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Geranium maculatum (Gerianaceae)
AMERICAN CRANESBILL, WILD
GERANIUM, ALUMROOT, STORKSBILL
The rhizome, originally used by
North American Indians as an astringent, is now given herbally for gut
disturbances such as diarrhoea, food poisoning, and peptic ulcers.
The generic name of this species is derived from the Greek for crane,
because the unripe fruit looks like a crane's bill. It was a favourite herb of the North American Indians,
who used it as an astringent. Native to North America, it is a perennial with a hairy stem and lobed pale-green leaves
that become spotted with age. Rose-pink flowers appear in late summer.
PARTS USED
Rhizome.
ACTIVE INGREDIENTS
Tannins, including gallic acid.
ACTIONS
Astringent; stops bleeding from external wounds; promotes wound healing; tonic.
MEDICINAL USE
Given internally to control diarrhoea, food poisoning, peptic ulcers,
and inflammatory bowel disease. Used locally as a mouthwash for mouth infections and ulcers, and as a douche for vaginal infections.
PREPARATIONS
Dried rhizome, tincture, tablets.
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