Agrimony, also known as cocklebur and liverwort, was well known to the ancient Greeks. In fact, the herb gets its genus name from the Greek word agremone, which refers to plants used to address cataracts of the eye. Its species name is in honor of Mithradates Eupator, King of Pontus, who developed a “universal antidote” to protect himself from all poisons.
Agrimony contains several active compounds, including ellagitannins, flavonoids, phytosterols and polysaccharides. Due to its bitter and astringent qualities, the herb is usually prepared as tea or applied topically to counter acne, rashes and other skin conditions.
