ENGLISH NAME: Agrimony
LATIN NAME: Agrimonia eupatoria
LOCAL NAMES:
Czechia: Řepík lékařský
Turkey: Sarı ballıbaba / Mayasılotu
Bulgaria: Агримония
Georgia: დედოფლის გვირილა (Dedoplis gvirila)
COUNTRY: Bulgaria, Czechia, Turkey, Georgia
WHERE TO FIND IT:
Region: South Bohemia (Czechia), Marmara Region (Turkey), Balkan Mountains
(Bulgaria), Imereti (Georgia)
Elevation: 200–1300 meters
Terrain: Woodland edges, meadows, roadsides, and grassy hills
DESCRIPTION:
A perennial herb with tall, slender stems bearing bright yellow, star-shaped
flowers arranged in long spikes. The plant has pinnate leaves that are dark
green on top and silvery underneath due to fine hairs. It emits a pleasant,
slightly apricot-like scent when crushed.
USABLE PARTS: Aerial parts –
stems, leaves, and flowers
MEDICINAL
PROPERTIES:
Used for digestive disorders, sore throats, and liver support. Known for its
strong astringent properties, making it useful in treating diarrhea and skin
conditions. Also applied in traditional medicine for urinary tract health and
mild respiratory complaints.
UNDESIRED EFFECTS:
May cause constipation in sensitive individuals due to astringency; avoid in
cases of chronic constipation or dehydration.
COMBINING WITH
OTHER MEDICINES:
Often combined with chamomile or calendula for anti-inflammatory blends and
with yarrow or St. John’s Wort for digestive and hepatic support.
PREPARATION:
Infusions and teas from dried aerial parts are common. Can also be used in
gargles for sore throats or compresses for wounds. Tinctures are also prepared
for internal use.
HARVEST TIME:
Late spring through mid-summer when flowers are fully open.
HARVEST METHOD:
Cut the upper parts of the plant (20–30 cm) using sharp scissors or a knife on
a dry, sunny day. Avoid collecting from areas near roads or polluted soils.
CONSERVATION
(STORAGE):
Dry in a shaded, well-ventilated area. Store in paper bags or airtight
containers in a cool, dark place for up to one year.