American Cranesbill

BOTANICAL NAME

Geranium maculatum

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

American Cranesbill, also know as the wild geranium is a perennial herb that grows approximately to 2 feet tall, and is native to North America and can be found in the low grounds and woodlands from Canada to Georgia, and westward to Kansas.

The cranesbill produces a hairy stem with opposite pairs of leaves and clusters of attractive rose-purple flowers that bloom from April to July. The plant's fruit bears a resemblance to a Crane's bill, therefore, the name Cranesbill.

Barbers have used cranesbill as a styptic stop razor cuts.

TARGET AILMENTS:

Use internally for:

* an inflamed intestinal tract

* reducing inflammation of the mucous membranes

* will aid in the relief of mouth sores, sore throat and bleeding gums.

* reliable treatment for internal piles and hemorrhoids. * helpful in fighting the bacteria in tuberculosis.

* stops bleeding, and is an excellent treatment for hemorrhage, nosebleeds, and profuse menstruation

* acts as a powerful astringent, causing mucous membranes to constrict, and are also said to be effective against diarrhea, cholera and dysentery.

* can be used as a douche to treat leucorrhoea (a catarrhal discharge from the mucus membrane of the female genital tract, commonly known as white discharge)

Use externally for:

* blood coagulant

* stop immediate bleeding from a wound or cut

* curbs irritation of hemorrhoid tissue

PREPARATION

Over the counter:

Take two (2) capsules, two (2) to three (3) times each day with water at mealtimes.

Preparation and Dosage

At home:

Decoction Put 1-2 teaspoonful of the Rhizome in a cup of cold water and bring to a boil. Let simmer for 10-15 minutes. This should be drunk three times a day.

Tincture

Take 2-4 ml of the tincture three times a day.

Parts used: Rhizome and aerial parts

Collection: The aerial parts are collected during flowering. The rhizome is unearthed in late summer and autumn (Fall) and cut into pieces and dried.

Constituents: 12-25% tannins including gallic acid, with the level being highest just before flowering.

Actions: Astringent, anti-hemorrhagic, anti-inflammatory, vulnerary, anti-catarrhal, styptic, tonic

Combinations: American Cranesbill can be combined with Meadowsweet, Comfrey, Marshmallow or Agrimony

SIDE EFFECTS

None known