Agrimony

Agrimony, also known as church steeple, cockeburr, sticklewort and Philanthrops, has the latin name of Agrimonia eupatoria.  This plant is part of the rose family and can usually be found near hedgerows and fences in England

. It has yellow flowers with egg-shaped petals on spikes. The very pleasing aroma is similar to that of a apricot.

The plant is mainly unbranched and has many leaves which vary in size from three inches at the top of the plant to seven inches at the bottom. It is a deep green plant with soft hairs. Even when the flowers and stems are dried they still maintain the pleasing scent.

This plant has been used to help those with sore throat, plain, inflammation, indigestion, bladder infections, arthritis, rheumatism urinary incontinence, gallstones, food allergies, asthma, cough, wound healing, psoriasis, acne, eczema, hemorrhoids, eye irritation, colitis, liver and kidney disorders, pimples, and skin irritations. Whew!

Most commonly the plant would be dried and then mashed into a powder which can then be mixed into a slurry, a decoction, herbal tea, or essential oils.

Agrimony also makes a good dye. When the plant is harvested in September it gives a pale yellow color to wool. Otherwise, when harvested later, it yields a darker, richer yellow color.

For educational purposes only This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. 
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-604-agrimony.aspx?activeingredientid=604&activeingredientname=agrimony

http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/a/agrim015.html

https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/agrimony/profile

Drying Herbs

After the herbs have been harvested, either in the backyard or along roadways or wherever, they need to be prepared to be used. One of the easiest way to save these plants is to dry them. After drying, the plant parts can then be used in teas, tinctures, infused oils and so on.

Air Drying

One of the easiest ways to dry herbs is just to bundle a few together and tie with string or a rubber band. Then to hang them in a dry area. This could be in a laundry room, or from rafters. If hanging is not an option, they can be laid on a drying screen or on a piece of brown paper.

A drying screen can be easily made by stretching an open-weave fabric to a frame. Drying frames work well because the air is allowed to circulate around the entire plant without having small pieces becoming lost.

If neither of these appeal to the user they can place the bundle in a paper bag with the stems facing upwards. The end of the bag should be closed and then a few holes should be placed in the bag to allow for air circulation.

No matter which way they are dried, they can be ready to be used in as little as a week.

Oven Drying
Oven Drying is an alternative way to dry herbs. To do this the material should be placed, shallowly, on a cookie sheet. Then place these herbs in an open oven at 180 degrees Fahrenheit for about two to four hours. When the leaves crumble easily they are ready. This method can take away some of the flavor and potency of the herb. So when using the herbs, a little more may need to be used.

Why Natural???

I was diagnosed with arthritis when I turned 40. After this it seemed like I started falling apart.....Two knee replacements, two shoulder replacements, neck surgery, severe arthritis in my hands and feet, obesity, depression, and high blood pressure.

I decided to try to take a gradual natural approach to dealing with each of these. In addition to looking for natural ways to help my body heal, I am also looking into going natural with cosmetics, natural shampoos, deodorants, etc and natural cleaners.

I invite all to follow my trek as I try to go natural and as I explore the uses that can be made of different items.

Welcome all!!!!!