The humble Carolina geranium (Geranium carolinianum; AKA ) grows profusely throughout North America. It is commonly misrepresented as a "weed", but it is actually a powerful herb packed with incredible healing properties!
Carolina geranium has brownish-pink stems, 5 lobed petals, and tiny flowers. Because this herb is so prolific, practically everyone can access potent pro-wellness compounds!
Carolina geranium is high in tannins; they are especially concentrated in the rhizomal roots. Tannins give the plant a bitter flavor. They also make it a strong astringent, which is useful for treating gastrointestinal conditions, moist wounds, and weak tissues that need drier conditions (such as a canker sore).
The herb is a source of vitamin K.
This lovely flowering herb is fully edible! The leaves and stems can be taken raw, cooked, or in tea. The roots are more palatable when boiled for 10 minutes; the cooking water can be taken as tea too! Carolina geranium's strong astringent properties can be made weaker by combining it with milk (cinnamon can be added for flavor).
Carolina Geranium Healing Properties:
- astringent = causes the contraction of tissues
- salve = promotes healing of the skin
- high tannin content makes it useful to treat diarrhea
- styptic = capable of stopping bleeding when applied to a wound
- can relieve bladder inflammation
- may alleviate eye conditions like conjunctivitis and vision problems
- used to regulate menstruation and uterine problems
- effective for nervous tension & fluctuating hormones
- canker sores
- increases milk flow in nursing mothers
Researchers found that polyphenolic extract from Carolina geranium displays anti-Hepatitis B activity!
Sources:https://altnature.com/gallery/wild_geranium.htm
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18423640
http://www.eattheweeds.com/erodium-circutarium-geranium-carolinianum-two-bills-you-want-to-get-2/
www.intothegardenofeden.com
