Carolina Geranium – Helpful, But Bitter AF

Carolina Geranium, sometimes called wild cranesbill, was a go-to for herbalists and indigenous peoples. Its powerful astringent properties were well-known, making it a staple for stopping bleeding. It was used as a poultice on cuts and wounds to help staunch the flow and promote healing by contracting and drying out the tissue.

Its astringent nature also made it a popular choice for oral health. I’ve used it to make a mouthwash to help with canker sores and it’s something I’ve recommended to others over the years.

The other way herbalists used the roots was to make a decoction (a very strong type of tea) to combat diarrhea and soothe an upset stomach. The root, when boiled, provides the most concentrated dose of its medicinal properties, though it is quite bitter. I mean really, rally bitter. I have no idea how people choked it down. If I were to use it for diarrhea, I’d make a tincture rather than a tea. Tinctures are a fantastic way to get the benefits without the flavor or you could use capsules made from the dried powder.

When using the leaves, it’s worth noting that the younger leaves are less bitter. To help with the flavor, you can always add some honey or a dash of cinnamon. For external applications, a salve or a poultice made from the whole plant is still a very effective way to promote skin healing and help with minor bleeding.

The Carolina Geranium is native to a broad range across North America, from Canada down to Mexico, and can be found growing in disturbed soil, meadows, and along roadsides. It is an annual plant that is easy to grow and maintain, often self-seeding, and thrives in USDA hardiness zones 3 through 9. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It’s a wonderful addition to a home herb garden, not only for its medicinal properties but also for its delicate, five-petaled flowers that add a touch of wild beauty.