How Cranesbill - Geranium Maculatum Is Used In Herbal Remedies

Other Common Names: Alum Bloom, Alum Root, American Cranesbill Root, Benekli Turnagagasi, Chocolate Flower, Wild Geranium, Crowfoot, Dove's Foot, Geranium, Old Maid's Nightcap, Shameface, Spotted Crane's-bill, Spotted Cranesbill, Spotted Geranium, Storkbill, Wild Cranesbill, Wild Geranium, Geranium maculatum

Range: Eastern N. America - Maine to Georgia, west to Arkansas, Kansas and Manitoba.

Habitat: Wet places in woods, wet rocks and in swamps. Woodlands, thickets and meadows.

The whole plant, but especially the root, is antiseptic, highly astringent, diuretic, styptic and tonic. An infusion of the whole plant, or of the roots alone, is used in the treatment of diarrhea (especially in children and the elderly), dysentery, irritable bowel syndrome, cholera, kidney complaints, bleeding and a wide range of other ailments.

It is often used in combination with other herbs. Externally, it is applied to purulent wounds, hemorrhoids, thrush, vaginal discharges and inflammations of the mouth. The plants are rich in tannin, the root containing 10 - 20%.

The roots can be harvested in the autumn then dried and stored. It is best to harvest the roots as the plant comes into flower since it is then at its most active medicinally. The leaves are harvested as the plant comes into flower and are dried for later use.

Discuss It!