ENGLISH NAME: Herb-Robert
LATIN NAME: Geranium
robertianum
LOCAL NAMES:
Czechia: Kakost smrdutý
Turkey: Kokulu
turnagagası
Bulgaria: Миризлив здравец (Mirizliv
zdravets)
Georgia: სუნიანი გერანიუმი (Suniani
geraniumi)
COUNTRY: Turkey,
Bulgaria, Czechia, Georgia
WHERE TO FIND IT:
Region: Common across
Europe in cool, shaded zones
Elevation: 200–1,600 meters
Terrain: Humid, shady
forests, woodland edges, scrubland, moist rock outcrops
DESCRIPTION:
Herb-Robert is a small annual or biennial plant growing 10–40 cm tall. It
features deeply lobed, palmately divided leaves that may turn reddish as they
age. It produces small, pink to purplish five-petaled flowers. The entire plant
has a strong, musky odor, especially when crushed, which gives rise to its
Czech name (“smrdutý” = “smelly”).
USABLE PARTS: Stem (aerial
parts including leaves and flowers)
MEDICINAL
PROPERTIES:
Traditionally valued for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, astringent, and
wound-healing properties. Used in folk remedies for diarrhea, kidney function
support, and minor skin infections.
UNDESIRED EFFECTS:
Generally safe in small amounts. May cause stomach upset in sensitive
individuals if used in excess.
COMBINING WITH
OTHER MEDICINES:
Can be paired with calendula or yarrow for skin applications, or with nettle in
urinary health blends.
PREPARATION:
Aerial parts are dried for teas, tinctures, and poultices. Fresh herb can also
be used directly on wounds as a compress.
HARVEST TIME:
Mid to late summer, during or just after flowering.
HARVEST METHOD:
Cut whole stems above the base using scissors or a small knife. Choose healthy,
undamaged plants growing in clean environments.
CONSERVATION
(STORAGE):
Dry thoroughly in the shade, then store in airtight containers in a cool, dark,
dry place. Use within one year for best efficacy.