Ravenhawk's Herb of the Month: Geranium

Geranium

About the Plant: Geranium American Cranesbill[Geranium maculatum][genus Geranium][FamilyN.O. Geraniaceae][Common Names; Alum Root. Spotted Cranesbill. Wild Cranesbill. Storksbill. Alum Bloom. Wild Geranium. Chocolate Flower. Crowfoot. Dove’s-foot. Old Maid’s Nightcap. Shameface.]
Herb Robert[Geranium robertianum][Common Name: Red robin, death come quickly, fox geranium, stinking Bob, squinter-pip, crow’s foot]

Geranium is a genus of 422 species of annual, biennial, and perennial plants that are commonly known as geraniums or cranesbills. They are found throughout the temperate regions of the world and the mountains of the tropics, but mostly in the eastern part of the Mediterranean region.
Geranium robertianum, commonly known as Herb Robert, or (in North America) Roberts geranium, is a common species of cranesbill native to Europe and parts of Asia and North Africa.
Native American people used American cranesbill for sore throats, canker sores, infected gums, and oral thrush. The herb was later used by European settlers for diarrhea, internal bleeding, and cholera.

Healing

Healing Properties: Styptic, astringent, tonic

American Cranesbill is used today much as in earlier times. The herb is often prescribed for irritable bowel syndrome and hemorrhoids, and it is used to staunch wounds. It may also be used to treat heavy menstrual bleeding and excessive vaginal discharge.
Herb Robert is rarely used in contemporary European herbal medicine. It is, however, considered effective against stomach ulcers and inflammation of the uterus. The parts of the American Cranesbill and Herb Roberts used is the root and aerial parts.

Magick

Powers: fertility, health, love, protection

Gender: Feminine

Planet: Venus

Element: Water

Magickal Uses: Geraniums of all types are protective when grown in the garden or brought into the house freshly cut and placed into water. The geranium is said to protect against snakes, “snakes will not go where geraniums grow.”Geraniums invite protection, help you conceive a child, encourage love, and attract abundance. Planting geraniums around your home will protect it from negative energies and unwanted visitors. Red geraniums will invite love and abundance, pots of red geraniums are quite protective and strengthens health. Pink ones will attract friendship and love. White geraniums will raise spiritual vibrations and encourage fertility.

To relieve stress, make a bath with geraniums by putting the leaves and flowers in a mesh bag and hanging it on the faucet as you fill your bathtub.