Agrimonia eupatoria is an herb used for a variety of medicinal purposes. It is called sticklewort or the church steeples plant in some areas. The plant is made into a tea, an ointment, or an astringent for topical applications. All parts of the plant, including the roots, stems, and leaves, are used to make the homemade remedies.
In ancient times, this herb was called all heal. It was believed to cure all manner of sickness, from boils to internal hemorrhages. A mixture made from the plant was even thought to reverse the effects of snake venom. It has been used for many types of physical complaints, including warts and back pain.
A tea made by pouring boiling water over a handful of crushed agrimonia eupatoria leaves reportedly cures many illnesses. The tea mixture was used to treat colds and sore throats. To treat diarrhea and other gastrointestinal complaints, the tea concoction was taken three to four times a day. Agrimonia eupatoria tea is thought to be useful for the treatment of coughs and other respiratory complaints. Drinking a brew made of leaves and the roots of the agrimonia eupatoria plant was also used to treat acne, and the same treatment is used to cure blotchiness of the face and other skin disorders.
Some believe that the agrimonia eupatoria plant can cure many liver disorders, including jaundice. The jaundice treatment is made with honey, the root of the plant, and boiling water. Patients needing treatment are prescribed this mixture three to four times a day until the symptoms pass. Others believe it can treat blood disorders when taken daily.
An oil made from distilling the agrimonia eupatoria was used to treat wounds and skin ulcers. The oil was also used to gargle with in order to treat a sore throat. Astringent properties were attributed to the oil of the plant.
Soaking in a bath containing agrimonia eupatoria may heal bruising and persistent muscle aches. The bath was reported to relieve the pain of gout when used regularly. It was believed that soaking in the mixture would help splinters draw out of the skin.
Native Americans are reported to have used the herb to treat fevers with some success. The plant was collected and used by the women of the tribe to treat various illnesses. In some tribes, the plant was only allowed use by the medicine woman or man. It was also used to tan leather and create a yellow dye used for clothing.
