Medicinal Uses of Geranium Robertianum Herb

What is Geranium robertianum

In ancient times, plants were the main therapeutic agents used by humans and they still have an important role in the Ayurvedic system of medicines. The interest in studying the biological properties and active principles of plants which are responsible for therapeutic properties has been growing remarkably.

Geranium robertianum is commonly known as Red Robin or Herb Robert. It is a spontaneous and herbaceous plant that has been used for a long time in several countries.

The name 'Geranium' is a Greek word meaning cranesbill and 'Robertianum' is named after Robert, a person who had legendary medical skills.

Botanical Description:

It belongs to the family Geraniaceae and phylum Spermatophyta. This plant is widely found in Europe. It is an annual or biennial herbaceous plant, which grows spontaneously in moist and fresh places. It is considered a noxious weed.

G. robertianum is a plant with a pungent smell. Its height may vary from 10-60 cm and has a fibrous rooting system. The stems are branched in many directions from the base. Leaves are light green in color and later acquire a reddish color. The plant bears 2-4 pink or violet open flowers at a time. The fruits resemble crane's beak.

Phytochemical Categorization:

This plant is a rich source of phenolic compounds, especially flavonoids. It is also rich in tannins. Other non-phenolic compounds have also been found in G. robertianum extracts.

Nutritional Qualities:

This plant is rich in calcium, potassium, Vitamins B and C, iron, phosphorus, carotenoids etc.

What are the medicinal uses of G. robertianum herb?

1. The leaves of this plant are astringent, anti-rheumatic and mild diuretic in nature. Due to its astringent nature, it is used to stop bleeding, treat diarrhea, etc.
2. The leaves can also lower the blood sugar levels, so it is useful in the treatment of diabetes.
3. An infusion of the leaves is used in the treatment of stomach ailments, kidney infections, bleeding, jaundice, etc.
4. Externally, a poultice is applied to treat rheumatic joints, bruises, swollen breasts, etc.
5. Freshly picked leaves are rubbed on the body to repel the mosquitoes because leaves impart their own peculiar odor. When crushed, the fresh leaves smell like burning spices or tire rubber. When rubbed on the skin, it acts as a mosquito repellant.
6. The infusion of this plant is also used to gargle for sore throats and oral problems such as mouth ulcers and toothache.
7. The whole plant is used to produce a brown dye.
8. Due to the anti-microbial properties present in the essential oils of this plant, it is effective against various Gram-positive, Gram-negative bacterial strains and fungal strains, which are very common molds and also responsible for human respiratory allergic diseases.
9. This plant also possesses anti-inflammatory properties. G.robertianum was investigated for its ability to scavenge hypochlorous acid (HOCl), which is a major strong oxidant produced by neutrophils. Neutrophils play a major role in the inflammation process. The extract was found to be effective against HOCl.
10. Some people eat the fresh leaves of Herb Robert in salads. Traditionally, leaves and flowers of this plant have been used to make tea.
11. It is an energy giver and immune builder herb, which acts as a free radical scavenger having anti-biotic, anti-viral and anti-oxidant properties.
12. This herb is a natural source of germanium, which acts as an oxygen carrier and catalyst that stimulates the electrical impulses at a cellular level, which benefits the entire body.
13. It is also believed that this herb absorbs the radiation from the soil, breaks it down and disperses it.
    
    

Thus, G. robertianum possesses anti-oxidant, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, anti-hyperglycaemic and cytotoxic activities that appear to be associated with the type and quantity of particular phenolic compounds present. It seems to be corroborating the beneficial properties of the plant ascribed by the traditional medicines.

Caution:

Herbs work impeccably when taken under medical supervision.

Dr. Vikram Chauhan, MD – AYURVEDA is an expert Ayurvedic practitioner based in Chandigarh, India and doing his practice in Mohali, India. He is spreading the knowledge of Ayurveda Ancient healing treatment, not only in India but also abroad. He is the CEO and Founder of Planet Ayurveda Products, Planet Ayurveda Clinic, and Krishna Herbal Company.