Alumroot


Alumroot

A genus of some 300 species of herbaceous or evergreen, sometimes tuberous perennials, with a few annual and biennials, widely distributed in temperate regions. Cranesbills are popular garden plants, with attractive leaves and small, delicately veined flowers, borne over a long period. The related pelargoniums, also known as "geraniums" (See pelargonium, lemon geranium), have different uses. Geraniums are high in tannins, providing astringent remedies important in traditional medicine for the emergency treatment of injuries and diarrhea. Geranium maculatum was widely used by native N Americans, both as an astringent and as a remedy for venereal disease, before becoming popular with settlers in the 19th century; it was listed in the U.S. Pharmacopoeia from 1820-1990. Geranium dissectum (cut-leafed cranesbill), a European species, appears to have similar properties. The Chinese G. wilfordii is used for rheumatic pain and gastrointestinal infections with diarrhea.

Erect, clump-forming, herbaceous perennial with a compact rootstock and palmate, toothed leaves, to 20cm (8in) across. Lilac-pink to pink, saucer-shaped flowers, 3cm (1¼in) across, appear in spring and early summer, followed by beaked fruits, 2.5cm (1in) long.


Common Name:
Alumroot
Other Names:
American Cranesbill, Spotted cranesbill
Botanical Name:
Geranium maculatum
Genus:
Geranium
Family:
Geraniaceae
Native Location:
Eastern N America
Cultivation:
Moist, rich, well-drained soil in partial shade (G. maculatum); well-drained to dry soil in sun or shade (G. robertianum). Rust may attack foliage.
Propagation:
By seed sown when ripe or in spring; by division in spring; by basal cuttings in spring. Geranium robertianum self-sows freely. Cultivars come true from seed.
Harvest:
Plants are cut as flowering begins, roots (G. maculatum) are harvested in autumn; both are dried for use in decoctions, infusions, liquid extracts, powder, tablets, and tinctures. Gernanium robertianum is often used fresh.
Varieties:
f. albiflorum
Is less vigorous and has white flowers.
Height:
60-75cm (24-30in)
Width:
45cm (18in)
Hardiness:
Z3-8
Parts Used:
Whole plant, roots
Properties:
A highly astringent, tonic herb that is antiseptic, checks bleeding, controls discharges, and promotes healing.
Medicinal Uses:
Internally for diarrhea (especially in children and the elderly), dysentery, cholera, gastroenteritis, colitis, peptic ulcer, hemorrhage, and excessive menstruation. Externally for purulent wounds, hemorrhoids, yeast, vaginal discharge, and inflammations of the mouth, gums, and throat. Combined with Bidens tripartita (See, trifid bur marigold) for hemorrhage in the digestive tract; with Trillium erectum (See, bethroot) as a douche for vaginal discharge; with Geum urbanum (See, avens), Agrimonia eupatoria (See, agrimony), and Symphytum officinale (See, comfrey) for peptic ulcer; with Agrimonia eupatoria (See, agrimony), Althaea officinalis (See, marshmallow), Chamaemelum nobile (See, Roman chamomile) or Filipendula ulmaria (See, meadowsweet), for digestive upsets.
Bibliography:
The Encyclopedia of Herbs by Deni Bown Copyright © 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited. pp. 223-224