Folk names: stinker, beak storks.
Parts used: grass and root.
Pharmacy Name: Robertova Geranium Geraniumi -Geranii robertiani herba (formerly Herba Geranii robertiani); Robertova Geraniumi root - Geranii robertiani radix (formerly Radix Geranii robertiani).
Botanical description. The stinky stork, as it is often called, is easily recognizable by its unpleasant smell, which is especially noticeable when the leaves are rubbed with your fingers. The plant has a height of 20-50 cm; its green, tender shoots are often carmina-red because of the red glandular hairs. Strongly branched stem carries numerous, supple, long-petiolate, finger-separated leaves with double-periodic leaflets. Flowers sit in pairs on the same peduncle, light red to densely carmine-red, often with lighter stripes. After flowering, a beak-shaped bivalve, cracked fruit develops. Blossoms from May to September. Robert's Geranium is a fairly common plant. It is preferred by damp, shady thickets, wet rocks and stones, and can be found even in cracks in old trees, as well as in deciduous and coniferous forests.
Harvesting and harvesting. It is best to use grass harvested during flowering. It is cut under the root and tied up in bundles and hung for drying. But the roots are also used. They are collected in early spring or late autumn, shaken off the ground and dried in the shade.
The active ingredients are tannins (especially a lot in the roots), bitterness, essential oil (in fresh plants), organic acids.
Healing effect and application. In scientific medicine, Robert's geraniums are not used, despite the fact that its chemical composition can be assumed to have a good healing effect.
Use in homeopathy. Homeopathic drug called Geranium maculatum. It is prepared from North American geranium spotted, whose roots are processed into the original tincture. It is used as a styptic for internal bleeding. The initial tincture and dilution of D1 is recommended. Dosage: 5-15 drops 3 times a day.
Application in folk medicine. Medieval doctors enthusiastically spoke about Roberto-Voya's geraniums, calling it all by itself the grass of God's grace. B. Riffius (1573) wrote: "The great name of God's mercy is given to this grass due to its well-known amazing properties, which are found in its healing effect; its virtue and power are very great and diverse. This is proved by the experience of its daily reception. We also find in P.A. Matthiolus, and later from Taber-nemontanus and Baugin (1731), healing instructions drawn from folk medicine: Freshly squeezed juice or decoction from a dried plant is applicable to bleedings of various kinds (nasal, menstrual, hemorrhoids, as well as wounds), sore throat, inflammation of gums and mouth, inflammation of the eyes, jaundice, water, diarrhea, stones in the internal organs. In my opinion, it would make sense from a scientific point of view to take a closer look at this medicinal plant, so revered by the people. It often brings discoveries. But until it is completely clear, I call for careful use of Robertova's geraniums.
Tea from Robert's geraniums: 2 teaspoons of dry grass (or 1 teaspoon of dried root), pour 1/4 litre of boiling water, insist 5 minutes (for grass) or 15 minutes (for roots), strain and drink on a cup 2 times a day.
For throat rinsing and wound treatment, it is advisable to dilute the same amount of chamomile tea.
Side effects. Overdose should be avoided, because the high content of tannins does not always work well on the stomach. Serious side effects are not to be feared.