# Cranesbill (Geranium maculatum) **Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/cranesbill **Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia **Updated:** 2026-03-28 **Evidence Score:** 2 / 10 **Category:** Native American **Also Known As:** Wild Geranium, Spotted Geranium, Alum Root, American Cranesbill, Wild Cranesbill, Storksbill, Spotted Cranesbill, Crowfoot, Old Maid's Nightcap, Shameface, Dove's Foot ## Overview Cranesbill (Geranium maculatum) is a North American herb traditionally used for digestive issues and diarrhea due to its high tannin content. The tannins provide astringent properties that may help reduce [inflammation](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) and fluid loss in tissues. ## Health Benefits • Traditional use for digestive disorders and diarrhea (no clinical evidence available) • Potential astringent effects due to tannin content (mechanism-based, not clinically proven) • Traditional topical application for skin lesions and hemorrhoids (insufficient scientific evidence) • Historical use for gum disease and cankers (no human studies available) • Possible [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) properties based on related Geranium species research (laboratory studies only, no human data) ## Mechanism of Action Cranesbill's primary bioactive compounds are condensed tannins, particularly proanthocyanidins and gallotannins. These tannins bind to proteins in mucous membranes, causing tissue contraction and reducing permeability. This astringent action may help decrease [inflammation](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) and fluid secretion in the digestive tract and topically applied tissues. ## Clinical Summary No clinical trials have been conducted specifically on Geranium maculatum for any health condition. The evidence base consists entirely of traditional use reports and ethnobotanical documentation from Native American medicine. Laboratory analysis has confirmed significant tannin content (10-25% dry weight), supporting the theoretical basis for astringent effects. However, safety, efficacy, and optimal dosing remain unestablished through controlled human studies. ## Nutritional Profile Cranesbill (Geranium maculatum) is a medicinal herb rather than a dietary food source, so conventional macronutrient profiling is limited. Bioactive compounds dominate its chemical profile: Tannins are the primary constituents, with hydrolyzable tannins (including geraniin and gallic acid derivatives) estimated at 10–20% dry weight of the root, making it one of the higher-tannin botanical medicines in North American herbalism. Gallic acid content is approximately 0.5–2% dry weight. Ellagic acid is present as a secondary polyphenol at roughly 0.1–0.5% dry weight. The herb contains flavonoids including quercetin and kaempferol glycosides at trace to low concentrations (estimated <1% dry weight combined). Catechins and procyanidins (condensed tannins) contribute additional astringent activity. Chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid derivatives are present as minor phenolic acids. Resin and gum fractions are present but poorly quantified. Starch and pectin are found in the rhizome, contributing modest carbohydrate content. Mineral content is not well characterized, though potassium, calcium, and magnesium are expected at levels consistent with herbaceous plant tissue (calcium ~500–1500 mg/100g dry weight is plausible based on related species). Bioavailability note: High tannin content significantly reduces bioavailability of co-administered minerals such as iron and zinc through chelation; tannins themselves have limited systemic absorption and act primarily locally in the gastrointestinal tract, which is consistent with their traditional use for diarrhea and mucosal conditions. ## Dosage & Preparation Traditional dosage (not clinically validated): 20-30 drops (1 ml) of tincture in 2 oz of juice or water, up to 4 times daily. No clinically established dosage ranges exist due to lack of human studies. Available as tinctures (ethanol or glycerin-based), dried root extracts, and whole plant extracts. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement. ## Safety & Drug Interactions Cranesbill is generally considered safe when used traditionally, but comprehensive safety data is lacking. High tannin content may cause stomach upset, nausea, or constipation in sensitive individuals. The herb may theoretically interact with iron absorption due to tannin content and could potentiate effects of antidiarrheal medications. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid use due to insufficient safety data. ## Scientific Research The research indicates there is insufficient scientific evidence from human clinical trials to support cranesbill's traditional uses. No PubMed-indexed randomized controlled trials or meta-analyses of cranesbill in human subjects are referenced in the available literature. While laboratory studies on related Geranium species show potential bioactivity, no specific clinical trials with PMIDs are available. ## Historical & Cultural Context Cranesbill has been used in North American herbal medicine for treating diarrhea, digestive disorders, skin lesions, and gum disease. Traditional applications include both oral and topical preparations for various conditions involving excess moisture or secretion. ## Synergistic Combinations Slippery elm, marshmallow root, chamomile, peppermint, ginger ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What is the active compound in cranesbill? Cranesbill's primary active compounds are tannins, specifically condensed tannins including proanthocyanidins and gallotannins. These comprise 10-25% of the herb's dry weight and provide the astringent properties. ### How much cranesbill should I take for diarrhea? No standardized dosage exists for cranesbill as it lacks clinical study data. Traditional preparations used 1-2 grams of dried root as tea or 2-4 ml of tincture, but safety and efficacy are not established. ### Can cranesbill help with hemorrhoids? Cranesbill was traditionally applied topically for hemorrhoids due to its astringent tannins that may reduce swelling and bleeding. However, no clinical studies have tested its effectiveness for this condition. ### Is American cranesbill the same as other geraniums? American cranesbill (Geranium maculatum) differs from cultivated geraniums (Pelargonium species) and other wild geraniums. Each species has distinct chemical profiles and traditional uses, so they are not interchangeable. ### Does cranesbill interact with medications? Cranesbill may theoretically reduce iron absorption due to its high tannin content and could enhance antidiarrheal medication effects. However, specific drug interactions have not been systematically studied. ### Is cranesbill safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding? There is insufficient scientific evidence regarding cranesbill's safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and it should be avoided during these periods as a precaution. Traditional use does not guarantee safety for vulnerable populations, and astringent herbs may have unintended effects on fetal development or breast milk composition. Pregnant and nursing women should consult a healthcare provider before using any herbal supplement, including cranesbill. ### What is the strongest form of cranesbill supplement—dried herb, tincture, or tea? No clinical studies directly compare the bioavailability or efficacy of different cranesbill forms, making it impossible to definitively rank them by strength. Tinctures and extracts may deliver concentrated tannins more efficiently than dried herb teas, but this theoretical advantage has not been validated in human studies. Choice of form should prioritize personal preference and product quality until stronger comparative evidence emerges. ### What does scientific research actually show about cranesbill's effectiveness? Current scientific evidence for cranesbill is limited, with most support coming from traditional use rather than rigorous clinical trials in humans. While laboratory studies suggest tannins in cranesbill may have astringent properties, these findings have not been consistently translated into proven therapeutic benefits for digestive or skin conditions. More controlled human studies are needed before making evidence-based claims about cranesbill's efficacy for any specific health condition. --- *Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com* *License: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — Attribution required. Commercial use: admin@hermeticasuperfoods.com*