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 |