Papaya - a world class meat tenderizer, natural digestive aid, prevents ulcers, and also a soft contact lense cleaner.Geranium Macula Tum - GERANIACEAE - Cranesbill, Alum Rool, Wild Geranium, Slorksbill, Dove’s Foot, Chocolale Flower
Geranium Macula Tum
GERANIACEAE
cranesbill, alum rool, wild geranium, wild cranesbill, slorksbill, dove’s foot, chocolale flower, spotted cranesbill
This is an erect, hairy perennial about 18 inches tall, with divided leaves and rosy purple flowers. It grows in rich woods in the eastern United States from Canada to Georgia. The pointed, upright seed cases are distinctive, as are the flowers.
Medicinally, the leaves may be gathered and dried to use in an infusion as a mild astringent. The parts used in the drug trade are the knobby rhizomes, which, when dried, produce a purplish brown powder, whence comes the name chocolale flower. Having a high tannin content, this powder is a valuable astringent, given in average doses of 15 grains in cases of dysentery, diarrhea, and cholera. Infusions of the leaves are said to be useful as a gargle for sore throat and for ulcerated mouth.
The percentage of tannin in all parts of the plant is very high, and extracts of this may be used in home tanning on an experimental basis. The leaves and roots should be collected just before the plant flowers, when the tannin content is at its highest.
One note of caution. Because of the plant’s highly astringent nature, extracts or decoctions of cranesbill may cause constipation if used for an extended period.