Carolina Geranium, Geranium carolinianum

cool. Drink one cup of the infusion at night before going to bed. It induces sleepiness. California Poppy Tincture: 1-pint (500 ml) of 80 proof vodka or other alcohol, or substitute applecider vinegar, dried or fresh California poppy plant. Place the chopped fresh herbs or dried plant into a pint (500ml) jar with a tight-fitting lid, filling the jar 3/4 full. Cover the herbs with alcohol, filling the jar. Store the jar in a cool, dark place such as a cupboard. Shake the jar daily for 4 to 6 weeks. Strain the herbs out of the liquid, cover it tightly and use within seven years.

Geranium carolinianum, known as Carolina Geranium, Carolina Cranesbill, Crane’s Bill Geranium, and Wild Geranium, is native across the US, Canada, and Mexico. This plant is often found in areas with poor soil, clay, and limestone. I often see it near roadsides, abandoned fields, and farmland. Identification: The Carolina geranium is a winter annual or biennial herb. It is low-growing, usually under 12 inches tall. It has earned the name cranesbill because of the beak-like appearance of the fruit. Its palmate leaves have 5 to 7 toothed lobes, with each lobe divided again. Leaves are 1 to 2.5 inches (2.5 cm to 6 cm) wide, grayish-green and covered in fine hair. Each leaf usually has five segments, edged with deep teeth. Its pinkishred stems grow erect and are covered in hairs. White, pink, or lavender flowers appear in small clusters on stalks growing off the main stems in April through July. Each flower has five sepals and five notched petals. One-half inch long fruits, with a longer style, ripen in the fall. Ripe seeds are covered in pits/depressions. The plant has a taproot system that grows close to the surface. Edible Use: Carolina Geranium is edible raw, cooked, or as a tea. The roots are best boiled for 10 minutes to soften. The cooking water can be used as a tea to relieve stomach upsets. The leaves are astringent and have a strong bitter flavor caused by their high tannin level. Using them young helps relieve some of the bitterness, or change the water out once when you cook them. The tea is often consumed with milk and cinnamon to improve the flavor. Medicinal Use: The astringent tannic root is the part most often used medicinally, though leaves are also used.

Stops Bleeding, Dries out Tissue: The entire plant is astringent and high in tannins, which causes the contraction of tissues and helps stop bleeding. Use the root or leaves as a poultice on moist wounds and for drying out tissues. As a styptic (to stop bleeding), clean the root or leaves and apply to the wound. Hold the compress tightly for a few minutes until bleeding stops, and then bind the poultice with gauze or a clean cloth. The plant is excellent for use in skin salves to promote skin healing. Diarrhea and Stomach Upset: Tea made from the root is ideal for treating stomach upsets and diarrhea. Canker Sores: Wash the canker sore with Carolina Geranium Tea or cover it with a root poultice. The astringent root is drying and reduces canker sores quickly.