithridates Eupator, who apparently was known as a gifted herbalist who made ample use of Agrimony.

Medicinal Uses:
The ancients ascribed this herb to Jupiter in Cancer, probably due to its healing effects on the digestive system. The bitter principles of Agrimony are well suited for treating indigestion and mild diarrhoea, but they are even more useful for afflictions of the liver and gallbladder. It is considered an excellent blood cleanser that tones the entire digestive system and aids the assimilation of food. In the old days it was often used as a spring tonic and blood cleanser, effective in clearing skin of eruptions caused by liver congestion and sluggish digestion.
Agrimony is also most useful for flushing out kidney gravel and uric acid deposits in conditions such arthritis and gout. It is anti-inflammatory and styptic and can be used to stop internal bleeding or to dress external wounds, a use that goes back to Anglo Saxon times and continued in France, where it served as one of the ingredients of 'arquebusade water', a special concoction applied to wounds that were incurred by a type of firearm known as 'arquebus'. Native Americans successfully used it to treat fevers, while Europeans employed it in herbal teas for colds and coughs, especially if accompanied by sore throat and hoarseness.

Magical Uses:
It is essential to refrain from using metal tools when gathering or preparing Agrimony for magical purposes. If collected on St. John's day (or solstice) it may be used as an amulet to attract a lover. In the Middle Ages it was also believed to be effective for curing snake bites and that, if placed under the head, it was thought to induce a deep and heavy sleep. In Germany, Agrimony was highly revered for its protective properties and is often mentioned as an ingredient of the sacred 'nine herb bundle', which was used as a panacea for practically all kinds of physical or metaphysical afflictions.

BOTANICALS:
Plants nourish and feed us, add spice to our life, bestow health and beauty, scent and colour and brighten our days. They mediate love, hope and gratitude; they clothe and cleanse us, they heal and soothe our bodies, minds and souls. They touch every aspect of our existence, from our daily sustenance to the air we breathe, to the keys to other dimensions. They are the alchemists that turn sunlight into the green force of life, continuously revolving, restoring, rebirthing through the cycles of time. They truly are the greatest gift of nature, yet also the one we most take for granted.
Star Child's range of botanicals derives from many regions and traditions of the world. We supply only the best quality herbs, using organically grown and sustainably harvested sources if available. The greater the demand for organic products the more readily they will become available. Your choice to buy and our commitment to supply organic herbs is part of the driving force that sows the seeds for a greener, healthier future.

USE:
There are dozens of ways in which herbs can be used. Many culinary herbs not only impart a great flavour but also have subtle effect on the digestive process. Other herbs are more medicinal than culinary and can be used as remedies, based on the wisdom of age old traditional plant knowledge. For more detailed information on the different types of preparations that can be made with herbs, please refer to the BOTANICALS USAGE section.

CAUTION
We support the notion of taking responsibility for one's own well being and thus strive to make all herbs available for use at your own discretion. It should be noted however, that not all herbs are safe to use in all circumstances. Special cautions may apply when suffering from certain medical conditions, when taking synthetic prescription drugs and during pregnancy. Research and familiarize yourself with any herb you intend to use and make sure you are aware of all special cautions that may apply. The information given here is based on thousands of years of traditional use. It is intended for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace a visit to a medical professional where this is necessary.
If symptoms persist or re-occur, or if you are suffering from a serious medical condition, or if you are presently taking prescription drugs, we recommend that you consult a qualified doctor or practitioner before attempting to help yourself. Look for a practitioner/doctor who you can trust and who is prepared to explore natural health alternatives with you.