Herb: Herb Robert


Latin name: Geranium robertianum


Family: Geraniaceae (Geranium Family)



Medicinal use of Herb Robert:

Herb Robert is little used in modern herbalism, but is occasionally employed as an astringent to halt bleeding, treat diarrhoea etc in much the same way as G. maculatum. The leaves are antirheumatic, astringent, mildly diuretic and vulnerary. Modern research has shown that the leaves can lower blood sugar levels and so it can be useful in the treatment of diabetes. An infusion of the leaves is used in the treatment of bleeding, stomach ailments, kidney infections, jaundice etc. Externally, a wash or poultice is applied to swollen and painful breasts, rheumatic joints, bruises, bleeding etc. It is best to use the entire plant, including the roots. The plant can be harvested at any time from late spring to early autumn and is usually used fresh. A homeopathic remedy is made from the plant. Details of uses are not given in this report.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Annual/Biennial


Height:
40 cm
(1 foot)

Flowering:
June to
October

Scent:
Scented
Annual/Biennial

Habitat of the herb:

Moist shady positions in undergrowth, rocks and walls, hedge banks, roadsides and waste places.

Other uses of Herb Robert:

Freshly picked leaves are rubbed on the body to repel mosquitoes. They impart their own peculiar odour. A brown dye is obtained from the whole plant.

Propagation of the herb:

Seed - sow spring in situ.

Cultivation of Herb Robert:

Moist shady positions in undergrowth, rocks and walls, hedge banks, roadsides and waste places.

Known hazards of Geranium robertianum:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.