Geranium nepalense Sweet, commonly known as Nepal Geranium or Nepalese Crane's Bill, is a perennial herb belonging to the family Geraniaceae. This plant has a rich history in traditional medicine, particularly in Asia, where it has been utilized for its therapeutic properties for centuries. The plant is found in temperate and tropical regions of Asia, including the Himalayas, extending to parts of East Asia, and has also been introduced to other regions of the world. Its medicinal value is primarily attributed to its high content of tannins, flavonoids, and other bioactive compounds, which provide its astringent, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial actions.
Name in Different Countries and Languages The plant is known by a variety of names across different regions, reflecting its widespread use and cultural significance.
English: Nepal Geranium, Nepalese Crane's Bill. The name "Crane's Bill" is a common term for plants in the genus Geranium, derived from the resemblance of their long, beak-like fruit to a crane's head and bill.
Sanskrit: Bhanda, Bhandaa. This is the traditional Ayurvedic name for the plant.
Hindi: Bhanda, Phori, Ratanjot, Syunli.
Kashmiri: Roel.
Punjabi: Bhand.
Nepali: Chunitro ghans.
Tibetan: Mig-sman.
Chinese: It is a common Chinese herbal medicine.
Terminology and Synonyms
The scientific name Geranium nepalense Sweet is the accepted botanical name for this species. However, it has several synonyms, which are different names that have been used for the same plant over time. Some of the notable synonyms include:
Geranium fangii R. Knuth
Geranium lavergneanum H. Lév.
Geranium mexicanum Fisch. & C.A.Mey.
Geranium oliganthum C.C.Huang
Geranium pallidum Royle ex Edgew. & Hook.f.
Geranium patens Royle ex Edgew. & Hook.f.
Geranium radicans DC.
Geranium thunbergii Siebold ex Hook. & Arn.
Geranium tsing-tauense Y.H.Chang
These synonyms often reflect regional variations or historical misclassifications, but they all refer to the same plant species.
Availability
Geranium nepalense is widely distributed in its native range, including the Himalayas and parts of East and Southeast Asia. It grows in a variety of habitats, including moist slopes, rocky areas, and forests, at altitudes ranging from 1500 to 2900 meters. The plant is not a commonly used species in commercial horticulture, and thus may be found primarily through specialist suppliers. In its native regions, it is often gathered from the wild for traditional medicinal use. Some online platforms may also offer seeds or plant parts.
External Look
Geranium nepalense is a low-growing herbaceous perennial with a spreading or trailing habit.
Stems: The stems are slender, 1-3 in number, and can grow up to 1-2.5 feet long. They are often covered in fine hairs and may root at the nodes.
Leaves: The leaves are opposite and are palmately cut into 5-7 lobes, which are further divided. They are broadly circular in shape, with a velvety or hairy texture.
Flowers: The flowers are small, typically white with distinct purple or violet veins towards the base of the petals. They have five spreading petals that are flat or slightly notched at the tip. The center of the flower features a pinkish-red stigma surrounded by charming violet-colored anthers.
Fruit: The fruit is a long, beak-like capsule, which gives the plant its common name "Crane's Bill."
Healing Properties and Medicinal Values The medicinal properties of Geranium nepalense are well-documented in traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Modern scientific studies have also begun to validate many of these traditional uses.
Astringent and Styptic: The plant is rich in tannins, which are responsible for its astringent properties. This makes it effective in treating conditions involving bleeding, such as internal and external bleeding, and in stopping minor wounds from bleeding. It works by causing blood vessels to contract and speeding up coagulation.
Anti-inflammatory: Research has shown that extracts from the plant, particularly those containing polyphenols like flavonoids and tannins, possess significant anti-inflammatory effects. This makes it useful for treating various inflammatory conditions, including dysentery, arthritis pain, and skin inflammation.
Antibacterial and Antimicrobial: Studies indicate that the plant has potent antibacterial and anti-fungal properties, making it effective against a range of bacterial strains. This action helps to combat infections and can support the immune system.
Diarrhea and Dysentery: The astringent and antibacterial properties of the plant are highly effective in treating diarrhea and bacillary dysentery, helping to soothe the intestines and reduce inflammation.
Renal Diseases: The plant has been traditionally used to treat renal (kidney) diseases, with the juice of the plant being particularly valued for this purpose.
Topical Uses: Applied topically, the plant is used for treating ulcers, hemorrhoids, and other skin conditions due to its astringent, anti-inflammatory, and healing properties.
Analgesic: It is used as an analgesic tonic in Chinese herbal medicine to alleviate pain, including rheumatism and muscle aches.
Advantages
Natural and Traditional Remedy: It offers a natural alternative for treating various ailments, with a long history of traditional use.
Multifaceted Properties: The plant's combination of astringent, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties makes it a versatile remedy for a wide range of conditions.
Rich in Bioactive Compounds: The presence of compounds like flavonoids, tannins, and essential oils contributes to its significant therapeutic effects.
Potential for Modern Medicine: Modern research is exploring its potential for developing new anti-inflammatory and antibacterial medications.
Uses and Using Ways
Geranium nepalense is used in various forms depending on the ailment.
Decoction or Tea: A common method of use is to prepare a decoction or tea from the plant parts, which is then consumed for internal conditions like diarrhea, dysentery, and renal diseases.
Juice: The fresh juice of the plant is valued for its use in treating renal diseases.
Topical Application: For external conditions like ulcers, hemorrhoids, and wounds, a paste or poultice is made from the plant and applied directly to the affected area. The astringent properties help to dry out and heal the lesions.
Oil and Tinctures: While less common than for other Geranium species, the plant's compounds can be extracted into oils or tinctures for topical or internal use.
Conclusion
Geranium nepalense Sweet is a remarkable perennial herb with a rich heritage in traditional medicine. From its astra-like flowers with distinctive veining to its long, beak-like fruit, the plant is not only visually appealing but also a powerhouse of therapeutic properties. Its traditional use as an astringent and styptic for treating bleeding and diarrhea is supported by modern research highlighting its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial actions. The presence of a variety of bioactive compounds, including tannins and flavonoids, makes it a valuable resource for both traditional and modern medicine. As interest in natural and holistic remedies grows, Geranium nepalense stands as a promising subject for further scientific investigation, potentially leading to new discoveries and applications in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries.
