Agrimony
: (Vaccinium myrtillus) aka: Bilberry, Huckleberry, Whortleberry, to name a few. Used by the Kashaya Pomo in Northern California for diabetes and eye disorders. Mentioned in many older texts in Buryatia, Europe, China as an herb valuable for it's powerful ability to correct many diseases of the digestive system, circulatory system and eyes.
Agrimony contains tanin and a volatile, essential oil. The English use it to make a delicious "spring" or "diet" drink for purifying the blood. It is considered an especially useful tonic for aiding recovery from winter colds and fevers. As agrimony also posseses an astringent action, it is frequently used as an herbal mouthwash and gargle ingredient, and externally in the form of a lotion to minor sores and ulcers. It has also been recommended, as a strong decoction, to cure sores, blemishes, and pimples.
Agrimony tea is a gentle blood purifier. Infuse 1 teaspoon dried agrimony root, leaves, or flowers in cup of boiling water for 15 minutes. Strain and flavor with honey and a little licorice root if desired. Take up to 1 cup per day.
See also Bilberry.