# Plant Monograph: Cranesbill
**Name of plant:**
Cranesbill
**Catch phrase (Carmina Gadelica or traditional invocation if available):**
No specific Carmina Gadelica invocation is recorded for Cranesbill. In European folk herbalism it was regarded as a plant of binding, healing, and protection because of its strong astringent nature.
**Family:**
Geraniaceae
**Genus and species:**
*Geranium maculatum* L. (Wild Cranesbill, Spotted Cranesbill) is the primary medicinal species in North American herbalism. Other medicinal species include *Geranium robertianum* and related *Geranium* species.
**Other names:**
* Wild Cranesbill
* Spotted Cranesbill
* Alum Root
* Crowfoot
* Dove's Foot
* Wild Geranium
* Storksbill
* Gaelic folk names vary regionally, though no standardized Gaelic medicinal name is widely recorded
**Brief introduction:**
Cranesbill is a hardy perennial herb native to eastern North America and parts of Europe. It grows in woodlands, meadows, and shaded edges, producing pink to purple flowers and distinctive seed capsules resembling a crane's bill. The root is especially rich in tannins and has long been valued as one of the strongest astringents in traditional Western herbal medicine.
**Traditional uses:**
* Treatment of diarrhea and dysentery
* Arresting internal and external bleeding
* Gargle for sore throat and mouth ulcers
* Wash for wounds and skin irritations
* Support for hemorrhoids and excessive menstrual bleeding
**Historical use:**
* Used extensively by numerous Indigenous North American nations
* Included in Eclectic and Physiomedical herbal medicine systems
* Employed by early settlers as a substitute for imported astringent medicines
* Applied to wounds during frontier and military conditions
* Root preparations used traditionally for cholera-like gastrointestinal disorders
**Parts used and method of use:**
* Root (primarily)
* Aerial parts (occasionally)
Used as:
* Decoction
* Tincture
* Powder
* Wash, gargle, or poultice
**Use in healing (modern herbal practice):**
* Acute diarrhea and gastrointestinal inflammation
* Excessive menstrual bleeding
* Hemorrhoids and varicose vein discomfort
* Minor bleeding and wound care
* Mouth and throat inflammation
**Pharmacology and biochemistry:**
* Hydrolysable tannins (especially geraniin)
* Gallic acid
* Ellagic acid
Mechanisms:
* Strong astringent action causes tissue contraction
* Reduces secretions from inflamed mucous membranes
* Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity
**Overall profile:**
Cranesbill is considered one of the strongest herbal astringents in North American materia medica. Its primary actions are tissue toning, reduction of excessive secretions, and support of minor bleeding control.
**Common dosage:**
* Decoction (root): 2–4 g dried root in 250 mL water, up to 3 times daily
* Tincture (1:5): 2–5 mL, up to 3 times daily
* Powdered root: 500 mg–2 g daily
* Gargle or wash: Strong decoction applied externally as needed
**Safety factors (including side effects):**
* Generally safe when used appropriately
* Large doses may cause constipation
* Excessive use may irritate digestion
* Avoid prolonged high-dose internal use
* Individuals sensitive to tannin-rich herbs may experience nausea
**First aid / adverse reaction response:**
* Nausea: Reduce dose or discontinue use
* Constipation: Increase fluids and stop treatment temporarily
* Stomach irritation: Take with food or discontinue
* Allergic reaction: Stop use and seek medical attention if symptoms are significant
**Drug interactions:**
* May reduce absorption of oral medications because of tannin content
* Theoretical interaction with iron supplements
* Theoretical interaction with medications requiring optimal gastrointestinal absorption
* Separate administration from medications by at least 2 hours
**Horticultural requirements:**
* USDA / Canadian zone: 3–8
* Soil pH: 5.5–7.5
* Light requirements: Partial shade to full sun
* Moisture: Moderate moisture; prefers woodland conditions
**Other notes (growth habit, harvest timing, etc.):**
* Clump-forming perennial herb
* Flowers from late spring to midsummer
* Roots harvested in autumn
* Native to deciduous woodland habitats
* Propagated by seed or root division
**Sampling of clinical reports / studies:**
* Traditional use strongly supports treatment of diarrhea and minor bleeding
* Laboratory studies confirm high tannin concentration and antioxidant activity
* Phytochemical research identifies geraniin and related tannins as principal constituents
* Extensive ethnobotanical documentation exists from Indigenous and Eclectic traditions
* Overall assessment of evidence: Strong traditional evidence and supportive phytochemical research, but limited modern clinical trials specifically evaluating Cranesbill in humans.
Educational Use Only: The information presented on this page is provided for educational, historical, and informational purposes only. ArdNemeton na Tuatha and Bhùth Draoi do not provide medical advice. Always consult your physician and pharmacist before using any herb, mushroom, supplement, or botanical product for medicinal purposes. Traditional uses described herein do not constitute medical claims.