Eggarton Cottages, Eggarton Lane, Godmersham, Kent, CT4 7DY
Tel/Fax: 01227 730242
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Dark to bright green, finely divided frondy leaves and pinky-red five-petalled flowers from May to December. The plant is covered in small silvery hairs which yield a fox-like smell when crushed. Found in the wild in hedgerows, woods, walls, grasslands and by the sea. Food plant of bees, long-tongued hoverflies and small insects and Barred Carpet moth.
Name comes from the Greek "geranus" meaning crane, so called because the seedheads resemble crane beaks. Its English name probably comes from Abbot Robert, who founded the Cistercian order in the eleventh-century.
Herb Robert leaves were crushed to make compresses for bruises and wounds. Can be taken internally for diarrhoea, peptic ulcers and bleeding. External use includes inflamed gums and herpes. Plant was highly regarded by the Scots and was made into an infusion to treat cancer, wounds and skin diseases. Its red stems and leaves led to it being assumed to be good for treating blood problems. Crushed leaves make a good insect repellent. Infuse the leaves and apply to the head to get rid of head lice.
Plant in well-drained to dry soil, shade. Will tolerate moist soil. Stems will grow through other plants for support, so good for the border. Deadhead regularly to promote further flowering. Self-seeds well.
*This sheet is provided for information only and is in no way a prescription for use. Please seek the advice of a qualified herbalist before using*