Content
Forest geranium (Geranium sylvaticum) is a herbaceous perennial crop that can most often be found in shaded areas of deciduous forest. All parts of this plant contain quite a lot of useful elements and are successfully used by people for medicinal purposes. But, like any other herb, in addition to its benefits, it can also cause harm, which is why you should consult a specialist before using products prepared on its basis.
Since ancient times, forest geranium has been used in folk medicine.
Description of forest geranium
Forest geranium is a perennial of the geranium family, the height of which is usually 25-60 cm, less often 80 cm. The stems of the plant are bearded, straight, slightly branched at the top, there are not very many of them on the bush. In the lower part they have pressed hairs, in the upper part there is glandular pubescence. The leaves of forest geranium, located at the roots, are pinnately incised, petiolate, and can be five- or seven-parted. Those located in the central part of the stems are five-parted, smaller, and have short petioles. The upper leaf blades are almost sessile, tripartite, opposite. The rhizome of the plant is thick, but short, up to 10 cm in length.Usually it is vertical, but sometimes it can be oblique, wider in the upper part. Flowering of forest geranium is observed in the spring, in May, and continues until the end of June or the second half of July. It is quite abundant, the buds are large, collected in loose two-flowered inflorescences, and open wide. Their color is predominantly violet or lilac, sometimes it can be pink, less often white. After the end of the budding period, fruits are formed in place of the inflorescences; they are softly pubescent, similar in appearance to a bird’s beak.
Due to the essential oils included in the culture, it has a sharp, memorable odor, although wild varieties are less fragrant compared to their indoor counterparts. The most powerful aroma comes from Robert's geranium (robertinum), popularly called stinkweed.
Where does it grow
Geranium or forest pelargonium prefers to grow in rich, slightly acidic, clayey, sandy or silty soil. In nature, it is found mainly in zones with temperate and cold climates, in mixed and light coniferous forests, in meadows, forest edges, and among shrubs. Forest geranium grows in the European part of the Arctic, Ukraine, and Moldova. On the territory of the Russian Federation it is found en masse in Western and Eastern Siberia, in all regions of the North Caucasus.
In different regions, wild geranium may be called differently.
Poisonous or not
Pelargonium is a harmless plant that does not contain poisons, although in some cases it can cause harm. For example, it is dangerous for asthmatics and allergy sufferers to come into contact with it, as it can provoke coughing attacks, as well as rashes and tearing.
Medicinal properties of forest geranium
Due to the presence of beneficial substances, forest geranium has medicinal properties. It synthesizes tannins, essential oils, acids, carbohydrates, and alkaloids. The green mass of the plant contains vitamin C, glucose, fructose, flavonoids, and the seeds have antioxidant properties. Many microelements were found in the vegetative mass, and starch and organic acids were found in the roots.
During the flowering period, forest geranium is often harvested, dried and then used as a medicinal raw material.
Traditional healers share many recipes for various decoctions, rubs and infusions based on the culture, which are usually used as external remedies. They reduce pain from bruises and sprains, soothe itching, and effectively stop bleeding from cuts and wounds. Infusions and decoctions of forest geranium help to quickly cure sore throats: pharyngitis, sore throat, tonsillitis, they are also used as an aid in the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases, to get rid of diarrhea, enterocolitis, dysentery.
Almost all varieties of the crop have medicinal properties.
Indications and contraindications
Forest geranium is indicated for use as a disinfectant, antibacterial, and analgesic. It has astringent properties and is used for rinsing the mouth for stomatitis and various inflammations.An infusion from its aerial parts helps with kidney stones, rheumatism, gout, and angina. Compresses and baths made from forest geranium are used to get rid of boils, purulent wounds, and to treat hemorrhoids. Decoctions are used to relieve indigestion and are also used as a hemostatic agent.
Contraindications to the use of medicines from forest geranium:
- individual intolerance;
- pregnancy and breastfeeding;
- children under 14 years of age;
- thrombophlebitis;
- exacerbation of gastrointestinal diseases;
- varicose veins
Methods of application
For diarrhea, osteochondrosis, rheumatism, and salt deposition, a decoction of pelargonium is used. To prepare it, take crushed plant roots (20 g) or dry grass (60 g), pour 200 and 500 ml of cold water, respectively, over the raw material, boil over low heat for a quarter of an hour, drink 2-3 sips throughout the day.
For gargling and external use, use an infusion prepared according to the following recipe: dilute 1 tsp in a glass of water. dry raw materials, boil for 15 minutes, leave covered for an hour, strain.
Instead of a decoction, you can use a cold infusion of geranium: 60 g of dry leaves of the plant, pour 500 ml of boiled water, leave for 12 hours. Take 100 ml three times a day.
Conclusion
Forest geranium is a perennial that is found almost throughout Russia, with the exception of the Far East. This plant can be seen in forests, on the edges, and in thickets of bushes. It is quite easy to recognize and practically cannot be confused with other herbs.Forest geranium is not used for ornamental cultivation; it is usually collected by traditional healers for the preparation of medicinal potions.
