Geranium
Geranium (Tian Shu Kui)
Botanical Name: Geranium robertianum (Herb Robert), G. pelargonium odoratissimum (Apple), G pelargonium (Rose).
There are many varietals of geranium. Beyond being a lovely garden flower the many varieties exhibit similar healing properties and the leaves and flowers of rose geraniums can also be used in the kitchen as a culinary herb. (NOT all geraniums are edible, but the rose geranium is one that is!)
Below is an overview of geranium, combining and interpreting the best of Western Science, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Shamanism, Folklore and more. Gain a balanced and thorough understanding of the healing properties of geranium.
Have we sparked your interest?
Sign up, FREE, for access to all of WRI Healing Herb Fact Sheets and Exclusive Member Only Offers! Your satisfaction is guaranteed.

Western
Western Name: Geranium
Also Known As: Cranesbill, Herb Robert, Red Robin, Death Come Quickly, Doves Foot, Cranesbill, Apple Geranium
Organs/Systems: Stomach, Skin, Intestines, Urogenital Organs, Kidney
Key Western Actions & Medicinal Uses: Astringing, Demulcent, Tonic, Antispetic, Vermifuge, Diuretic, Antidepressant, Aromatherapy, Vulinary, Coagulant/Hemostatic, Insecticide.

Eastern
Pin Yin: Tian Shu Kui
Also Known As: N/A
Meridians: Spleen, Kidney, Liver
Key TCM Actions & Medicinal Uses: Dries Damp/Stops Discharge/Stops Bleeding/Reduces Swelling: chronic diarrhea, white leucorrhea, nose bleeds, hemorrhage of internal organs, excess breast milk, intestinal infections, inflamation of mouth, throat, and eyes. Heals Wounds/Relieves Pain/Moistens Skin: skin ulcers, abscesses, boils, burns, tumors, stomach cancer, rashes, herpes, ringworm, eczema. Removes Stagnation/Supports Spleen/Lifts Shen: abdominal pain, fatigue, depression, uterus blood defeciency with dry skin. Promotes Urination/Soften Stones: jaundice, edema, urinary stones.
Parts Most Frequently Used: Whole plant, Leaves, Oil, Roots
Flavors/Temps: Bit Sweet, Bit Pungent, Bit Bitter, Astringing, Warm and Cooling
Caution: Not recommended for acute infections of any kind that exhibit damp heat conditions.
History/Folklore: In herbalism mainly the root is used, though leaves can be used too. Roots are harvested in the early Fall. The name geranium is derived from the Greek word meaning “crane,” hence the nickname “cranesbills.” In South African cultures the plant has been a traditional medicine for healing wounds, sore throats, abscesses and infections. The French perfume industry uses the rose smelling geranium as a compliment and substitute for the more expensive pure rose Oil.
Geranium promotes estrogen and can aid with menopausal disorders. Geranium Pelargonium odorantissimum (Rose Geranium) is generally only available in essential oil form which is extracted from the whole plant. It is used both internally and externally. Geranium has the distinct advantage of treating diarrhea and leucorrhea without drying out the tissues, even thought it is more astringing than Witch Hazel. It is also less strong than Oak bark or Walnut leaf. Geranium has both astringing and demulcent properties.
It is a symbol of prosperity in Egypt, immortality in China and longevity in Japan.
Key Constituents:
Essential oils (including Geraniol, Citronellol, Linalol, Terpineol, Phenylethylic alcochol), Tannins, Resin.

Apple Geranium
The leaves of the Apple Geranium genus are used in deserts, fruit drinks and sauces for their apple aroma.

Cleanser
Geranium oil is often used in skin care and bath products because of its cleansing properties. Just add a few drops.

Insecticide
Geranium can be used as an insecticide against head lice. As a tea it can be sprayed on other garden plants to help treat aphids.
FREE Trial!
Get a NEW Healing Herb Fact Sheet each week!
Sign up for immediate access to your first Healing Herb Fact Sheet and a one month free trial. Find out for yourself why over 50,000 people have already signed up.
Choose the Right Herbs for You!
Take FULL Advantage of the Healing Powers of Herbs!
Our Healing Herb Library is a collection of How to Use Herb Health Sessions that guide you through individual herbs, helping you to take full advantage of each herb’s unique healing powers.
Flower Your World with Healing Herb Fact Sheets!
Get 300+ Fact Sheets,
Right Now!
Get IMMEDIATE access to Our Complete Collection of 6 eBook Volumes containing 300+ Healing Herb Fact Sheets.
Want to Learn More?
Join us for FREE to receive Special Offers and updates about our upcoming courses, FREE materials and more.References: For a complete list of references please visit our References and Resources page. Disclosure: If you purchase from some links on this web page, we may receive some kind of affiliate commission. However, we only ever mention products we would recommend whether we were being compensated or not. Thank you so much for your support of White Rabbit Institute of Healing!