Foraging Carolina Geranium – edible and medicinal wild food

Like so many of the edible weeds, there is a good chance you have seen Carolina Geranium many times but always just considered it to be a weed that wasn’t worth a second though. Keep reading to learn more about how and why this herb has been used for ages.

Geranium carolinianum is best known as Carolina Geranium but is also known as Carolina Cranesbill, and Wild Geranium. It is naturalized in the USA, Canada and Mexico and can be found throughout most of the areas in these countries.

In the wild, it can grow up to about ½ meter high. In my yard it tends to never get much above 4 inches due to mowing the grass it lives with. It tends to grow in clay, dry, poor, or rocky soils so it usually does not cause any problems with crops grown to sell or to feed your family.

Many people consider it to be a noxious weed, however in New York it is considered an endangered native plant and is under protection in some counties. Chances are good it will make a comeback with no problem due to the fact the seeds are very resistant to most herbicides because they have a hard-outer shell that prevents the herbicide from killing the seeds.

Edible Parts

All parts of the plant are edible; however, it is a bitter herb due to high levels of tannins. Some people consider it too bitter to use as a food. Like many bitter herbs, the younger the plant, the less bitter it is. I ate some of the plant you see in the photos and it was not bitter at all. The roots are used most commonly for their medicinal properties but are also edible. They hold the greatest concentration of tannins and are the most bitter. The bitterness can be reduced by boiling. The remaining water can be used to treat stomach ailments.

Medicinal Properties

1. Anti-bacterial
2. Anti-diarrheal
3. Anti-fungal
4. Anti-inflammatory
5. Antioxidant
6. Astringent
7. Stops Bleeding
8. Supports liver function

Wild Geranium Tea

A mild tea can be made by adding approximately 2 tablespoons dried leaves and stems to 2 cups of boiling water. Remove from heat and allow to steep at least 10 minutes. Up to 3 cups per day can be consumed to make use of its anti-inflammatory properties, to support liver function and stop diarrhea.

The strongest tea is made from dried roots. Boil 2 cups of water with 2 tablespoons of chopped dried roots. Once boiling, reduce heat and allow it to slowly boil for 10 to 15 minutes. Remove from heat, cover and allow to steep another 10 minutes. Drink up to 3 cups per day for the same reasons.

Carolina Geranium Tincture

• A pint or quart jar with tight sealing lid (canning jars work great)
• Enough freshly harvested, cleans and chopped root to fill the jar ¾ full or enough dried root to full the jar half full
• Enough 100% proof alcohol to fill the jar to the top with the herbs in it.
• Sterilized amber bottles for long term storage, preferably with droppers or Euro droppers.
• Cheese cloth, jelly bag or other fine cloth to strain your finished product.
• A fine mesh strainer
• A glass bowl large enough to strain your product into.

Makes sure all your jars, utensil and pans are thoroughly cleaned and sterilized. Pack your jar with herbs to the point listed in the ingredients. Pour the alcohol over the herbs and fill to where the bottom of the ring rests when tightly screwed on. All herb should be below the top of the alcohol.

Place the jar in a dark area such as inside a cabinet. Shake a few times daily for one week. Then allow to sit for at least 5 more weeks for a total of 6 weeks. (There is no problem if it soaks a week or two longer.)

Slowly pour the mixture through the strainer and cloth. You may need to stain a few times to remove all sediment. When clear, pour into amber bottles and seal tightly. Clearly label each bottle with the herb name and date you strained the product.

Store the bottles away from sunlight with lids tightened. If store correctly the product will last 7 to 10 years.

Your tincture can be used to make a quick tea by adding approximately ½ tsp to 8 oz. water. It can be added to poultices to help prevent infection or used as a rub on swollen joints.

Survival medicine

In a survival situation, fresh herb can be used to help stop bleeding. Gather fresh herb and if possible, wash in clean water. Use whatever materials are available to bind a handful of fresh herb to the wound as tightly as possible. This should only be used in a situation where the risk of bleeding to death is greater than the risk of infection or in a SHTF situation where choices have become almost non-existent.