Evidence supporting the use of: Cranesbill
For the health condition: Bleeding (external)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Cranesbill (Geranium species, especially Geranium maculatum) has a long history of traditional use as a remedy for external bleeding. Herbalists and indigenous peoples in North America and Europe have employed the powdered root or astringent preparations of Cranesbill to staunch wounds, cuts, and other forms of minor external bleeding. The root contains high levels of tannins, which are known for their astringent properties—helping constrict tissues and blood vessels, thereby reducing bleeding and promoting clotting at the site of injury.
Despite this widespread traditional use, there is a lack of robust scientific studies—such as randomized controlled trials or systematic pharmacological research—directly validating the efficacy of Cranesbill for external bleeding in humans. The evidence for its astringent action is primarily extrapolated from its phytochemical content (notably tannins) and analogous effects observed in related plant species. Reports in herbal pharmacopeias and ethnobotanical literature consistently mention its use for this indication, but contemporary clinical evidence remains limited.
In summary, the use of Cranesbill for external bleeding is justified primarily by tradition and historical usage, supported by an understanding of its phytochemistry, but lacks strong modern scientific validation.
Other ingredients used for Bleeding (external)
aloe verabamboo
basil
bayberry
myrobalan
betel
black cumin
blackberry
chamomile
coating
Coptis chinensis
curcumin
horsetail
Indian gum arabic tree
plantain
protein
raspberry
sage
scrophularia root
vitamin C
vitamin K
bentonite
squawvine
parthenium
chickweed
papaya
shen-chu
capsicum
mugwort
clerodendrum indicum
commiphora
caesalpinia crista
peony
boxthorne
yarrow
moss
myrrh
fern
trichosanthes
zanthoxylum
sheep's sorrel
queen of the meadow
wintergreen
camphor oil
shepherd's purse
wood betony
paw paw
white oak
herbal blend (proprietary)
cayenne pepper
geranium
arnica
sea salt
Ash
Avens
Animal Tissue
Asiaticoside
Ardisia
Angelica
acacia
Agrimony
Achyranthes
Abrus
Alchornea
Alchemilla
Ajuga
American Liverleaf
Aquilegia formosa
Agrimonia pilosa
Asteracea
Ashoka
Abuta
Alkanna
Alstonia macrophylla
Amor seco
Bee Propolis
Betony
Bermuda Grass
Bai Ji
Baliospermum
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bidens pilosa
Blackthorn
Black-Eyed Susan
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Bistort
Butea monosperma
Barleria
Brazillian peppertree
Bloodroot
Benzoin
Bethroot
Bletilla
Bur-Reed
Bioflavonoids
Bee products
Black Nightshade
Bombax
Black root
Boerhavia diffusa
Borneol
Calendula
Casearia esculenta
Chlorophyllin
Capillary Artemisia
Cinquefoil
Cyathula
Cornflower
Chinese Raisintree
Cowherb
Curcumen
Catechu
Celandine
Cedar
Centipeda
Common madia
cypress
Cranesbill
Cedrus libani
Catkin
Cocklebur
Carthamus
European Elder
Eupatorium
Little ironweed
Metal Salt
Sumac
Vervain
Other health conditions supported by Cranesbill
Abdominal PainBleeding (external)
Cuts
Diarrhea
Dysentery
Inflammation
Injuries
Pain (general remedies for)
Scratches and Abrasions
Ulcerations (external)
Ulcers
Wounds and Sores