Agrimony (Agrimonia eupatoria) is an herb that grows in the Northern hemisphere. Its dried leaves and seeds have been traditionally used as medicine.
Agrimony contains chemicals called tannins, which might benefit certain conditions. It might also have antiviral and antioxidant effects.
People use agrimony for diabetes, liver conditions, stomach problems, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Don't confuse agrimony with hemp agrimony or potentilla. These are not the same.
Is It Effective?
There is interest in using agrimony for a number of purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
Is it Safe?
When taken by mouth: Agrimony is possibly safe when used in doses up to 3 grams daily, short-term, or when its extract is used in doses of 160 mg daily for up to 8 weeks. But taking larger amounts of agrimony is possibly unsafe. Agrimony contains chemicals called tannins. In large amounts, tannins might cause stomach irritation and liver damage.
When applied to the skin: Agrimony is possibly safe when used short-term. But using large amounts of agrimony is possibly unsafe. Agrimony contains chemicals called tannins, which might cause side effects. Agrimony can also make some people's skin extra sensitive to sunlight.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy: Agrimony is possibly unsafe when taken by mouth during pregnancy. It might affect the menstrual cycle. Avoid use.
Breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if agrimony is safe to use when breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Surgery: Agrimony might affect blood sugar levels. This might interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgery. Stop using agrimony at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Agrimony might lower blood sugar levels. Taking agrimony along with diabetes medications might cause blood sugar to drop too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely.
Herbs and supplements that might lower blood sugar: Agrimony might lower blood sugar. Taking it with other supplements with similar effects might lower blood sugar too much. Examples of supplements with this effect include aloe, bitter melon, cassia cinnamon, chromium, and prickly pear cactus.
Agrimony contains chemicals called tannins, which might reduce the body's ability to absorb nutrients from foods. To avoid this, take agrimony at least 1 hour before or after eating.
There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of agrimony might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.
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