Geranium Robertov

Geraniums - Geraniaceae. Common names: stink bug, stork beak. Parts used: herb and root. Pharmacy name: Robertova geranium herb - Geranii robertiani herba (formerly: Herba Geranii robertiani); Robert's geranium root - Geranii robertiani radix (formerly: Radix Geranii robertiani).

Botanical description. Stinking stork, as this medicinal plant is often called, is easily recognized by its unpleasant odor, which is especially noticeable if you rub the leaves with your fingers. The plant has a height of 20-50 cm; its green, tender shoots often take on a carmine-red hue due to red glandular hairs. The highly branched stem bears numerous, opposite, long-petiolate, palmate leaves with double-pinnate leaflets. The flowers sit in pairs on one peduncle, light red to deep carmine red, often with lighter stripes. After flowering, a beak-shaped, bivalve, cracking fruit develops. Blooms from May to September. Geranium Robertova is a fairly common plant. It prefers damp, shady thickets, wet rocks and stones; it can even be found in cracks in old trees, as well as in deciduous and coniferous forests.

Collection and preparation. It is best to use grass collected during flowering. It is cut off at the root and, tied into bunches, hung to dry. But the roots are also used. They are collected in early spring or late autumn, shaken off the ground and dried in the shade.

Active ingredients: tannins (especially in the roots), bitterness, essential oil (in the fresh plant), organic acids.

Healing action and application. In scientific medicine, Robertov's geranium is not used, despite the fact that its chemical composition suggests its good therapeutic effect.

Use in homeopathy. The homeopathic medicine is called Geranium maculatum. It is prepared from North American spotted geranium, the roots of which are processed into the original tincture. Used as a hemostatic agent for internal bleeding. The original tincture and dilution D1 are recommended. Dosage: 5-15 drops 3 times a day.

Use in folk medicine. Medieval doctors spoke enthusiastically about Robert's geranium, often calling it the herb of God's mercy. V. Riffius (1573) wrote: “The great name of God’s mercy is bestowed on this herb due to its well-known amazing properties, which are revealed in its healing action; its virtue and power are very great and varied. This is proven by the experience of its daily use.” We also find in P. A. Mattiolus, and later in Tabernemontanus and Baugin (1731), medicinal instructions that are drawn from traditional medicine: freshly squeezed juice or a decoction from a dried plant is used for bleeding of various kinds (nasal, menstrual, hemorrhoidal, and also from wounds); for sore throat, inflammation of the gums and oral cavity, inflammation of the eyes, jaundice, dropsy, diarrhea, stones in the internal organs. In my opinion, it would make sense from a scientific point of view to take a closer look at this medicinal plant, so revered by the people. This often brings discoveries. But until there is complete clarity, I urge caution in the use of Geranium Robertova.

For gargling and treating wounds, it is advisable to dilute this decoction with the same amount of chamomile tea.

Side effects. Overdose should be avoided, since the high tannin content does not always have a good effect on the stomach. There is no need to worry about serious side effects.