Scientific name: Geranium incanum
Carpet Geranium gets its name from its attractive, delicate, soft and pretty ground cover nature and is a much-loved garden plant.
It is also known as “vrouetee” (women’s tea) in Afrikaans due to its usage by women for irregular or excessive menstruation, expelling the afterbirth and for bladder infections.
Even though the scientific studies on the plant is limited, the plant’s traditional uses and ethnobotany research gives it a very good reputation.
The flowers are also edible and are added to salads and cakes for decoration.
I’ve done some research on this remarkable plant, looking at the ethnobotany uses as well as scientific studies on it. I find it incredible that the scientific findings on the plant support the old traditional and historical uses. I would love to share my findings with you.
Here is what African Wormwood can help you with:
A Women Supporter
Carpet geranium has been used traditionally by many cultures including the Khoikoi, European settlers and Southern Cape Khoisan to support women and womb health. It is used to bring comfort to and relieve women’s ailments including menstrual pain, excessive menstruation and premenstrual tension (PMS). This “vrouetee” (women’s tea) is also used for irregular menstruation and is said to help with infertility and venereal diseases.
A Pregnancy and Birthing Supporter
Carpet Geranium is also used for pregnancy problems, during childbirth, for expelling the afterbirth and the stimulation of lactation.
A Urinary Supporter
Carpet geranium is used to relieve urinary tract infections (UTI’s) including bladder infections (cystitis).
A Digestive Supporter
The leaves of the plant are used to treat colic and other digestive complaints. It is particularly known for its effects in relieving diarrhoea. Studies in mice showed that Carpet Geranium significantly reduced faecal output in castor oil-induced diarrhoea and significantly reduced the number of diarrhoeal episodes. It also delayed the onset of diarrhoea as well as significantly reduced the number of mice exhibiting diarrhoea.
Carpet Geranium has exhibited high anthelmintic activity against Haemonchus contortus (barber’s pole worm). It is excellent for expelling worms in both humans and animals.
A Respiratory Supporter
Carpet geranium is used to relieve respiratory conditions including bronchitis. It’s also used to support the body through a fever.
Also, just so that you know, I make and sell an African Wormwood Tincture. If you would like to try it?
A Skin Protector
Products containing carpet geranium can be used to treat itchy, dry skin. A tea made from the leaves can be used to rinse hair to relieve oiliness, dandruff and psoriasis of the scalp.
Properties and Actions
Anthelmintics, Anti-inflammatory Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Astringent, Cytotoxic (anti-cancerous), Febrifuge (reduce fever)
Body Systems
Reproductive System, Urinary System, Digestive system, Respiratory System
I also use Carpet Geranium in my
Urinary Blend
Natural Dewormer
References:
- Roberts, M. 2017. Indigenous Healing Plants. Page 116-117
- Van Wyk, B. Van Oudtshoorn, B. Gericke, N. 2017. Medicinal Plants of South Africa. Page 150
- SANBI. PlantZAfrica.com – http://pza.sanbi.org/geranium-incanum
- RYNO FREIDBERG. AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE ANTIMICROBIAL AND ANTICANCER ACTIVITIES OF GERANIUM INCANUM, ARTEMISIA AFRA AND ARTEMISIA ABSINTHIUM. 2009. https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/ffb3/b8430a535ae5b06b0a3a783a5fc24a0c2744.pdf
- G. Scott, E.P. Springfield & N. Coldrey. Pharmaceutical Biology. A Pharmacognostical Study of 26 South African Plant Species Used as Traditional Medicines. Taylor & Francis.
- PubMed. Antidiarrhoeal Activity of Geranium Incanum Burm. F. (Geraniaceae) Leaf Aqueous Extract in Mice. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19429361/
- Yvette van Wijk’s ethnobotany research.
