Power Struggles? Agrimony can help

Agrimonia eupatorium, is a plant with a long history of use in Europe. In medieval times plants were often associated with mental and spiritual conditions as well as physical conditions. In the case of this plant though all conditions can be summed up with the word–Tension. This plant is able to help heal people of tension wherever it lies in their life, including most notably power struggles in non-romantic situations.

I don’t know about you but it feels like we are immersed in near constant power struggles on all levels and areas of our lives. In June 2020 I attended a class that Matthew Wood hosted, entitled “Agrimony: a plant for our times.” A year later I feel like it is even more relevant as we continue to move forward from a global pandemic.

Where to get Agrimony?

Agrimony is native to Europe but is now a much cultivated garden plant. I received my plants as cuttings from the existing and overgrown plants of an Herbalist friend of mind. I did harvest a small amount last year from my plants for a tincture, but this year they have come back strong and beautiful.

I highly recommend growing plants you intend to use as medicine whenever possible. This enhances your relationship to the plant and produces stronger medicine that can be easily customized. Agrimony is ultra easy once established. Last year when freshly planted, we has plenty of rain and I only watered it initially on transplanting. This year it is well established and even with drought conditions I have not had to water.

A traditional use of agrimony is to plant it near doorways as protection for energy entering the house. So that is a great reason to plant Agrimony by your house.

To purchase plants or seeds try Strictly Medicinal Seeds. I have also purchased plants from Four Elements Herbals. Of course another great option is asking a local herbalist or gardening friend.

To purchase plant material or tinctures, etc. Mountain Rose Herbs is always a great choice or look for a local herbalist.

How to use Agrimony

Traditional uses include tea or tincture. The leaves are typically the part used. The best time to collect the leaves is in the early summer before the flowers develop when the leaves are tender and sweet. They can also be harvested in the fall but are more astringent.

Physical ailments that this plant works well with are described by Matthew Wood in The Book of Herbal Wisdom. He said it is a specific for–

“in any condition where the person holds the breath to stop the pain. This causes the release of endorphins—the body’s own opiates—which suppresses the pain. Agrimony people need to learn to ‘breathe through’ the pain. As a consequence, the respiratory apparatus is affected. Agrimony is suited to conditions where the person is ‘tortured to capture the breath,’ as Dr. Bach noted. ‘Agrimonia exerts a specific influence upon mucous membranes, checking profuse secretion and favoring normal activity.’”

Flower Essences are another fun way to use Agrimony. The Flower Essence Repertory says

“The Agrimony personality appears happy, enthusiastic, popular, and seemingly at peace with the world. However, if one is able to know such a person on a deeper level, it becomes clear that something is deeply troubling the soul. At the heart of such suffering is a secret torment that is hidden, not only from others, but most importantly from the Self.”

It is a protective herb and has the ability to cleanse the energy of a person. One way I have personally been using plants more is through their physical presence as in the suggestion above to plant by a doorway. Today I harvest a flower to press (by way of preservation) in an herb book for winter use. When wanting to work with a plant in this way any preparation will work from tinctures, to physical plant material fresh or dried and flower essences, to just mentally dwelling on the plant.