Health Guide

Hemp Agrimony

Hemp Agrimony (Eupatorium cannabinum) is a perennial herb native to Europe and Western Asia, historically revered in folk medicine as a powerful 'blood cleanser' and liver tonic. Unlike the name suggests, it is not related to the hemp plant used for CBD. Its active compounds, particularly sesquiterpene lactones, stimulate digestive juices and support the body's natural detoxification pathways. While it offers potent therapeutic potential for sluggish digestion and skin health, it requires strict adherence to safety guidelines due to the presence of naturally occurring pyrrolizidine alkaloids.
Evidence BasedDietary Supplement
Hemp Agrimony
VERIFIED SOURCE

Bio-Activity Analysis

Detoxification Support: Herb vs. Food

SCIENTIFIC DATA VISUALIZATION

Y-Axis
Safety Profile (Higher is Better)
Source Type

Health Benefits & Sources

Why You Need It

  • Supports Liver Function: It acts as a hepatic tonic, helping the liver process toxins more efficiently.
  • Improves Digestion: Stimulates the secretion of bile and gastric juices, aiding those with sluggish digestion.
  • Promotes Skin Health: By improving internal detoxification, it helps clear up chronic skin conditions like eczema and acne.
  • Relieves Water Retention: It possesses mild diuretic properties, helping to reduce edema and bloating.

Deep Dive

Hemp Agrimony works primarily by stimulating the liver and gallbladder. Think of it as a 'wrench' for your digestive engine; it helps get things moving when you feel sluggish or bloated after heavy meals. The sesquiterpene lactones found in the plant are responsible for these bitter properties, which trigger the release of digestive enzymes. Traditionally, it has been used to treat jaundice, gallstones, and chronic rheumatism. However, modern usage focuses on short-term detoxification cycles due to safety concerns regarding its alkaloid content.

Natural Food Sources (Safe Alternatives)

Since Hemp Agrimony is a medicinal herb and not a food staple, we recommend incorporating these safe, edible detoxifiers into your diet to achieve similar liver-supporting benefits:

FoodAmount% DV (Daily Value)
Dandelion Greens1 cup (raw)Rich in Vitamin K & A
Artichoke Hearts1 mediumHigh in Silymarin
Beetroot1 mediumHigh in Betaine
Watercress1 cupRich in Glucosinolates
Turmeric1 tsp (powder)High in Curcumin

Supplementation

Hemp Agrimony is available as a tincture, dried herb for tea, or fluid extract. Usage: It is typically taken before meals to aid digestion. Dosage: Follow the manufacturer's instructions strictly. Do not use for more than 4-6 weeks continuously. It must be cycled off to prevent liver stress.

Top Food Sources

Dandelion Root
Best natural liver tonic
Milk Thistle
Standard for liver protection
Burdock Root
Blood purifier
Artichoke
Bile flow stimulant
Yellow Dock
Digestive aid

Frequently Asked Questions

No. Despite the name, they are completely different plants. Hemp Agrimony is a daisy-family plant, while industrial hemp is a cannabis plant. They share no active compounds (like CBD).
In small, therapeutic doses for short periods, the benefits often outweigh the risks. It is a potent herbal medicine. Poisoning usually occurs from misuse, overdose, or taking it for too long.
Traditionally, yes, but with caution. The water extraction method pulls out the alkaloids. Modern guidelines suggest limiting tea consumption to 4 weeks max.
Yes. Because it stimulates the liver, it can speed up the breakdown of drugs (like blood thinners or diabetes meds), making them less effective. Consult a doctor first.

Safety & Side Effects

CRITICAL SAFETY WARNING: Hemp Agrimony contains Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids (PAs). These compounds are known to be potentially hepatotoxic (liver-damaging) and carcinogenic if taken in high doses or for long periods.

Who should avoid it?

  • Individuals with existing liver disease.
  • Pregnant or breastfeeding women (risk of birth defects).
  • Children.
  • Anyone taking medications metabolized by the liver.

Side Effects: Nausea, vomiting, and in severe cases, liver damage. Always purchase from reputable sources that test for PA content or use PA-free extracts where available.

Scientific References

  • [1]BfR (German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment) - Opinion on Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids in Herbal Teas
  • [2]EMA (European Medicines Agency) - Community Herbal Monograph on Eupatorium cannabinum L.
  • [3]Wichtl, M. - 'Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals' (Reference on active constituents)