Description

Strong-smelling annual or biennial herb growing to 20 in (50 cm). Has deeply cleft red-green leaves, bright pink flowers, and pointed seed capsules.

Habitat & Cultivation

Native to Europe and Asia, herb robert is naturalized in North America. It is gathered in summer.

Parts Used

Aerial parts, root.

Constituents

Herb robert contains tannins, a bitter principle (geraniin), traces of volatile oil, and citric acid.

History & Folklore

Herb robert’s unpleasant odor has earned it the name “stinking Bob” in parts of England.

Medicinal Actions & Uses

Herb robert is little used in contemporary European herbal medicine. It is occasionally employed in much the same way as Wild geranium (G. maculatum), as an astringent and wound healer. The herb bears closer investigation as a remedy. According to one authority it is effective against stomach ulcers and inflammation of the uterus, and it holds some potential as a treatment for cancer.