Herb Robert (Geranium robertianum), also known as Robert geranium or cranesbill (one of), is a flowering plant that is widely distributed across Europe, Asia, and North America. The plant has a loooong history of medicinal use, and herbalists have used it for a plethora of various purposes. I remember watching a YouTube Video and listening to this lovely lady from England talking about how she would find a leaf or two a day and munch down on it. Talking about how it helped to oxygenate the blood. For those who don’t know, cancer and lots of other diseases absolutely abhor oxygenated blood. So, this little powerhouse, while causing some people fits due to its opportunistic and quick spreading nature, has some super redeeming qualities. Here are some of the medicinal values of Herb Robert:

1. Anti-inflammatory properties: Herb Robert has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce swelling, redness, and pain. It can be used topically to treat skin conditions such as eczema, dermatitis, and acne.
2. Anti-cancer properties: Some studies have suggested that Herb Robert may have anti-cancer properties. It contains compounds such as geraniin and tannins that have been found to have anti-tumor effects.
3. Immune-boosting properties: Herb Robert has immune-boosting properties that can help fight off infections and other illnesses. It contains antioxidants that can help protect the body against oxidative stress and free radical damage.
4. Digestive health: Herb Robert can help improve digestion by stimulating the production of digestive juices and enzymes. It can also help relieve indigestion, bloating, and other digestive problems.
5. Wound healing: Herb Robert has astringent properties that can help stop bleeding and promote wound healing. It can be applied topically to cuts, scrapes, and other minor injuries.

Herbalists have used Herb Robert specifically to treat for the following, which I am sure are just a few examples:

1. Treating diarrhea: Herb Robert has astringent properties that can help reduce diarrhea by tightening the tissues in the digestive tract.
2. Treating respiratory infections: Herb Robert has antimicrobial properties that can help fight off respiratory infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia.
3. Treating urinary tract infections: Herb Robert has diuretic properties that can help flush out bacteria from the urinary tract, making it useful in the treatment of urinary tract infections.
4. Treating skin conditions: Herb Robert has anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe and heal skin conditions such as eczema, dermatitis, and acne.
5. Improving overall health: Herb Robert has immune-boosting properties that can help improve overall health and well-being by strengthening the immune system and protecting the body against illness and disease.

This certainly makes on think. As Herb Robert is known to show up in disturbed areas, along edges of trails, in landscaped areas and rockery, maybe some of that toughness can be gifted to us! It certainly seems to thrive where the going is rough and not quite “natural”. I have noticed it has started to show up all around. As it is tough to find a good source that has already been prepared for use in your home apothecary, you might consider getting great at id’ing it and then foraging for it to dry and store. It pulls up REALLY easily, it has a very distinct odor so it’s hard to confuse with other things. Not sure if you have long Covid loss of smell or something as I haven’t been faced with that issue. Something to consider, though. It has very fuzzy stems that are red fading to green. That’s just to start. There are a few other features that I am sure you will enjoy researching! I don’t want to spoil all the fun of discovery! Just a little of it to nudge you on your way! Happy Herbing!

https://amzn.to/3MhQvLd – There is ONE tea at this time on Amazon. A while back I found ONE provider of just the dried chopped up plant bits, not there now though.