Storksbill weed is a humble plant highly appreciated as a forage for cattle.
Storksbill Weed Scientific Facts
- Scientific Name – Geranium cicutarium L.
- Other Names – Alfilaria, Pin Clover.
- French – Epingle de pasteur.
- Spanish – Alfilerillo de pastor.
- Environment—Native to the Mediterranean region, it is now widely spread throughout the Americas. It grows on dry, sandy soils.
- Description—A herbaceous plant of the Geraniaceae family, it is small (30 to 40 cm high) and has finely cut leaves. Its flowers are purple or pink, and its fruit ends in a large thorn (2-4 cm) similar to a needle or pin, which gives the plant some of its common names.
- Parts of the plant used medicinally – The whole plant, when fresh, and the leaves.
Healing Properties
Storksbill weed contains tannins, phenol, flavonoids, and potassium salts.
- Hemostatic is its most outstanding property. It acts mainly on the uterus (womb); hence, it is successfully used to stop uterine bleeding (metrorrhagia) and excessive menstruation.
- Mild diuretic and anti-inflammatory – It is used for nephritis and antispasmodic for urinary colic.
- Astringent and vulnerary – It helps heal wounds, sores, and skin ulcerations in external applications.
How to use Storksbill Weed
- Fresh plant juice is obtained by manually mashing 30 to 60 grams of the plant or in an electric blender. Drink two or three cups per day. Juice must be taken when fresh and can be sweetened with brown sugar, molasses, or honey.
- Compresses – Apply some 50 grams of mashed leaves to the affected area.
Musk Weed
Storksbill weed grows together with musk weed (Erodium moschatum L’Herit), a similar species called musk geranium. Though it shares several common names with storksbill (Erodium cicutarium), both plants are identical to Herb Robert.
Musk geranium owes its name to its strong musk aroma. Its leaves, more significant than those of storksbill, are consumed as vegetables and used as forage for cattle.
From a medicinal standpoint, the leaves and the rhizome are the parts of the plant used, and their properties are pretty similar to those of storksbill.
Frequently Asked Question
What are the traditional medicinal uses of storksbill weed?
Historically, storksbill has been used in folk medicine across various cultures:
Digestive Support: Used for digestive issues like constipation and diarrhea in Patagonia and Eastern Anatolia regions.
Other Conditions: It has also found applications in addressing skin ailments and respiratory infections and potentially even as an anti-cancer agent (though more research is needed in this area).
What active compounds in storksbill weed might contribute to its potential benefits?
Storksbill contains several bioactive compounds that might have therapeutic effects:
Tannins: Exhibit astringent properties that could aid with wound healing and diarrhea.
Flavonoids: are renowned for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Sterols: May play a role in reducing inflammation.
Has modern research substantiated any of storksbill weed’s traditional uses?
While storksbill shows promise, research is still in its early stages. Here’s what we know:
Gastrointestinal Effects: Limited research suggests potential benefits, but more studies are needed to confirm efficacy.
Anti-Cancer Potential: Preliminary lab studies hint at possible anti-proliferative effects on colon cancer cells. However, human trials are necessary for real-world applications.
Are there other potential health benefits being investigated?
Yes! Researchers are exploring other areas where storksbill might be beneficial:
Antimicrobial activity: The plant might have antibacterial and antifungal properties.
Wound healing: Traditional uses suggest storksbill could promote wound healing, and research is ongoing to investigate this potential.
Is storksbill weed safe for everyone to consume?
Caution is crucial! There isn’t enough data to determine its safety profile comprehensively. Here’s what to be mindful of:
Individual Considerations: Storksbill might not be suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding women, those with underlying health conditions, or people taking certain medications.
Limited Safety Data: Long-term safety research is lacking.
How do I responsibly incorporate storksbill into my health regimen?
Consult a healthcare professional first! They can assess its suitability based on your health history and potential drug interactions.
Start Low, Go Slow: If you get the green light, start with small doses and monitor your body’s response.
Where can I find reliable information on dosage and preparation?
Unfortunately, there’s no standardized guidance for storksbill dosage or preparation. It is incredibly personal and should be ascertained exclusively with a certified medical professional specializing in herbal medicine.
Are there any known side effects of storksbill weed?
Due to limited research, the complete range of side effects remains unknown. Some reports suggest it might cause mild digestive upset in some individuals.
Does storksbill interact with any medications?
The potential for interaction is unknown. It’s essential to talk to your doctor if you are taking any medications before considering storksbill weed.
Where can I find more credible information on storksbill weed’s health benefits?
Reputable resources include:
PubMed (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/) – Search for scientific studies.
National Institutes of Health (https://www.nih.gov/) – Offers reliable information on herbs and supplements.
DISCLAIMER: All content on this website is presented solely for educational and informational objectives. Do not rely on the information provided as a replacement for advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified medical expert. If you are pregnant, nursing, or have any preexisting medical concerns, talk to your doctor before using any herbal or natural medicines.
REFERENCES
- George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. “Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants.” George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants. Ed. Francesc X. Gelabert. vols. 2 San Fernando de Henares: Editorial Safeliz, 2000. 631. Print.
- Al-Snafi, A. E. (2018). Chemical constituents and pharmacological importance of Geranium robertianum-A review. IOSR Journal of Pharmacy, 8(8), 68-97.
- Ladio, A. H., & Lozada, M. (2004). Patterns of use and knowledge of wild edible plants in distinct ecological environments: a case study of a Mapuche community from northwestern Patagonia. Biodiversity & Conservation, 13(6), 1153-1173. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1023/B:BIOC.0000018150.79156.50
- Yeşil, Y., & İnal, İ. (2021). An ethnobotanical investigation of wild edible and medicinal plants used in the Araklı district (Trabzon/Turkey). Acta Biologica Turcica, 34(3), 101-113.
- Neag, M. A., Mocan, A., Echeverría, J., Pop, R. M., Bocsan, C. I., Crisan, G., & Buzoianu, A. D. (2018). Geranium robertianum L. and its bioactive compounds: phytochemical characterization, antioxidant, and anticancer activities. Antioxidants, 7(10), 130. https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/7/10/130
- Mazzanti, G., Battinelli, L., Pompeo, C., Serrilli, A. M., Rossi, R., Sauzullo, I., … & Menghi, A. B. (2000). In vitro study on the interaction of an Italian medical device, based on Diosmectite and extracts of Geranium robertianum and Castanea sativa, for the treatment of functional diarrhea. Minerva medica, 91(2 Suppl 1), 43-46. (Note: This study involved a commercial product containing multiple ingredients).
- Şimşek, İ., & Aytekin, F. (2015). Essential oil composition of some Geranium species from Turkey. Journal of Essential Oil Bearing Plants, 18(5), 1183-1189. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/0972060X.2015.1004119