Doves-Foot Cranesbill

You have likely come across this herb that may look like a weed - it is actually a herb from the Geranium family called Dove's Foot Cranesbill (geranium molle) and it has been used medicinally since the 1600's, and likely before. 

It has been found to be helpful for internal bleeding, colic, gout, throat infections, diarrhoea, leucorrhoea, easing joint-aches or muscle pain, sores and ulcers.

The well-known herbalist Nicholas Culpeper said this about Dove's-Foot...

"It is found by experience to be singularly good for colicky wind and to expel the stone and gravel in the kidneys. The decoction in wine is excellent for those that have inward wounds, hurts or bruises, to stay the bleeding, to dissolve and expel congealed blood, and to heal the parts. It is also used to cleanse and heal outward sores, ulcers and fistulas. For small wounds, many just bruise the herb and apply in place.
The powder or decoction of the herb taken for some time is good for ruptures in either young or old."

The root in particular is highly medicinal, being a strong astringent for bleeding internally and externally. The dried, powdered root was used to stop bleeding after teeth extraction. 

Traditionally, Doves Foot was used in an anti-wrinkle cream, also used for arthritis, joint pain or easing breathing.

Parts used: roots and leaves.

Harvest time: late spring, early summer.

It can spread well, usually found in shady, damp areas. The flowers are very small, pink. The leaves have very fine hairs. It took over part of my food forest happily and I was happy to see it! 

Bees and other insects also love the flowers, so leave some for them also. ♥