Geranium Wallichianum: A Himalayan Herb Geranium wallichianum, a species of crane's-bill, is a perennial herb native to the Himalayan regions. Belonging to the Geraniaceae family, this plant is known for its vibrant flowers and is often used in traditional medicine. The rootstock, which is the part most commonly used for its medicinal properties, is fibrous and has a distinct appearance.
Naming and Terminology
The plant has various names depending on the region and language.
Scientific Name: Geranium wallichianum D. Don ex Sweet.
English: Wallich's Geranium, Himalayan Crane's-bill.
Hindi: Ratanjot, Lal Jari, or Chowhri. The name "Ratanjot" is particularly well-known and often used to refer to the herb's root, which is used as a natural dye.
Nepali: Rakla Moo, birath, chyaktu, nikyu, or yasign.
Kashmiri: Kaoashund.
Finnish: Himalajankurjenpolvi.
Chinese: 宽托叶老鹳草 (kuān tuō yè lǎo guàn cǎo) or 无腺老鹳草 (wú xiàn lǎo guàn cǎo).
Availability and External Appearance Geranium wallichianum is found in the subalpine and alpine zones of the Himalayas, including regions of Nepal, India (particularly Kashmir), Bhutan, and China. The plant's external appearance is characterized by its trailing or ascending stems, which can grow up to 50 cm tall. The leaves are palmately lobed and covered in fine hairs. The most striking feature is its flowers, which are typically a deep pink, purplish, or blue color. They are relatively large, measuring 1.4-2.2 cm, and have a unique "emarginate" apex with a notch. The roots, which are the medicinal part, are ± vertical and fibrous.
Healing Properties and Uses
Geranium wallichianum has been used for centuries in traditional medicine systems, particularly in the Himalayan region, for its various healing properties.
Astringent Properties: The plant is known to be astringent, meaning it can cause the constriction of body tissues. This property is useful for a variety of conditions, including dysentery and toothaches.
Pain Relief: The plant's paste, particularly from its roots, is applied topically to relieve aching joints, indicating its anti-inflammatory potential.
Internal Remedies: A warm decoction or infusion of the root is used as a remedy for:
Dysentery and cold.
Rheumatic pain, fever, and abdominal pain.
Peptic ulcers, often in a mixture with the bark of other plants like Schima wallichii and Prunus cerasoides.
Eye Health: The roots are also used in preparations for various eye complaints.
Veterinary Medicine: In some traditional practices, a paste made from the root is used to kill worms in the wounds of cattle.
Advantages and Ways of Use
The primary advantage of using Geranium wallichianum is its long history of traditional use in natural medicine, suggesting its efficacy in treating various ailments, particularly those related to inflammation and pain. The plant's multiple uses, from topical pain relief to internal remedies for digestive issues, make it a versatile herbal medicine.
The using way for this herb largely depends on the ailment:
Topical Application: For aching joints or wounds, a paste is made from the plant, usually the roots, and applied directly to the affected area.
Decoction/Infusion: For internal issues like dysentery, fever, or pain, the fresh or dried roots are boiled in water to create a decoction or steeped to make an infusion, which is then consumed.
Conclusion
Geranium wallichianum, or Ratanjot, is a valuable medicinal herb from the Himalayas with a rich history of use in traditional medicine. Its diverse applications for pain, inflammation, and digestive issues highlight its therapeutic potential. While traditional knowledge provides a strong foundation for its use, further scientific research is needed to fully understand its chemical composition and pharmacological effects. This plant serves as a testament to the rich biodiversity of the Himalayan ecosystem and the deep-rooted knowledge of local communities regarding its medicinal properties.
