Herb Robert
From Wikiwel
Other names : Geranium robertianum, Cranesbills Herb, Red Robin, Storksbill, Fox geranium, Red Robin, Stinky Bob.
Special Precautions of Herb Robert
- In terms of germanium, Herb Robert naturally contains less than a supplement would. Even in medicinal uses, organic germanium is considered non-toxic, and poses no significant adverse side effects.
- Apart from this, there is very little information on the safe amount to take, any interactions, or any side effects. I recommend taking these common precautions:
- If you have any medical conditions, especially those mentioned above, or take any medication, consult a healthcare professional before taking the herb
- Avoid in pregnancy and breast-feeding to stay on the safe side
- Start with a small amount, and look out for any side effects
- Even if you find no side effects, exercise caution and don’t have too much (just as you wouldn’t most things)
- A diet too high in raffinose carbohydrates can cause flatulence and discomfort, as we do not contain the enzymes to digest then so they are instead fermented by gut bacteria. For most people with a healthy gut microbiome this shouldn’t be problematic, but if you have any digestive issues, do what works for you. Raffinose – a member of the raffinose family – will break down at 118° Celsius, so thoroughly cooking food can reduce the content. Additionally, properly soaking beans can greatly reduce the percentage, making them edible.
Health Benefits and Uses of Herb Robert
- In traditional herbalism Herb Robert was used for the treatment of wounds, ulcers and diarrhea and as a remedy for toothache and nosebleeds. This little plant, once called St. Robert, has been revered in herbal history for many ailments. These have included: stomach problems, as a digestive aid, a blood cleanser and body detoxifier. for diarrhea, diabetes, shingles, enteritis, skin conditions, bruises, inflammation, rheumatism and arthritis, peptic ulcers, kidney diseases and stones, hemorrhages, herpes, colds, lethargy, adrenal gland diseases, impotency, gout, liver ailments, mucus congestion, infectious sores, gastritis, hemorrhoids painful inflammation around finger and toe nails, and eye irritations.
- The active compounds identified in Geranium robertianum are tannins, flavonoids, phenolic acids, essential oil and vitamins (A, C).
- The essential oil showed antiplasmid effect, antioxidant activity, astringent, antibleeding, diuretic and antiseptic properties.
- Among 161 medicinal plants applied in ethnopharmacology, traditionally used in the South-West of Romania, infusion of G. robertianum aerial parts have antihypertensive, astringent, depurative, and antiseptic activity.
- Antibacterial : The Gram-negative bacteria were more resistant to the essential oil than Gram-positive bacteria. The demonstration of microbiolog-ical activity of essential oil against both Gram-nega-tive and Gram-positive bacteria (human, animal,plant) is an indication that the plant can be a sourceof bioactive substances that could possess broadspectrum of antibacterial activity.
- Cancer : Despite being used in the folk medicine of several countries for the treatment of cancer, the evaluation of the toxicity of G. robertianum against cancer cells has rarely been addressed.
- Laryngeal Cancer : Paun et al. (2012) assessed the cytotoxity of aqueous and 50% aqueous ethanolic extracts of G. robertianum plants from Romania purified and concentrated by membrane processes (micro- and ultrafiltration), against human epidermoid laryngeal carcinoma cells (Hep-2p) and normal monkey kidney cells (extract dose of 1.5 mg/L). The concentrated extracts displayed very low cytotoxicity against healthy cells (4.7 - 22.3% in the 50% aqueous ethanolic extracts; 1.5 - 9.2% in the aqueous extracts), but a significant cytotoxic effect on Hep-2p cancer cells (6.1 - 25.9% in the 50% aqueous ethanolic extracts; 0.9 - 32.5% in the aqueous extracts). The highest selective cytotoxicity was showed by one of the aqueous extracts. The effect of the concentrated aqueous extracts on the viability of the HEp-2p cells was demonstrated to be dependent on the exposure time and concentration, the later playing a much more important role (Neagu et al., 2013). A direct correlation between the cytotoxic effect and the polyphenols content of extracts could also be established. The ability of this important group of phytochemicals to inhibit cancer cell growth is now well recognized (Kampa et al., 2007).
- Herb Robert is a source of germanium, a valuable element to the body, as it has the ability to make oxygen available to the cells. More oxygen at cell level, means the body has the opportunity to fight disease by its own powers and healing can take place quickly. Lack of free oxygen available to the cells can be caused by free radicals and a toxic state around the cells meaning the cells cannot get the required oxygen or the nutrients to regenerate. The area becomes anaerobic, the beginning of pain, disease, wayward cells and cancer. Dr. Otto Warburg, Nobel Prize winner, said in 1966, "The prime cause of cancer is lack of oxygenation of the cells". He discovered that riotous, wayward cancer cells could not exist in the presence of abundant oxygen, but only in an anaerobic state. Because oxygen plays such an important role in cell health and immune function, using Herb Robert regularly is a powerful contribution to maintaining robust good health and well-being.
- Rudolph Breuss, in his book, "Cancer and Leukaemia", gives advice for treatment of cancer and other, seemingly incurable, diseases, saying that: besides the vegetable juice regime, and kidney tea, herb robert is essential, when dealing with all cancers, as it stimulates the kidneys to reject and eliminate poisons. He recommended that a pinch of the herb be steeped in 1 cup of boiled water for 10 minutes and drunk, cold, daily. In one chapter in the book, he wrote on infertility recommending for couples who have had difficulty conceiving that both husband and wife should sip a cup of herb robert daily (made the same way as for the cancer treatment above). He knows this method is effective, from feedback he has received. In his "hints for farmers" he recommends a handful of herb robert, mixed with concentrates and a little salt, fed to cows (for 3 days) that cannot come into calf.
- Colon cancer : However, another study throws something new into the mix. It turns out that organic Germanium elevates the levels of an enzyme known as beta-glucuronidase. Increased levels of this enzyme was considered to be a prime factor in colon cancer formation in a study conducted in South Korea. This suggests that high amounts of organinc Germanium (Ge-132) alone could increase the chance of colon cancer. However, a diet containing more raffinose alongside this had significant beneficial effects. Raffinose is a family of carbohydrates found most abundantly in beans. Other sources include broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, asparagus, whole grains, and other vegetables. In rat studies, a diet of 5% raffinose and 0.05% germanium eliminated the increase in beta-glucuronidase, and greatly increased levels of Bifidobacterium and to a lesser extent Lactobacillus bacteria in the microbiome. These bacteria are vital for a healthy digestive system, helping to digest fibre, produce vitamins, absorb nutrients, and prevent infection. This increase also explains the possible effect of softened stool caused by raffinose and germanium.
- Immunity booster : Germanium not only works as an oxygen carrier and catalyst, but also stimulates electrical impulses at a cellular level, which has a beneficial ripple effect throughout the whole body. Germanium's remarkable effects on the immune system have been documented in medical journals: as an energy giver, immune builder and as a powerful therapeutic and preventative, as a vigorous adaptogen, acting to alleviate minor or major health imbalances. Germanium provides us with an active antibiotic, antiviral and antioxidant arsenal.
- Nitric Oxide as a Beneficial Free-Radical : Nitric oxide is one of the most well-known free radicals. However, it is an important part of our life as an aerobic species, and having too little (or too much) can have negative health effects. Simply, it plays important beneficial roles in cell signalling for many biological processes. Most notably it is a vasodilator, which means that it relaxes arteries and blood vessels, allowing them to widen. This boosts blood flow throughout the body, this is particularly important for those who are active. Nitric oxide is essential for healthy metabolism and free-radical regulation, too! Herb Robert leaf and stem extracts both scavenged amounts of this free-radical in chemical models. When there are excess amounts in the body, for example possibly in low blood pressure when standing (orthostatic hypotension), this might be beneficial. As we can see, one of the great reasons for Herb Robert’s health benefits is its ability to scavenge free radicals from our body. This reduces levels of inflammation and how to prevent numerous diseases, including those that chronic inflammation is responsible for. Regular consumption could therefore help to enhance immune system function, too.
- The herb has come to the rescue. as a gargle, for many people with mouth ulcers, bleeding gums and sore throats, Rub bruised, fresh leaves over the area, or use the herb, made into a tea, as a mouth rinse and gargle. Several diabetics have found using herb robert, regularly, has helped to stabilise blood sugar levels.
- Used to help clear colitis (inflammation of the colon) which interferes with the normal, wave-like motion of peristalsis, causing cramps, constipation and mucus discharge.
- Could Lower Blood Pressure : The aerial parts of this plant, including the leaves, flowers, and stems, could also help to to combat hypertension. Hypertension is a state of high blood pressure, and the effects that lower this pressure are described as antihypertensive.
- Chronic fatigue is being relieved, for people who start on the herb.
- It was valued highly as a wound herb, no doubt due to its astringent properties, and it was also thought to be a herb capable of mending fractures. In Europe, it is seen growing wild, and has been a traditional herb for cancer as it was believed to be "a dose of natural radiation".
- The astringent action, of leaves and stems of the plant, has been valued from mediaeval times, for healing wounds and to stop bleeding: which gave it the common name, 'bloodwort'. For external use, the juice from crushed leaves is rubbed on sunspots, rashes and sores; or leaves made as an infusion are used as a wash or a poultice. A hot poultice made of steeped leaves is said to be soothing to bladder pains, neuralgia, bruises, fistulas and persistent skin problems.
- Supports the Gallbladder, Urogenital Tract, and Sinuses : These are some of the herb robert health benefits that are closely interlinked. It reduces inflammation, improves metabolism, and helps with organ function of the gallbladder and urogentical system.
- Another application of the herb has been as a foot infusion, said to help remove toxins, heavy metals and radiation from the body. This is highly recommended for people who have been subject to many x-rays, or people continually working in the fields of computers, mobile phones, and other electronics, giving off ELF and VLF radiation, infrared and microwave irradiation, and x-rays. To make a Foot Infusion: take a handful of chopped herb, place into a bowl (large enough to rest both feet in) pour 4-5 cups of boiling water over it and stir, vigorously. Then add cold water, to adjust to heat bearable to place feet in. Sit in a comfy chair with your feet in the bowl for 15 minutes, relax and read your favourite herb book. This is also excellent therapy for tired or aching feet.
