9 Surprising Benefits Of Agrimony

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9 Surprising Benefits Of Agrimony
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Agrimony is the name given to a genus of approximately 15 flowering species that can be found throughout the Northern hemisphere. These perennials can also be found in certain parts of Africa, and have been celebrated for their medicinal uses for hundreds of years. While many of the potential benefits are still somewhat in contention, hundreds of years of tradition and countless confirmations of its effects have made it an important element of many herbalist practices and treatments. Some of the common names are liverwort, cockleburr, and sticklewort, but its scientific name is actually Agrimonia eupatoria. The best way to identify agrimony species is by the yellow flowers that spring from the plant’s long, single, pinnate stems.

In ancient times, agrimony was often used in various brews, solutions, and tonics. The leaves and flowers contain a unique chemical composition that can act on the body as a detoxifying, astringent, coagulating, and anti-inflammatory substance. For this reason, it has been used in the direct or secondary treatment of a wide variety of ailments over time. Now, let’s take a closer look at the health benefits of agrimony.

Health Benefits Of Agrimony

1.Treats Menstrual Issues

One of the most well-known uses of agrimony is as a coagulant that can reduce bleeding in the body and help heal wounds. While menstruation isn’t a “wound”, per se, agrimony can be administered orally to reduce heavy menstrual bleeding and reduce inflammation to make those difficult periods a bit more tolerable.

2.Aids in Digestion

As an anti-inflammatory agent, agrimony has often bee used to eliminate digestive and gastrointestinal issues, particularly diarrhea and other irritable bowel syndrome symptoms. By reducing irritation and inflammation in the membranes and tissues of the gut, it can significantly soothe the stomach.

3.Controls Diabetes

Agrimony has long been studied for its potential anti-diabetic properties, which would be a huge step forward in solving one of the great medical mysteries of our generation. Apparently, the active components of agrimony moderate the glucose and insulin uptake processes in the body better than many other natural diabetic treatments.

4.Improves Respiratory Health

In a similar way as reducing inflammation in the gut, agrimony is also widely used to improve respiratory conditions that may involve inflammation, such as sore throats, chronic coughing, bronchitis, and other sinus issues. For colds, coughs, and flu, it can be an effective way to speed up the recovery and healing process.

5.Bladder Control

When we are very old and very young, bladder control is a major issue. The astringent quality of agrimony makes bladder control easier, eliminating those embarrassing bed-wetting moments and accidents. Since it is non-toxic and has shown no signs of having negative effects on health, children have been using it for generations with no side effects or issues.

6.Skin Health

When you are suffering from blemishes, pimples, rashes, acne, psoriasis, eczema, or any other skin condition, you can topically apply agrimony to the affected area and it can help to alleviate the issue. It can also be taken orally for the same effect. It works on irritation as well as blood eruptions that happen beneath the skin, like blotching and easy bruising due to its astringent properties.

7.Detoxifies the Body

Agrimony’s active ingredients, such thiamin, quercitrin, and catechins, have been directly linked to liver and gallbladder health. By optimizing the function of the liver and gallbladder, the body can more easily eliminate toxins that have built up, thereby preventing more serious health issues and promoting overall metabolic efficiency.

8.Hair and Nail Strength

Silicic acid is also found in agrimony, and this unique compound is known to significantly boost the strength, appearance, and overall health of the nails and hair, preventing easy breakage or a dull appearance. It may not seem like the most important “health benefit”, but every little bit helps!

9.Anti-cancer Effects

Although research on the anti-cancerous effects of agrimony is still under consideration in various research studies, the potential of certain catechins and antioxidant compounds found in this perennial genus could contribute to treatments for cancer. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals, the dangerous byproducts of cellular respiration that can cause chronic diseases like cancer by causing healthy cells to mutate. The high count of antioxidants in it bodes well for this research.


Warning

In moderate amounts, agrimony is not known as a toxic or allergenic substance for people of all ages. However, due to its astringent properties that help treat so many conditions, this can also exacerbate constipation, so use with caution. Always consult a doctor before adding new herbal remedies to your daily or weekly health regimen.


Active Ingredients of Agrimony Herb

Agrimony contains beneficial active compounds including catechin - a water soluble polyphenol and antioxidant and thiamin - a water soluble B vitamin. It also contains quercitrin an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory that is also the source of its yellow pigmentation. Agrimony contains the complex polyphenol tannin. This bitter plant compound is a natural astringent. Also present in agrimony are palmitic, silicic, and ursolic acids. Palmitic acid is one of the most common saturated fatty acids in both animals and plants. New studies have found that palmetic acid may help fight skin cancer. Silicic acid is a compound of hydrogen, oxygen, and silicon that has been shown to be beneficial to hair, skin, and nails. Ursolic acid is a pentacyclic triterpenoid found in many herbs and fruits that acts as a diuretic and anti-inflammatory. In addition to its medicinal properties, the plant is also used as a dye. The entire plant is used to make dye and when gathered from spring through September, Agrimony yields a pale yellow hue. When gathered late in the year, the dye results in a deep rich yellow.

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