Hemp Agrimony

Hemp Agrimony
This genus of 40 species of annuals, herbaceous perennials, subshrubs, and evergreen shrubs occurs in a wide range of habitats and climatic zones in Europe, Asia, Africa, N and S America. Originally a large genus of near 1000 species, most have been reclassified in other genera, such as Ageratina and Barlettina. Hemp agrimonies have rayless, long-stamened flowers; some are ornamental, late-flowering plants for damp garden areas. Eupatorium purpureum is a particularly imposing plant for the wild garden or back of a large border. The common name "Joe Pye Weed" refers to an Indian who apparently used the plant to cure typhus fever. Eupatorium cannabinum has been described in herbals since the 10th century, mainly as a spring tonic and detoxicant. Research has shown that it has immune-stimulant and anti-cancer properties, but is also contains potentially toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids (as in Symphytum officinale, See comfrey). In the 18th and 19th centuries E. perfoliatum was the standard household remedy in N America for coughs and colds, and regarded as a cure-all. The common name "boneset" was given because the herb was also used to treat break-bone or dengue fever, which was once prevalent in southern states. Snakebite was another frequent hazard, for which E. hyssopifolium was used. The main species used in traditional Chinese medicine is E. fortunei. In addition, E. lindleyanum is used for bronchitis and dysentery, and E. chinense for colds, diphtheria, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Robust, clump-forming perennial with erect, reddish, downy stems, and palmately lobed leaves, to 12cm (5in) across. Mauve-pink to purple or white flowers are borne in dense, flat-topped corymbs, to 10cm (4in) across, from summer to early autumn.

Common Name:	Hemp Agrimony
Botanical Name:	Eupatorium cannabinum
Genus:	Eupatorium
Family:	Asteraceae
Native Location:	Europe
Cultivation:	Moist soul in sun or partial shade. Cut stems almost to ground level in autumn after flowering. Eupatorium purpureum prefers alkaline soil. Some species are subject to statuatory controls as weeds in parts of Australia.
Propagation:	By seed sown in spring; by division in spring.
Harvest:	Plants are cut when in bud, and dried for use in infusions, liquid extracts, tinctures. Rhizomes and roots are lifted in autumn, and dried for use in decoctions or tinctures.
Height:	30cm-1.5m (1-5ft)
Width:	1.2m (4ft)
Variations:	Flore Pleno Has double, longer lasting flowers.
Hardiness:	Z5-9
Parts Used:	Whole Plant
Properties:	A bitter-sweet, slightly aromatic herb that is diuretic and has a tonic effect, stimulating the immune system and arresting the growth of tumors. It contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids that may cause damage or cancer to the liver.
Medicinal Uses:	Internally for arthritis, rheumatism, feverish colds, and influenza. Excess is purgative and emetic. Combined with other herbs as a tonic for low energy with biliousness or constipation. Externally for ulcers, sores, and as an insect repellent for animals. Used in homeopathic tinctures for influenza.
Bibliography:	Encyclopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown Copyright © 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited Pp 208-209