Herb Robert for gout, and to repel mosquitos, rabbits and deer
Herb Robert, Geranium robertianum (sometimes Robertiella robertiana), is also called dragons blood, red robin, robert geranium, storkbill and wild cranesbill. It is closely related to the spotted cranesbill and less closely to the rose geranium, rose scented geranium and apple geranium. It is not related to the ornamental Photinia x. fraseri ‘Red Robin’.
Herb Robert is listed as a noxious weed in parts of the United States.
Herb Robert is a hardy annual or biennial which reaches a height and spread of around 15″ (40cm). It is not fussy about soil, so long as it is well drained. It will not grow in full shade. It’s very easy to propagate – just sow the seeds where you want the plants to appear, and thin as necessary.
The flowers grow in pairs and vary in color from purplish-red to rose pink. Although they are quite pretty, the plant has an unpleasant odor which has been described as “foxy”, and which is more pronounced after rain. Not one to add to your pot pourri, but if you’re prone to mosquito bites, apparently you can repel them by rubbing yourself with fresh leaves – though you may end up repelling yourself as well! It’s also avoided by rabbits and deer.
Herb Robert is not much seen in modern herbalism. It has many uses, most using the whole plant, including roots. You can gather the plants at any time from June to October and either use fresh or dry for later use by laying out on trays in a single layer and leaving them somewhere dry and airy, but out of the sun. Check every few days, turning over to ensure that they dry evenly, and when completely dried, you can store in an airtight container, making sure to label with the herb name and the date.
If you cut yourself while gardening, a crushed leaf will stop the bleeding. A poultice made with a mixture of fresh leaves and boiling water wrapped in a bandage and applied to the area to be treated can be used for persistent skin problems, boils and also to treat painful swollen breasts.
Make a standard infusion with 3 handfuls of fresh herb or 2 tablespoons of dried to 570ml (2.5 US cups, 1 UK pint) of boiling water. This can be used to treat diarrhea, stomach problems, kidney problems and gout, as a mouthwash for inflammations of the mouth, and diluted half and half as an eyewash.
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