Geranium Robertova

Popular names: stinker, stork’s beak.

Parts used: herb and root.

Pharmacy name: Robert’s geranium herb – Geranii robertiani herba (formerly: Herba Geranii robertiani); Robert’s geranium root – Geranii robertiani radix (formerly: Radix Geranii robertiani).

Botanical description.Stinky stork, as this medicinal plant is often called, is easily recognized by its unpleasant odor, which is especially felt 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 the red glandular hairs. The strongly branched stem bears numerous, opposite, long-petiolate, palmately divided leaves with doubly pinnately lobed leaflets. The flowers are borne in pairs on the same 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. Robertov’s geranium is a fairly traditional plant. Prefers damp, shady thickets, wet rocks and stones, it can be found even in cracks in old trees,

Collection and preparation. It is best to use grass harvested during flowering. It is cut at the root and, tied in bunches, hung out to dry. But there are also roots. They are harvested 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 a 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 product is called Geranium maculatum. It is made from the North American spotted geranium, the roots of which are processed into the original tincture. It is used as a hemostatic agent for internal bleeding. Recommended initial tincture and dilution D 1 . Dosage: 5-15 drops 3 times daily.

Application in folk medicine.Medieval doctors spoke enthusiastically about Robert’s geranium, calling it very often the herb of God’s grace. V. Riffius (1573) wrote: “The great name of God’s mercy was bestowed on this herb thanks to its well-known amazing properties that are found in its healing action; its virtue and strength are very great and varied. This is proved by the experience of her every day taking.” We also find in P.A. Mattiolus, and later from Tabernemontanus and Baugin (1731) medical indications that are drawn from traditional medicine: freshly squeezed juice or decoction from a dried plant is applicable for bleeding of various kinds (nose, menstrual, hemorrhoidal, also from wounds); with sore throat, inflammation of the gums and mouth, 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 look at this medicinal plant, so revered by the people. It’s not often that it brings discoveries. But before full clarity, I call for the prudent use of Geranium Robertova.

  • Geranium Robertova tea: 2 teaspoons of dry herb (or 1 teaspoon of dried root) pour 1/4 liter of boiling water, leave for 5 minutes (for herbs) or 15 minutes (for roots), strain and drink a cup 2 times every day .

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

Side effects. An overdose should be avoided, since the high content of tannins does not always work well on the stomach. Serious side effects are not to be feared.