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Category: Herbs

Cranesbill

(Geranium maculatum)

Uses

Cranesbill is high in tannins, is safe for internal and external use, and has been traditionally used to resolve dysentery and diarrhoea.

It is also a great herb for infections of the throat and mouth, and general wounds.

Is gentle enough for infants and invalids.

Parts Used

Both the dried, powered leaves and root are used.

Habbitat

Cranesbill makes its home in damp, shady areas. The flowers are pinky-purple and the tiny bulbous fruits have a long barb like a cranes beak.

Properties

Antiseptic, astringent, diuretic, styptic and tonic.

Healthy Cranesbill plant thriving by the garden gate

Plantain

(Plantago major)

Uses

Plantain is the ultimate ‘first aid’ herb. It grows in abundance (particularly in Australia), so is always on hand in an emergency.

Internally use 1 cup boiling water over 2 teaspoons dried herb. Take 3 times per day.

Finely chopped young leaves can be added to salad.

Chew up fresh leaf then place over bite, sting or on painful tooth to quickly relieve pain.

A decoction made from the leaves is a cleansing wash for irritated and inflamed skin, rashes and minor wounds.

Will bring relief from diarrhoea and the pain of haemorrhoids and soothes irritation from coughs and bronchitis.

It is also used internally for ulcers and to reduce fever and is a cooling herb for the sick.

It makes a particularly good poultice when used on stings, bites, minor punctures and wounds giving quick pain relief.

Know also to bring relief for toothache.

Parts Used

Leaves, seeds and root

Habbitat

Plantain grows almost everywhere. Anywhere there is grass, you’ll almost certainly find it. It will also grow on disturbed ground and even cracks in paths and walkways.

Properties

Astringent, demulcent, diuretic, expectorant, refrigerant, stimulant, laxative.

Narrow leaf plantain flowering in the herb garden.

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