Agrimony (Agrimonia eupatoria) is a yellow-flowered European herb with a long history of use as an astringent: a remedy that tightens tissue, slows secretions, and soothes irritation. Its standing rests mostly on documented traditional use, backed by laboratory and animal research rather than large human trials. That distinction matters, so this guide separates what is well established from what is still preliminary.
What is agrimony?
Agrimony is a perennial in the rose family (Rosaceae). The parts used medicinally are the aerial parts, which are the leaves, stems, and flowers gathered in summer. These are rich in tannins, plus flavonoids such as quercetin and kaempferol, and phenolic acids. The tannins are the key to its character: they bind proteins, which is what gives agrimony its drying, tightening, astringent taste and action.
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has assessed agrimony and recognizes it for traditional use, meaning its safety and plausibility rest on at least 30 years of documented medicinal use rather than on modern clinical trials (EMA, Agrimoniae herba). Germany's Commission E, an expert body that reviewed herbal medicines, reached similar conclusions for mild diarrhea and inflammation of the mouth and throat.
What the research actually shows
Here is the honest summary: most agrimony research is preclinical, done in test tubes or animals. These studies explain why the traditional uses are plausible, but they are not the same as proof that the herb treats a condition in people.
Recognized traditional uses (regulatory)
The EMA monograph supports three traditional uses in adults and children over 12: relief of mild diarrhea taken by mouth, a gargle for mild inflammation of the mouth and throat, and topical use on minor skin inflammation and small superficial wounds (EMA, Agrimoniae herba). The EMA is clear that this rests on traditional use, and it advises seeing a clinician if diarrhea lasts beyond 3 days or skin and throat symptoms beyond a week.
Anti-inflammatory and liver-related effects (preclinical)
A 2022 review in Plants (Basel) gathered the research on agrimony extract. It described anti-inflammatory and liver-protecting effects in lab and animal models, linked to the plant's polyphenols (Huzio et al., 2022). These are early findings, not proof that agrimony treats liver disease in people.
Antioxidant and antimicrobial activity (in vitro)
A 2016 study in the Journal of Food and Drug Analysis found that agrimony extracts had antioxidant activity and slowed the growth of several bacteria and fungi in the lab (Muruzović et al., 2016). This helps explain why the herb was used as a wound wash and throat gargle. But killing germs in a test tube does not predict an effect on a real infection.
Wound healing (in vitro and animal)
A 2022 study in In Vivo reported that an agrimony water extract helped skin wounds heal. It boosted skin-cell growth in culture and made wounds stronger and quicker to close in rats (Vasilenko et al., 2022). The authors credited the plant's polyphenols. Again: promising, but animal-level.
Blood-sugar enzymes (in vitro and animal)
A 2016 paper in Molecules compared agrimony and artichoke teas. It found that agrimony slowed an enzyme that breaks down carbs in the gut, and had strong antioxidant activity in diabetic rats (Kuczmannová et al., 2016). This is an early lead, not a reason to use agrimony for diabetes.
Practical uses of agrimony
These reflect traditional practice and the EMA's recognized uses. None replaces medical care for anything beyond mild, short-lived complaints.
Digestive health
Agrimony's astringency makes it a traditional choice for mild, short-term diarrhea, where the tannins reduce secretion and irritation in the gut. It is not a treatment for persistent or severe diarrhea, which needs medical assessment.
Sore throat and mouth inflammation
As a gargle or rinse, cooled agrimony tea is used for sore throats, mouth ulcers, and gum inflammation. This is one of its better-supported traditional uses under both EMA and Commission E.
Skin and wounds
Applied as a compress or wash, agrimony is traditionally used for minor skin inflammation and small superficial wounds. Deeper, infected, or non-healing wounds need professional care.
If you are exploring other astringent or digestive herbs, see our guides to tormentil and fumitory, which have overlapping but distinct profiles.
Preparations and dosage
Traditional and EMA-aligned preparations include:
- Infusion (tea): Pour 250 ml of boiling water over 1 to 2 teaspoons (about 2 to 3 g) of dried herb. Steep 10 to 15 minutes, covered, then strain. Up to three times daily.
- Tincture: Typically 1:5 in about 45% alcohol, 1 to 4 ml three times daily.
- Gargle or compress: A stronger, cooled infusion or decoction used externally on the throat or skin.
A common internal range is roughly 3 to 6 g of dried herb per day. Because traditional use is not standardized like a drug, start low and follow the guidance on any commercial product.
Safety and who should be cautious
Agrimony is considered well tolerated at traditional doses, and no major drug interactions are formally established. Still, a few sensible cautions apply:
- High tannin intake can cause stomach upset, nausea, or constipation. People prone to constipation should use it sparingly.
- Iron and some medications: tannins can reduce iron absorption, so separate agrimony from iron supplements or alkaloid-based medicines by at least 2 hours.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: safety is not established, so avoid unless a qualified clinician advises otherwise.
- Children under 12: use only under professional guidance; EMA traditional use covers ages 12 and up.
See a healthcare provider before using agrimony if you are managing a chronic condition or taking prescription medicine. For general guidance on choosing and using herbal products safely, the NCCIH is a reliable starting point.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is agrimony scientifically proven to work? Its traditional uses are recognized by the EMA based on long-standing use, and laboratory and animal studies support its plausibility. But there are no large human clinical trials, so "proven" is too strong a word.
Can I use agrimony every day? Short courses at standard doses are consistent with EMA and Commission E guidance. Long-term daily use should be supervised by a practitioner.
Is agrimony the same as hemp agrimony? No. Hemp agrimony (Eupatorium cannabinum) is a different plant with a different safety profile. This article covers Agrimonia eupatoria only.
Does agrimony interact with medications? No significant interactions are documented at standard doses, but its tannins can reduce absorption of iron and some medicines. Separate doses by at least 2 hours.
Medical disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your health routine.
Sources
- European Medicines Agency. Agrimoniae herba (Agrimonia eupatoria L., herba) — herbal medicinal product. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/herbal/agrimoniae-herba
- Huzio N, et al. Phytochemical and Pharmacological Research in Agrimonia eupatoria L. Herb Extract with Anti-Inflammatory and Hepatoprotective Properties. Plants (Basel), 2022 — PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36145771/
- Muruzović MŽ, et al. Extracts of Agrimonia eupatoria L. as sources of biologically active compounds and evaluation of their antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antibiofilm activities. Journal of Food and Drug Analysis, 2016 — PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28911559/
- Vasilenko T, et al. Agrimonia eupatoria L. Aqueous Extract Improves Skin Wound Healing: An In Vitro Study in Fibroblasts and Keratinocytes and In Vivo Study in Rats. In Vivo, 2022 — PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35478102/
- Kuczmannová A, et al. Agrimonia eupatoria L. and Cynara cardunculus L. Water Infusions: Comparison of Anti-Diabetic Activities. Molecules, 2016 — PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27136516/
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). Herbs at a Glance. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/herbs-at-a-glance
All sources accessed 26 May 2026.
