Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Cranesbill (Geranium maculatum), also known as wild geranium, has a long history of traditional use in herbal medicine, particularly for external applications such as treating ulcerations, wounds, and skin inflammations. Historical herbal texts from Europe and North America cite the astringent properties of cranesbill root, which contains high levels of tannins. These tannins are believed to constrict tissue, reduce bleeding, and form a protective layer over sores or ulcers, thereby promoting healing. Traditional preparations include poultices, washes, or ointments applied directly to the affected area.

There is, however, limited modern scientific research specifically investigating cranesbill’s efficacy for external ulcerations. Most references to its use are based on ethnobotanical records, 19th and early 20th-century herbal formularies, and anecdotal reports. Some in vitro studies confirm the astringent and antimicrobial activity of Geranium maculatum extracts, but clinical trials or robust experimental data on ulcer healing are lacking. Thus, while the use of cranesbill for external ulcerations is well-supported by tradition and plausible due to known phytochemical properties, scientific validation remains minimal.

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