Spotted Cranesbill for thrush and BV

The spotted cranesbill, Geranium maculatum, has a large number of common names, some of which may also be used for other plants: wild cranesbill (mainly in Europe), spotted cranebill (without the s), American cranesbill, crowfoot, spotted geranium, wild geranium, wood geranium, alum root, alum bloom and old maid’s nightcap. The (true) unicorn root is also sometimes called alumroot. There are probably others as well. It is closely related to herb robert (also sometimes called wild cranesbill) and more distantly to rose geranium, rose-scented geranium and apple geranium. It is not related to costmary (sometimes called mint geranium).

Spotted Cranesbill is a native of the Eastern United States, where it’s found in swamps and woodland, and damp meadows. It requires moist soil and will not grow in the shade, but is otherwise not fussy as to position. It is a hardy perennial which reaches a height of around 2 feet (60cm) and a spread of 18 inches (45cm).

Both the leaves and roots are used in herbal medicine, and these should be gathered just when the plant comes into flower, as this is when the plant is most active medicinally. Dry leaves and roots separately in a single layer which should be left somewhere airy and out of the sun. Turn them over now and then for the next few days until they are completely dry, and then store in separate airtight containers, taking care to label them, so that you don’t forget what’s in there. Do not rely on your memory, as in 6 months’ time one dried leaf or root looks very much like another.

A decoction is made from 15g (a half ounce) of dried root added to 570ml (2.5 US cups, 1 UK pint) of cold water. Bring to a boil and simmer until the liquid is reduced by half, then strain. A standard infusion is made from 30g (1 ounce) of dried leaves or 3 handfuls of fresh to 570ml (2.5 US cups, 1 UK pint) of boiling water. Leave to stand for 3-4 hours, then strain. The dosage is up to 2 cups a day.

Use a decoction for preference, or a standard infusion if this is not available to treat diarrhea (safe for all ages) and IBS, kidney problems, heavy periods, bronchitis and colds. Externally it may be used to treat vaginal discharge, thrush and hemorrhoids, and as a wash for septic wounds, etc. It is a styptic herb, that is, it has the ability to stop bleeding when applied directly to the wound, and an antiseptic.

As with all herbs required for medicinal use, spotted cranesbill should be grown organically to ensure that its active constituents are not masked or eliminated by the presence of foreign chemicals. To find out more about growing organic herbs visit the Gardenzone.

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