During my time as a Homestead Herbalism student my favorite
experience was watching my classmates fall in love with herbs. While I have
experienced it, (Heaven knows how many times now) watching someone see a
specific plant in a whole new light just motivated me to learn more.
One story that sticks in my mind is that of my classmate, Rachel. Rachel has a passion for the earth
that was apparent during our first day of class. Her commitment to sustainable
landscape and farming practices was always fascinating to me and watching her
knowledge of herbs grow was utterly inspiring.
So when she decided to focus on agrimony as her final
project I was sure I was going to learn more about this plant than I ever
expected.
Agrimony is native to the U.K. and is part of the rose
family. It has bright yellow flowers that along with other aerial parts can be
used teas, tinctures, and elixirs.
In France agrimony is commonly used to bring a delicate and
citrusy taste to teas. It was known as a “spring drink” or “diet drink” and was
used as a blood purifier after a long winter. Rachel stated in her final
project that agrimony was often used in l’eau de arquebusade
which is an herbal tonic
containing many different herb essences. Used to wash wounds and help skin
issues, l’eau
de arquebusade is still
used by those with acne, psoriasis, and eczema.
Bach
believes that the flower essence of agrimony can help those who deal with
emotions associated with pain, sickness, and suffering by hiding it under a
mask of humor and positive reinforcements. While being able to laugh in times
of frustration or stress can be beneficial, using laughter to push away your
issues and those around you can be detrimental in the long run. Bach believes
that, “ Agrimony helps us come to terms with the darker
side of our lives and personalities, so that we can become more rounded human
beings.”
Agrimony and my classmate’s adoration
for the plant truly encompass what makes the study of herbs so great. All
plants have a way of helping humans, even if we don’t realize we need it.
Agrimony has a long list of benefits varying from skin relief to mood
stabilizers. If one plant can offer so much to humanity, imagine what the rest
of the herb world has to offer?
Sources:
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