Herb Robert
OTHER NAME(S): Aiguilles de Notre-Dame, Bec de Cigogne, Bec de Grue, Cerfeuil Puant, Cerfeuil Sauvage, Dove's Feet, Dragon's Blood, Épingle de la Vierge, Fourchette du Diable, Géranium de Robert, Géranium Herbe à Robert, Herbe à l'Esquinancie, Herbe à Robert, Herbe Rouge, Hierba de San Roberto, Mountain Geranium, Patte d'Alouette, Red Robin, Stinky Bob, Storkbill, Wild Crane's-Bill, Geranium robertianum, Hierba De San Roberto, Géranium De Robert
Overview
Herb Robert is plant. It has an unpleasant odor, so it is sometimes called "Stinky Bob." The leaves, stems, and flowers are used to make medicine.
Herb Robert is used for diarrhea, to improve functioning of the liver and gallbladder, to reduce swelling (inflammation) of the kidney, bladder, and gallbladder, and to prevent the formation of stones in the kidney, bladder, or gallbladder. It is also used for "the flu", headaches, diabetes, sinus problems, arthritis, sciatica, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and cancer.
Some people use Herb Robert as a mouthwash or gargle. The fresh leaves are chewed to relieve sore mouth and throat. It is also applied to the skin for mosquito bites, parasites, herpes, arthritis, and sciatica.
An extract of Herb Robert may slow the growth of bacteria and viruses.
An extract of Herb Robert may slow the growth of bacteria and viruses.
Uses
Insufficient Evidence for
- Ear infection (otitis media). Placing drops of Herb Robert and other herbal ingredients into the ear might help with recovery from an ear infection. It isn't clear if this benefit is due to Herb Robert or the other ingredients.
- Treating diarrhea.
- Improving liver and gallbladder function.
- Kidney, bladder, and gallbladder swelling.
- Kidney, bladder, or gallbladder stones.
- Treating sore mouth and throat.
- Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of Herb Robert for these uses.
Side Effects
When taken by mouth: There isn't enough reliable information available to know if Herb Robert is safe or what the side effects might be.
When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information available to know if Herb Robert is safe or what the side effects might be.
When used in the ear: There isn't enough reliable information available to know if Herb Robert is safe or what the side effects might be.
Precautions
When taken by mouth: There isn't enough reliable information available to know if Herb Robert is safe or what the side effects might be.
When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information available to know if Herb Robert is safe or what the side effects might be.
When used in the ear: There isn't enough reliable information available to know if Herb Robert is safe or what the side effects might be.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if Herb Robert is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Interactions
We currently have no information for Herb Robert overview.
Dosing
The appropriate dose of Herb Robert depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for Herb Robert. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
References
- Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.
- Yamamoto K, Asakawa H, Tokunaga K, et al. Long-term ingestion of dietary diacylglycerol lowers serum triacylglycerol in type II diabetic patients with hypertriglyceridemia. J Nutr 2001;131:3204-7..
- Graça VC, Barros L, Calhelha RC, et al. Chemical characterization and bioactive properties of aqueous and organic extracts of Geranium robertianum L. Food Funct. 201;7(9):3807-14.
- Svendsen MT, Andersen KE, Thormann H, Paulsen E. Contact sensitization to Geranium robertianum L. in an amateur gardener. Contact Dermatitis. 2015;72(6):420-1.
- Panahi Y, Akhavan A, Sahebkar A, et al. Investigation of the effectiveness of Syzygium aromaticum, Lavandula angustifolia and Geranium robertianum essential oils in the treatment of acute external otitis: a comparative trial with ciprofloxacin. J Microbiol Immunol Infect. 2014;47(3):211-6.
- Badaoui A, Pecquet C, Fargeas C, Mahé E. Contact dermatitis caused by Geranium robertianum with erythema multiforme-like reaction. Contact Dermatitis. 2017;77(6):423-424.