 |
HERB ROBERT GERANIUM ROBERTIANUM All Geraniums are vulneraries, but this herb more particularly so. An annual with reddish stems up to two feet (60 cm) high with pink mowers. The whole plant has a strong smell. Where to find it: Common on waste ground, woodland and banks of ditches. Flowering time: Early to midsummer. Astrology: It is under the dominion of Venus. Medicinal virtues: It is commanded against the stone and to stay bleeding. It speedily heals wounds and is effectual in old ulcers in the privy parts or elsewhere. A decoction of it has been of service in obstructions of the kidneys and in gravel. Modern uses: The crushed fresh leaves can be used as a compress for heating wounds. The plant is sedative and astringent. A strong infusion - 1 OZ (28 g) to 1/2 Pt (284 mi) of boiling water - is used as a gargle and mouthwash for sore throat and mouth, and also as a lotion for eye irritation. A cloth soaked in the infusion is useful as an application for irritating skin conditions. The dried herb made into an infusion - using i oz (28 g) to i pt (568 ml) of boiling water - is taken in doses Of 2 fl GZ (56 MI) three or four times a day for peptic ulcer, simple diarrhoea and internal haemorrhage. This infusion is also suitable for diabetics as it lowers blood sugar levels. |