{"id":137058,"date":"2025-08-10T16:01:08","date_gmt":"2025-08-10T15:01:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/?post_type=herb&p=137058"},"modified":"2025-08-11T10:48:16","modified_gmt":"2025-08-11T09:48:16","slug":"herb-robert","status":"publish","type":"herb","link":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/herb\/herb-robert\/","title":{"rendered":"Herb robert"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"featured_media":137084,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","beyondwords_generate_audio":"1","beyondwords_project_id":"47224","beyondwords_content_id":"58f8e9b5-ad9a-4a11-8043-576e60a6cbb9","beyondwords_preview_token":"c1117a26-fa7d-4e31-98de-dcceb196d5aa","beyondwords_player_content":"","beyondwords_player_style":"","beyondwords_language_code":"","beyondwords_language_id":"","beyondwords_title_voice_id":"","beyondwords_body_voice_id":"","beyondwords_summary_voice_id":"","beyondwords_error_message":"","beyondwords_disabled":"","beyondwords_delete_content":"","beyondwords_podcast_id":"","beyondwords_hash":"","publish_post_to_speechkit":"","speechkit_hash":"","speechkit_generate_audio":"","speechkit_project_id":"","speechkit_podcast_id":"","speechkit_error_message":"","speechkit_disabled":"","speechkit_access_key":"","speechkit_error":"","speechkit_info":"","speechkit_response":"","speechkit_retries":"","speechkit_status":"","speechkit_updated_at":"","_speechkit_link":"","_speechkit_text":""},"tags":[],"conditions":[694,685,698,700,697],"sustainability":[1576],"sense":[17,31,18,786],"western_action":[992,993,994,1000,1828,1025],"chinese_action":[],"ayurvedic_action":[],"energetics_action":[1908,1499,1541,1540,1382,1533,1546,1487,1543,1492],"region":[1893],"class_list":["post-137058","herb","type-herb","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","conditions-cardiovascular-system","conditions-digestive-system","conditions-reproductive-system","conditions-skin","conditions-urinary-system","sustainability-green-sustainability-status","sense-aromatic","sense-astringent-taste","sense-bitter","sense-cooling","western_action-anti-inflammatory","western_action-antimicrobial","western_action-antioxidant","western_action-astringent","western_action-styptic","western_action-vulnerary","energetics_action-aromatic","energetics_action-astringent","energetics_action-astringent-post-digestive-effect-vipaka","energetics_action-bitter-post-digestive-effect-vipaka","energetics_action-cool","energetics_action-cooling","energetics_action-dry-quality","energetics_action-dry","energetics_action-light","energetics_action-toning","region-western-herbs"],"acf":{"last_reviewed":"20250804","herb_author":1298,"banner_text":"Herb robert is an astringent plant used to treat wounds and staunch blood","latin_name":"Geranium robertianum<\/span><\/i>","pseudonym_name":"","family_name":"Geraniaceae","herb_summary":"Herb robert\u2019s high tannin content makes this unseaming herb a valuable ally to treat nosebleeds, sore gums or ulcers.","key_benefits":"","how_does_it_feel":"The plant itself has a delicate and soft sensation to the touch. When rubbed, all aerial parts, but particularly the leaves release a strong scent, which has been described as unpleasant. The flowers have a nutty flavour and are slightly astringent. <\/span>","hdif_image_1":137086,"hdif_image_2":137078,"hdif_image_3":137080,"hdif_video":"","sense":[17,31,18,786],"what_can_i_use_it_for":"With its high tannin content, herb robert is particularly indicated where astringency is required. It is used for the gastrointestinal system, for peptic ulcers, gastric ulcers or diarrhoea. In the reproductive system, it can be used for metrorrhagia and menorrhagia (1). A hot water infusion, once cooled, can be used as a mouthwash for gum disease or sore throats as well as for skin conditions, where astringency is called for (2).\r\n\r\nBruton-Seal & Seal (2017) suggest that it may be used similarly to the much more well known American species Geranium maculatum<\/i>, and, traditionally, various geranium species were used interchangeably in the past (2). As a vulnerary<\/a> and anti-inflammatory<\/a>, it may help with wound healing, burns and cold sores (3).","into_the_heart_of":"[caption id=\"attachment_137086\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"516\"]\"Herb Herb robert (Geranium robertianum<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n\r\nIn modern times, this herb is often neglected in common Materia Medica. This is perhaps a reflection of its deceptively delicate nature, with its small appearance, slender stalks and delicate leaves and flowers. However, its widespread habitat all over the world, as well as its ability to grow in the tiniest cracks and rocky places, full sun as well as shade, suggests a great adaptability and strength. Its stems are off a dark red colour, lending itself to the signature for the treatment of conditions involving blood. <\/span>\r\n\r\nPerhaps somewhat surprising to those unfamiliar with herb robert, is its strong pungent smell, which suggests the presence of volatile oils and is part of its defence mechanism (alongside the bitter molecule geraniin, and the high tannin content) against predators and can be used to repel midges and other biting insects by rubbing the fresh plant on the skin (2). These essential oils have been found to have antimicrobial properties, especially against gram-positive bacteria, perhaps contributing to the overall vulnerary effects of the plant (4).\u00a0<\/span>","tradtional_uses":"The most common association is its\u00a0 use in healing\u00a0 wounds and ulcers and to stop bleeding. The herb seems to be known for these qualities in various parts of the world. However, in Italy the herb was also traditionally used for the urinary system and for infertility (5). And in Portuguese herbal medicine, the herb is known for its hypoglycaemic properties (6).\u00a0 Barker reports that the herb has a folk tradition for being used for cancer, but while there exists some evidence, it is not enough and thus \u201cone is ill-advised either to dismiss or to promote it\u201d (1). Modern research indeed shows that the herb has some cytostatic and antioxidant properties that may make it a useful chemotherapeutic agent, though further research is needed (7).\u00a0<\/span>","what_practioners_say":"

\"SkinSkin\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\r\nHerb robert can be thought of as an effective first aid herb, by helping to stop nosebleeds, acting as a styptic for wounds or soothing burns (8). The tannins contribute to this through their <\/span>astringent<\/span><\/a> and haemostatic properties. Geraniin, a type of ellagitannin, has been found to have high antioxidant and antimicrobial properties (9,10).The flavonoids, phenolic acids and essential oils also contribute to these actions with their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and mildly <\/span>antimicrobial<\/span><\/a> properties. Herb robert may also be useful for skin conditions of a more chronic nature such as varicose veins. Additionally, when rubbed on the skin it may help to repel insects.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n

Gastrointestinal system<\/span><\/h3>\r\nAs with its topical wound healing properties, herb robert\u2019s anti-inflammatory, astringent and antimicrobial effects are of benefit to the treatment of ulceration, inflammation or problems associated with diarrhoea in the gastrointestinal tract, and may explain its longstanding traditional use for these types of conditions (10).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n

Endocrine system<\/span><\/h3>\r\nHerb robert may be considered within the treatment of type 2 diabetes due to its effect on lowering blood glucose levels and supporting mitochondrial function (3).\u00a0<\/span>","research":"[caption id=\"attachment_137084\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"513\"]\"Herb Herb robert (Geranium robertianum<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n

\u201cMitoTea\u201d: <\/span>Geranium robertianum<\/span> L. decoctions decrease blood glucose levels and improve liver mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation in diabetic Goto\u2013Kakizaki rats<\/span><\/h3>\r\nIn this 2010 study, researchers evaluated the effects of <\/span>Geranium robertianum<\/span><\/i> leaf decoctions on glucose metabolism and mitochondrial function in Goto\u2013Kakizaki rats, a non\u2010obese model of type 2 diabetes. Over a four\u2011week period, diabetic rats received daily oral doses of the decoction. Compared to untreated controls, treated rats exhibited significantly reduced fasting plasma glucose levels, demonstrating a clear hypoglycemic effect.<\/span>\r\n\r\nFurthermore, liver mitochondria were isolated to assess respiratory performance. The decoction enhanced mitochondrial respiration, indicating overall improvement in electron transport chain efficiency. Notably, the oxidative phosphorylation efficiency \u2014 a key measure of how effectively mitochondria convert nutrients into ATP \u2014 was also significantly elevated.<\/span>\r\n\r\nThese findings suggest that the bioactive compounds in herb robert not only lowers blood glucose but also restores mitochondrial energy metabolism in diabetic conditions. Such dual effects \u2014 enhancing glycemic control while improving hepatic mitochondrial function \u2014 point to its potential as a complementary therapeutic agent for type\u202f2 diabetes (6).<\/span>\r\n

Promising effect of <\/span>Geranium robertianum<\/span> L. leaves and aloe vera gel powder on Aspirin\u00ae-induced gastric ulcers in Wistar rats: anxiolytic behavioural effect, antioxidant activity, and protective pathways<\/span><\/h3>\r\nThis <\/span>in-vivo <\/span><\/i>study\u00a0 assessed <\/span>Geranium robertianum<\/span><\/i> leaf decoction and aloe vera gel powder for their protective effects against aspirin-induced gastric ulcers in female Wistar rats. Forty rats were split into five groups: a negative control, a positive ulcer control, and three pretreated groups receiving aloe, geranium, or the reference drug famotidine.<\/span>\r\n\r\nPhytochemical analysis revealed that both treatments were rich in polyphenols and exhibited strong antioxidant activity, including free-radical scavenging and ferric-reducing power. Pretreated rats showed significant improvements in locomotor function and anxiety-like behaviors compared to ulcer-only animals. Ultrasonography and histopathology confirmed reduced gastric wall thickening and mucosal damage.<\/span>\r\n\r\nBiochemically, both extracts lowered ulcer index (geranium achieved ~88.5% protection; aloe ~84.2%), decreased gastric juice volume while raising pH, reduced oxidative stress, and downregulated pro\u2011inflammatory markers.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe researchers concluded that <\/span>Geranium robertianum<\/span><\/i> and <\/span>a<\/span>loe vera<\/span><\/a> offer potent gastroprotective effects in aspirin-induced ulcers via <\/span>antioxidant<\/span><\/a>, anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic, and mucosal-preserving mechanisms, highlighting their therapeutic potential for gastric ulcer prevention or treatment (11).<\/span>\r\n

Herb robert\u2019s Gift against human diseases: Anticancer and antimicrobial activity of <\/span>Geranium robertianum<\/span><\/i> L.<\/span><\/h3>\r\nThe study analysed four extracts (hexane, ethyl acetate, methanol, aqueous) from commercially sourced, certified organic herb robert aerial parts. The researchers identified a diverse phytochemical profile including organic and phenolic acids, gallo- and ellagitannins, and flavonoids. Subsequent bioassays revealed that both hexane (GrH) and ethyl acetate (GrEA) extracts showed notable anticancer activity, with selectivity indices ranging from 2.0 to 4.4, indicating preferential toxicity toward cancer cells.<\/span>\r\n\r\nAntiviral assays demonstrated that both hexane and ethyl acetate effectively inhibited HHV\u20111 cytopathic effects and viral load, reducing viral replication by 0.5\u202flog (GrH) and 1.4\u202flog (GrEA). Notably, active fractions from GrEA further decreased viral activity.<\/span>\r\n\r\nFurthermore, the extracts and their fractions exhibited broad antibacterial and antifungal effects, particularly against gram\u2011positive bacteria. A standout fraction, GrEA4, inhibited <\/span>Micrococcus luteus<\/span><\/i> (MIC\u202f=\u202f8\u202f\u00b5g\/mL), <\/span>S. epidermidis<\/span><\/i> (16\u202f\u00b5g\/mL), <\/span>S. aureus<\/span><\/i>, <\/span>E. faecalis<\/span><\/i>, and <\/span>B. subtilis<\/span><\/i> (MICs\u202f=\u202f125\u202f\u00b5g\/mL), supporting its traditional use in treating persistent wounds.<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe research concludes that <\/span>G.\u202frobertianum<\/span><\/i> extracts \u2014 especially ethyl acetate and hexane fractions \u2014 demonstrate promising anticancer, antiviral, and antibacterial activity. Their selectivity toward cancer cells and efficacy across pathogens underscore the plant\u2019s therapeutic potential against human diseases (12).<\/span>","did_you_know":"Herb robert and the other members of the crane\u2019s-bill family, Geraniaceae, are so called because of the unique structure of their seed pods, which resemble a crane\u2019s bill. This family\u00a0 contains more than 800 species worldwide. Two of the largest subgroups, the Geranium genus (the cranesbills) and the Erodium genus (the storksbills), have pink, red, mauve or blue five-petalled flowers. When mature, the seed pods dry and spring open, ejecting seeds, along with a spring-like structure, with force, allowing them to travel up six meters. This method of dispersal helps members of this family, including herb robert, spread rapidly and colonise new areas (13).<\/span>","additional_information_right":{"illustration":137085},"additional_information_left":{"botany":"Herb robert is a small plant, usually growing to around 30 cm in height. The soft triangle-shaped leaves are compound, formed by multiple leaflets with lobed or serrated margins adhered to a single petiole (3). Leaves and stalks tend to be covered in tiny hairs, giving the plant a soft feel. Stalks and leaves may be entirely green, but can turn a deep red, especially if the plants are growing in bright sunshine and dry conditions. The flowers have a delicate pink colour and the herb can be found flowering from early spring through to late autumn in the UK. Once pollinated, the typical storkbill shaped fruit pods form, which once matured eject the seeds into the surrounding environment. Plants tend to be biennial. <\/span>","common_names":"