Agrimony

BotanicalBest taken away from food

What is it

Agrimony (Agrimonia eupatoria) is a flowering plant in the rose family whose aerial parts have been used in European traditional medicine for digestive complaints, mild diarrhea, and as a mucosal astringent.

Evidence for 1 use

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Mild diarrhea / mucosal irritation (traditional)

Mixed Evidence

Use is grounded in traditional herbalism and tannin pharmacology. Modern controlled trials are limited.

How it works

Agrimony contains tannins, flavonoids, and triterpenoids. Tannins provide local astringent effects on mucous membranes, supporting traditional use in mild diarrhea and sore throats. Some preclinical evidence suggests anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity. Human clinical evidence is sparse; most modern usage draws on traditional herbal practice and on a small number of small studies.

Dosage

There is no RDA. Traditional doses are 1-3 g of dried herb in infusion, several times daily. DSLD does not provide a median dose for this entry.

When and how to take it

Traditional infusions are taken between meals to limit interference with mineral absorption.

1 commercial form

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Agrimonia eupatoria aerial parts extract / dried herb

Liquid extracts, dry extracts, and dried herb for tea.

Tannins act locally; systemic absorption is limited.

Safety

Generally well tolerated at traditional doses. High tannin intake can cause GI upset and reduce mineral absorption. Allergic reactions are rare.

Who should be cautious

Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding due to limited safety data. Caution in iron-deficiency anemia and in those on anticoagulants.

Interactions

Tannins can bind iron and other minerals as well as some medications; separate by 2 hours. Theoretical interactions with anticoagulants based on coumarin content.

Frequently asked questions

What is agrimony used for?

Traditionally for mild diarrhea, sore throats, and minor digestive complaints.

Is it safe in pregnancy?

Reliable safety data are limited; avoid use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

References

Agrimony on WikidataWikidata link

Agrimony on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database)NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Agrimony (PubMed search)PubMed link

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.