Agrimonia Japonica

Many narrow spikes of small but numerous, fragrant, five-petalled yellow flowers appear on long stems above basal, potentilla-like leaves. Later, the unusual, softly-spiky seed heads appear. Herbally classed as a bitter herb, it stimulate the production of enzymes and stomach acids, readying the digestive system for the optimum assimilation of nutrients from food. It has long been used to ease conditions of the upper respiratory tract, and can be especially useful when used as a gargle to soothe sore throats. Also known as hairy agrimony, this unusual plant is distributed primarily over the Korean Peninsula, Japan, China, Siberia, and Eastern Europe.