Agrimony

Includes: 12 to 15 distinct species under the Agrimonia title, often unspecified

Folk Names: Sticklewort; Cocklebur; Church Steeples; Garclive
Scientific Names: Agrimonia Eupatoria (Common Agrimony)

Conservation Status:

Native Regions: Northern Hemisphere, plus Africa
Naturalized Regions:
Invasive Regions:

Physical Description:

Scent Description: “Sweet scented” (Inkwright)

Oil Product Description:
Scent Synergies:

Wildlife and Livestock Uses: Host plant for the larvae of the Grizzled Skippers (Pyrgus spp.)

Gardening Uses:

Handling Concerns:
Growing Concerns:

Medicinal Uses: Promotes restful sleep (Inkwright); slows bleeding (Inkwright); reduces menstrual bleeding (Inkwright); gastrointestinal anti-inflammatory (Inkwright); eases coughs and sore throats (Inkwright);

Compounds Known:
Concerns & Contraindications:

Culinary Uses:

Practical Uses: Yields a yellow dye ranging from Golden-Cream to rich Gold (Inkwright)

Magical Uses: Banishes negative energies (Cunningham); Banishes negative Spirits (Cunningham); Protects against Evil (Cunningham); Breaks and returns Hexes (Cunningham); Detects the presence of Witches (Cunningham)

Additional Notes: divider

Also known as Sticklewort or Cocklebur, it is a common ‘wasteland weed’ with a sweet scent and hooked seeds that cling to passers-by. Its most prized historical use is its ability to promote a restful sleep. Another Anglo-Saxon manuscript recommends it for internal hemorrhaging (pounded with frog and human blood). Also known for its coagulant properties, it can help slow bleeding and reduce menstrual bleeding. Also an effective antiinflammatory useful for swollen guts, and capable of easing respiratory conditions like coughs and sore throats; leaves and flowers yield a yellow dye. If harvested in September, however, the dye is a golden cream instead- but later in the year, the dye is a deep, rich gold.

'Folk Magic and Healing: An Unusual History of Everyday Plants' by Fez Inkwright

Used to banish negative energies and spirits. Protects against Evil and poison. Reverses spells sent against one (breaks hexes and returns them)- but is also used to detect the presence of Witches; when placed under the head, it will make one sleep "as if dead" until the herb is removed.

'Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs' by Scott Cunningham