Geranium is a plant cultivated to decorate gardens, but it also has healing properties. Here we explain the benefits and contraindications of geranium.
Geranium is indigenous to eastern and central North America. It is mainly found growing wild in forests and woodlands.
This is a perennial plant of the Geranium genus and belongs to the Geraniaceae family.
It can grow up to 60 cm (about two feet) tall and has deeply lobed, toothed leaves. The flowers have five petals and are pink or purple in color, but white-flowered varieties of the species do occur.
The fruit resembles a crane’s beak which explains the English common name cranesbill.
Plant parts used: It is mainly the roots or underground plant stems (rhizomes) of the plant that are used in herbal medicine, but sometimes the above ground parts are used.
The root must be harvested in early spring, while the aerial parts must be collected in the summer.
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Geranium Health Benefits
Some of the substances found in the geranium They are tannins, gallic acid, starch, pectin and resin. The root can contain anywhere from 12 to 25 percent tannin, with the most just before flowering.
American gull is not the only plant in the Geranium genus to be used in herbal medicine. European crane species (Geranium sylvaticum) and Roberto grass (Geranium robertianum) are also used.
Early Native Americans used this herb to treat many medical conditions, including dysentery and diarrhea. It was used as an eye wash, and the powdered root, often mixed with other herbs, was used as a compress on wounds and swollen feet.
The Ojibwe or Chippewa used the dried and powdered roots (rhizomes) to remedy mouth ulcers, inflamed gums, and sore throats. The Blackfoot tribe used it to stop bleeding.
Later, European settlers in North America used the plant for diarrhea, internal bleeding, anger and sexually transmitted diseases.
Due to the high tannin content, the herb has astringent and antiseptic.
Current herbal medicine uses the herb for the irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)diarrhea (especially in children and the elderly), dysentery, gastrointestinal catarrh, ulcers, colitis and hemorrhoids.
Geranium possesses hemostatic properties and may function as an agent to stop internal bleeding.
Additionally, the herb is used for hemoptysis (passing up blood or bloody mucus), hematuria (presence of blood in the urine) and abundant menstrual bleeding and externally to stop bleeding and heal wounds.
As a mouthwash or gargle, the herb may be effective against thrushinflammation of the mouth and throat, tonsillitis and toothache.
The fresh leaves can also be rubbed on insect bites and used as a mosquito repellent.
Geranium has been found to be highly active against bacteria that cause tuberculosis.
Both the flowers and the leaves are edible but have a sour or bitter taste. The flowers are often used as a garnish.
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Dosage and administration
Geranium leaves and rhizome are commercially available in the form of a dry extract of tea or tincture.
Tincture: 2 ml to 4 ml in a glass of water taken three times a day.
Decoction: one or two teaspoons of the dried rhizome in a cup of cold water and bring the mixture to a boil. Simmer the mixture for ten to fifteen minutes and then allow the mixture to cool before straining.
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Contraindications and side effects of geranium
Geranium is considered a safe herb to use, but normal precautions should be taken with the herb as with all other herbs.
Not for use during pregnancy or by nursing mothers.
The root contains large amounts of tannins that can be toxic to the liver if used for long periods.
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