by Marisol Dayton

Created on: December 18, 2011

Many centuries ago, village healers and witches plucked leaves and flowers from plants they knew had medicinal qualities and believed had magical ones. One such plant is agrimony, a perennial herb that grew then, as it does now, in grassy areas, along hedgerows, and in fields. Agrimony’s dark green leaves and yellow flower spike have many traditional uses in healing and spellwork. In fact, its scientific name – Agrimonia eupatoria - gives evidence of the herb’s history of medicinal uses and folklore. ‘Agrimony’ comes from the Greek ‘argemone’, meaning healing to the eyes, and ‘eupatoria’ is derived from Mithridates VI Eupator (132-63), king of Pontus who was well-known for his skill with herbal medicine.

Since the time of the ancient Greeks, agrimony has served many uses in healing.  The Greeks used it to treat eye ailments though it is rarely used in that capacity anymore. The Anglo-Saxons called it garclive and used it to treat wounds and skin ailments. In medieval times the name “Egrimoyne” appears in texts. It was mixed in a concoction with Mudwort and vinegar and used to treat “a bad backe” and “alle woundes”. During this time it was also mixed in a concoction with pounded frog and human blood to treat internal bleeding.

In modern times agrimony is not used often medicinally. It does, however, have astringent properties so is useful in treating stings, bites and acne. As a tonic it is also used for kidney and liver ailments, diarrhea, general intestinal complaints, and as a soothing gargle. Steeping the herb’s leaves and flowers in hot water makes a fragrant tea that contains many vitamins such as B3, K, iron and niacin.

In witchcraft and spellwork, agrimony also plays a strong role. For many centuries, agrimony was said to induce a deep sleep when placed beneath a pillow. This Old English rhyme reinforces the notion: 

“If it be leyd under man’s heed,

He shal sleepyn as he will deed;

He shal never drede ne wakyn

Till fro under his heed it be takyn.” 

Even in modern day pagan practices, the herb is used in pillowcases or under pillows to ensure a deep and dreamless sleep. 

Used in spells, agrimony appears to work best from a distance or in combination with other herbs. It is recommended for people who need to explore their true feelings and emotions surrounding a situation as well as for protection spells to counteract another’s negativity or negative energies and in healing spells as the herb enhances healing magic. 

One of agrimony’s more unusual magical qualities is its ability to turn back hexes.  Besides uncrossing harmful spells, tradition says that the herb actually causing these spells to rebound upon the sender. Combined with other magical herbs, it can be used against specific spells. For example, when used with slippery elm bark, it breaks spells involving slander and lies, and when combined with rue, it turns back the Evil Eye even after effects have begun. 

Agrimony is a useful and versatile herb that has been used magically and medicinally for hundreds of years. It was an invaluable addition to a village healer’s bag as well as to witches and those who practiced pagan magic in casting spells. With the current emphasis on natural healing and the growing popularity of the wiccan religion, agrimony is again an herb that is used widely for many purposes.

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