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Cranesbill Rt |
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Cranesbill Rt
CRANESBILL ROOT
Geranium maculatum
History and Folklore
Cranesbill, also known as Alum root, is the American relative of our Storksbill or Herb Robert, a common little herb of the Geranium family. Both the names, Storksbill and Cranesbill refer to the strange elongated seed capsules that protrude from the corolla once the plant finished flowering. Storks are considered lucky in Europe and so it was thought carrying a bit of storksbill root as an amulet would bring health happiness and prosperity. Both herbs have been used for similar purposes. Cranesbill is common throughout the Eastern United States up to about the Midwest, while Storksbill is native to Britain and Europe. Cranesbill was highly revered by Native Americans, who employed it for a wide variety of conditions. The settlers, already familiar with our Herb Robert, quickly learnt its uses from the natives.
Medicinal Uses:
Cranesbill is classified as an astringent, with a wide spectrum of uses. The powdered root can be applied externally to staunch bleeding. It has also been used to heal all sort of skin eruptions and sores, including cancerous sores. Internally it is recommended for diarrhoea, especially if there is any blood in the stool (seek medical attention!), irritable bowel syndrome and the like. It is also said to work wonders on stomach ulcers. It can be helpful in cases of excessive menstrual flow or as a douche, to counteract leucorrhoea. In days gone by it was a useful aid in fighting venereal diseases. Native Americans also used Cranesbill in the treatment of urinary conditions and to lower blood pressure. As a gargle it also helped in the treatment of sore gums, thrush or sore throat. According to the ancient lore, the European variety, storksbill, is said to have anti-cancer properties, but this herb has not been studied extensively and so for the moment no actual studies exist to back up the claim.
Magical Uses:
Not much is known about the magical use of American Cranesbill, except that it was used in counter-magic. It was slipped into the tea of someone who had been afflicted by a love charm in order to counteract its effect. Due to the close similarities between Cranesbill and Storksbill it would be feasible to substitute one for the other for magical purposes, depending on local availability. Storksbill was used as a good luck charm and believed to bring happiness, good fortune and good health. Being associated with storks it was also believed to work as a sympathetic magic charm in fertility magic.
BOTANICALS:
Plants nourish and feed us, add spice to our life, bestow health and beauty, scent and colour and brighten our days. They mediate love, hope and gratitude; they clothe and cleanse us, they heal and soothe our bodies, minds and souls. They touch every aspect of our existence, from our daily sustenance to the air we breathe, to the keys to other dimensions. They are the alchemists that turn sunlight into the green force of life, continuously revolving, restoring, rebirthing through the cycles of time. They truly are the greatest gift of nature, yet also the one we most take for granted.
Star Child's range of botanicals derives from many regions and traditions of the world. We supply only the best quality herbs, using organically grown and sustainably harvested sources if available. The greater the demand for organic products the more readily they will become available. Your choice to buy and our commitment to supply organic herbs is part of the driving force that sows the seeds for a greener, healthier future.
USE:
There are dozens of ways in which herbs can be used. Many culinary herbs not only impart a great flavour but also have subtle effect on the digestive process. Other herbs are more medicinal than culinary and can be used as remedies, based on the wisdom of age old traditional plant knowledge. For more detailed information on the different types of preparations that can be made with herbs, please refer to the BOTANICALS USAGE section.
CAUTION
We support the notion of taking responsibility for one's own well being and thus strive to make all herbs available for use at your own discretion. It should be noted however, that not all herbs are safe to use in all circumstances. Special cautions may apply when suffering from certain medical conditions, when taking synthetic prescription drugs and during pregnancy. Research and familiarize yourself with any herb you intend to use and make sure you are aware of all special cautions that may apply. The information given here is based on thousands of years of traditional use. It is intended for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace a visit to a medical professional where this is necessary.
If symptoms persist or re-occur, or if you are suffering from a serious medical condition, or if you are presently taking prescription drugs, we recommend that you consult a qualified doctor or practitioner before attempting to help yourself. Look for a practitioner/doctor who you can trust and who is prepared to explore natural health alternatives with you.
Pregnancy is a very special time. If chosen wisely herbs can give tremendous support throughout the entire process. However, due to the vulnerability and sensitivity of the unborn child it is especially important to make sure that the herbs you are using are safe. (This also applies during the time of breast-feeding as all substances ingested by the mother are processed and passed on with the mother's milk). Many herbs may be useful during the latter stages of pregnancy or during labour, but could be dangerous during the first few months. Inform yourself - don't risk regret.
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