- Region
- North America
- Origin
- North America
North America · Herb · № 274
Geranium maculatum
Herb · North America
American cranesbill
Geranium maculatum
Traditionally attributed effects: astringent, stops bleeding, tonic.
Safety notes
Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Cautions by tradition (2)
- Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) medicine: High in tannin: not internally for long.
- Cherokee (Tsalagi) medicine: Thrush in babies needs a doctor.
Preparation
The dried root as a decoction or mouthwash. No dosage is given here.
Use in traditions
Among indigenous peoples such as the Cherokee, Meskwaki and Ojibwe the tannin-rich root was a remedy for diarrhoea, bleeding and mouth ulcers. Settlers called it alum root after its astringent taste. In Western herbalism it is used as a mouthwash and for diarrhoea.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Herbal medicine worldwide
Attributed effects
Astringent, stops bleeding, tonic.
Preparation and amount
Root and leaf.
Western herbalism
Attributed effects
Astringent, tonic, stops bleeding; curbs excess secretions (runny nose, mucus, vaginal discharge), mild antidiarrhoeal (also for children), anti-ageing for the skin.
Preparation and amount
Decoction: 1–2 tsp per cup, 10–15 min, 1–3 cups a day; tincture 1–30 drops 1–3 times a day; in cream or lotion for the skin.
Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) medicine
Attributed effects
For a sore mouth in children and for diarrhoea; the powder on a navel that heals badly.
Preparation and amount
Chew the root or boil it in water; the dried root as a powder.
Caution: High in tannin: not internally for long.
Cherokee (Tsalagi) medicine
Attributed effects
To stop bleeding, on open wounds and against canker sores, and with fox grapes as a mouthwash for children with thrush.
Preparation and amount
A decoction of the root.
Caution: Thrush in babies needs a doctor.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- DecoctionTinctureSalve and balmPowder and kitchen