Herb Robert (Geranium Robertianum)
Herb Robert
This often neglected, valuable herb is worth a special feature, as it is not mentioned in many herbals today. It grows in abundance in the wild, in ditches, hedgerows, and on waste ground. It grows vigorously in gardens too. Instead of discarding it as a weed, reserve a space for it -- it grows well in shady, rocky, moist areas and along hedges.
Herb Robert (Geranium Robertianum) is a member of the Geranium or Cranesbill (Geraniaceae) family, native to N. America, Europe and N. Africa. It has an ornamental, lacy appearance with small pink flowers and reddish stems. It has a pungent smell, which disappears when dried. It flowers from early summer through to late autumn. There is a white flowered variety known as ‘Celtic White’ -- a smaller plant with very little red colouring.
Sometimes known as Red Robin, Herb Robert is associated with St Robert. It was known as sanctii ruperti in medieval times when it was used as a medicinal herb. Probably because of it association with magic and folk medicine it is not given the recognition it deserves.
Healing properties
Herb Robert is high in tannins, astringent, styptic, antiviral, antiseptic, sedative, vulnerary, and mildly diuretic.
Internal uses
It is used internally for diarrhoea, gastrointestinal infections, dysentery, peptic ulcers, skin ulcers and haemorrhage. It also helps with inflammation of the urinary tract, cystitis and kidney stones. It staunches bleeding and mucous discharge, and promotes healing.
Herb Robert is used fresh and dried. It is best harvested for drying as flowering begins. I use herb Robert in herbal tea blends with either lemon balm or lemon verbena, and some sage and maybe some blackcurrant leaves.
How Herb Robert Cured Robert’s Stomach Ulcers
I once used Herb Robert to cure someone’s chronic stomach ulcers. His name was Robert; he was approaching fifty and had stomach ulcers for several years. He blamed it on too much fast living in his youth. He had given up drinking alcohol, and many foods associated with ulcer irritation, such as dairy products, but the ulcers continued to trouble him. He had tried everything the doctor ordered and more, but still the trouble persisted.
Unable to drink tea or coffee, Robert found Herb Robert tea a welcome substitute. He felt an immediate relief from the pain of the ulcers as soon as he began drinking it. He enjoyed drinking the tea, which he made and brewed like ordinary tea, and continued to drink it regularly. After only a few weeks his ulcers were completely cured and he has never had any trouble with them since.
To make the tea, use 1 teaspoon of dried Herb Robert per cup. You can enhance the flavour by adding a few crushed fennel seeds. Incidentally, you do not have to be called Robert for this remedy to work!
External uses
Externally Herb Robert is used for skin eruptions, inflammations, wounds, bruises, nosebleeds and herpes. An infusion makes a good gargle for inflamed gums and throat, and also as an eyewash for inflamed eyes. Fresh leaves rubbed on the skin repel mosquitoes.
© Martha Magenta 2006