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Herb robert is an astringent plant used to treat wounds and staunch blood

Herb robert

Geranium robertianum

Geraniaceae

Herb robert’s high tannin content makes this unseaming herb a valuable ally to treat nosebleeds, sore gums or ulcers.

Last reviewed 04/08/2025

Sustainability status

Not currently on risk lists but complete data may be missing on the status of the species. Read more in our sustainability guide.

Sustainability Status

  • How does it feel?

    The plant itself has a delicate and soft sensation to the touch. When rubbed, all aerial parts, but particularly the leaves release a strong scent, which has been described as unpleasant. The flowers have a nutty flavour and are slightly astringent.

    Herb robert (Geranium robertianum)
    Herb Robert Flower Geranium Robertianum
    Herb robert (Geranium robertianum)

  • What can I use it for?

    With its high tannin content, herb robert is particularly indicated where astringency is required. It is used for the gastrointestinal system, for peptic ulcers, gastric ulcers or diarrhoea. In the reproductive system, it can be used for metrorrhagia and menorrhagia (1). A hot water infusion, once cooled, can be used as a mouthwash for gum disease or sore throats as well as for skin conditions, where astringency is called for (2).

    Bruton-Seal & Seal (2017) suggest that it may be used similarly to the much more well known American species Geranium maculatum, and, traditionally, various geranium species were used interchangeably in the past (2). As a vulnerary and anti-inflammatory, it may help with wound healing, burns and cold sores (3).

  • Into the heart of herb robert

    Herb robert (Geranium robertianum)
    Herb robert (Geranium robertianum)

    In modern times, this herb is often neglected in common Materia Medica. This is perhaps a reflection of its deceptively delicate nature, with its small appearance, slender stalks and delicate leaves and flowers. However, its widespread habitat all over the world, as well as its ability to grow in the tiniest cracks and rocky places, full sun as well as shade, suggests a great adaptability and strength. Its stems are off a dark red colour, lending itself to the signature for the treatment of conditions involving blood.

    Perhaps somewhat surprising to those unfamiliar with herb robert, is its strong pungent smell, which suggests the presence of volatile oils and is part of its defence mechanism (alongside the bitter molecule geraniin, and the high tannin content) against predators and can be used to repel midges and other biting insects by rubbing the fresh plant on the skin (2). These essential oils have been found to have antimicrobial properties, especially against gram-positive bacteria, perhaps contributing to the overall vulnerary effects of the plant (4). 

  • Traditional uses

    The most common association is its  use in healing  wounds and ulcers and to stop bleeding. The herb seems to be known for these qualities in various parts of the world. However, in Italy the herb was also traditionally used for the urinary system and for infertility (5). And in Portuguese herbal medicine, the herb is known for its hypoglycaemic properties (6).  Barker reports that the herb has a folk tradition for being used for cancer, but while there exists some evidence, it is not enough and thus “one is ill-advised either to dismiss or to promote it” (1). Modern research indeed shows that the herb has some cytostatic and antioxidant properties that may make it a useful chemotherapeutic agent, though further research is needed (7). 

  • Traditional actions

    Herbal actions describe therapeutic changes that occur in the body in response to taking a herb. These actions are used to express how a herb physiologically influences cells, tissues, organs or systems. Clinical observations are traditionally what have defined these actions: an increase in urine output, diuretic; improved wound healing, vulnerary; or a reduction in fever, antipyretic. These descriptors too have become a means to group herbs by their effects on the body — herbs with a nervine action have become the nervines, herbs with a bitter action are the bitters. Recognising herbs as members of these groups provides a preliminary familiarity with their mechanisms from which to then develop an understanding of their affinities and nuance and discern their clinical significance.

    Western actions

  • Traditional energetic actions

    Herbal energetics are the descriptions Herbalists have given to plants, mushrooms, lichens, foods, and some minerals based on the direct experience of how they taste, feel, and work in the body. All traditional health systems use these principles to explain how the environment we live in and absorb, impacts our health. Find out more about traditional energetic actions in our article “An introduction to herbal energetics“.

  • What practitioners say

    Skin healthSkin 

    Herb robert can be thought of as an effective first aid herb, by helping to stop nosebleeds, acting as a styptic for wounds or soothing burns (8). The tannins contribute to this through their astringent and haemostatic properties. Geraniin, a type of ellagitannin, has been found to have high antioxidant and antimicrobial properties (9,10).The flavonoids, phenolic acids and essential oils also contribute to these actions with their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and mildly antimicrobial properties. Herb robert may also be useful for skin conditions of a more chronic nature such as varicose veins. Additionally, when rubbed on the skin it may help to repel insects. 

    Gastrointestinal system

    As with its topical wound healing properties, herb robert’s anti-inflammatory, astringent and antimicrobial effects are of benefit to the treatment of ulceration, inflammation or problems associated with diarrhoea in the gastrointestinal tract, and may explain its longstanding traditional use for these types of conditions (10). 

    Endocrine system

    Herb robert may be considered within the treatment of type 2 diabetes due to its effect on lowering blood glucose levels and supporting mitochondrial function (3). 

  • Research

    Herb robert (Geranium robertianum)
    Herb robert (Geranium robertianum)

    “MitoTea”: Geranium robertianum L. decoctions decrease blood glucose levels and improve liver mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation in diabetic Goto–Kakizaki rats

    In this 2010 study, researchers evaluated the effects of Geranium robertianum leaf decoctions on glucose metabolism and mitochondrial function in Goto–Kakizaki rats, a non‐obese model of type 2 diabetes. Over a four‑week period, diabetic rats received daily oral doses of the decoction. Compared to untreated controls, treated rats exhibited significantly reduced fasting plasma glucose levels, demonstrating a clear hypoglycemic effect.

    Furthermore, liver mitochondria were isolated to assess respiratory performance. The decoction enhanced mitochondrial respiration, indicating overall improvement in electron transport chain efficiency. Notably, the oxidative phosphorylation efficiency — a key measure of how effectively mitochondria convert nutrients into ATP — was also significantly elevated.

    These findings suggest that the bioactive compounds in herb robert not only lowers blood glucose but also restores mitochondrial energy metabolism in diabetic conditions. Such dual effects — enhancing glycemic control while improving hepatic mitochondrial function — point to its potential as a complementary therapeutic agent for type 2 diabetes (6).

    Promising effect of Geranium robertianum L. leaves and aloe vera gel powder on Aspirin®-induced gastric ulcers in Wistar rats: anxiolytic behavioural effect, antioxidant activity, and protective pathways

    This in-vivo study  assessed Geranium robertianum leaf decoction and aloe vera gel powder for their protective effects against aspirin-induced gastric ulcers in female Wistar rats. Forty rats were split into five groups: a negative control, a positive ulcer control, and three pretreated groups receiving aloe, geranium, or the reference drug famotidine.

    Phytochemical analysis revealed that both treatments were rich in polyphenols and exhibited strong antioxidant activity, including free-radical scavenging and ferric-reducing power. Pretreated rats showed significant improvements in locomotor function and anxiety-like behaviors compared to ulcer-only animals. Ultrasonography and histopathology confirmed reduced gastric wall thickening and mucosal damage.

    Biochemically, both extracts lowered ulcer index (geranium achieved ~88.5% protection; aloe ~84.2%), decreased gastric juice volume while raising pH, reduced oxidative stress, and downregulated pro‑inflammatory markers. 

    The researchers concluded that Geranium robertianum and aloe vera offer potent gastroprotective effects in aspirin-induced ulcers via antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic, and mucosal-preserving mechanisms, highlighting their therapeutic potential for gastric ulcer prevention or treatment (11).

    Herb robert’s Gift against human diseases: Anticancer and antimicrobial activity of Geranium robertianum L.

    The study analysed four extracts (hexane, ethyl acetate, methanol, aqueous) from commercially sourced, certified organic herb robert aerial parts. The researchers identified a diverse phytochemical profile including organic and phenolic acids, gallo- and ellagitannins, and flavonoids. Subsequent bioassays revealed that both hexane (GrH) and ethyl acetate (GrEA) extracts showed notable anticancer activity, with selectivity indices ranging from 2.0 to 4.4, indicating preferential toxicity toward cancer cells.

    Antiviral assays demonstrated that both hexane and ethyl acetate effectively inhibited HHV‑1 cytopathic effects and viral load, reducing viral replication by 0.5 log (GrH) and 1.4 log (GrEA). Notably, active fractions from GrEA further decreased viral activity.

    Furthermore, the extracts and their fractions exhibited broad antibacterial and antifungal effects, particularly against gram‑positive bacteria. A standout fraction, GrEA4, inhibited Micrococcus luteus (MIC = 8 µg/mL), S. epidermidis (16 µg/mL), S. aureus, E. faecalis, and B. subtilis (MICs = 125 µg/mL), supporting its traditional use in treating persistent wounds.

    The research concludes that G. robertianum extracts — especially ethyl acetate and hexane fractions — demonstrate promising anticancer, antiviral, and antibacterial activity. Their selectivity toward cancer cells and efficacy across pathogens underscore the plant’s therapeutic potential against human diseases (12).

  • Did you know?

    Herb robert and the other members of the crane’s-bill family, Geraniaceae, are so called because of the unique structure of their seed pods, which resemble a crane’s bill. This family  contains more than 800 species worldwide. Two of the largest subgroups, the Geranium genus (the cranesbills) and the Erodium genus (the storksbills), have pink, red, mauve or blue five-petalled flowers. When mature, the seed pods dry and spring open, ejecting seeds, along with a spring-like structure, with force, allowing them to travel up six meters. This method of dispersal helps members of this family, including herb robert, spread rapidly and colonise new areas (13).

Additional information

  • Botanical description

    Herb robert is a small plant, usually growing to around 30 cm in height. The soft triangle-shaped leaves are compound, formed by multiple leaflets with lobed or serrated margins adhered to a single petiole (3). Leaves and stalks tend to be covered in tiny hairs, giving the plant a soft feel. Stalks and leaves may be entirely green, but can turn a deep red, especially if the plants are growing in bright sunshine and dry conditions. The flowers have a delicate pink colour and the herb can be found flowering from early spring through to late autumn in the UK. Once pollinated, the typical storkbill shaped fruit pods form, which once matured eject the seeds into the surrounding environment. Plants tend to be biennial.

  • Common names

    • Herb Robert
    • Stinking Bob
    • Red Robin
    • Death-come-quickly
    • Crow’s Foot
    • Storksbill
    • Squinter-pip

  • Safety

    Since this is not a commonly used medicinal herb, not much is known about any safety considerations. Safety of this herb has not been established for use during pregnancy or lactation (14).

  • Interactions

    None known (14)

  • Contraindications

    None known (14)

  • Preparations

    • Infusion 
    • Tincture

  • Dosage

    • Tincture (ratio 1:5| 25%): 0.5–5ml, up to three times daily (1)
    • Infusion/decoction: 25 g to 500 ml. Double strength for topical use (1).

  • Plant parts used

    • Leaves 
    • Flowering tops

  • Constituents

    • Tannins: Hydrolisable tannins, more specifically ellagitannins- the main one in G. robertianum being Geraniin, which exhibits potent antioxidant activity (15)
    • Condensed tannins: Proanthocyanidins (16)
    • Phenolic acids: Egallic acid, gallic acid, ferulic acid, caffeic acid, caftaric acid (16)
    • Flavonoids: Quercetin, kaempferol, rutin, quercetin, hyperoside (16)
    • Vitamins: C, A, B1, B3 and vitamin E (16) 
    • Minerals: Calcium, sodium and iron (16)
    • Essential oils: Over a 100 different compounds have been detected, the main ones being linalool, 𝛾-terpinene, germacrene-D, limonene, geraniol, α-terpineol and phytol (16).
Herb robert (Geranium robertianum)

  • Habitat

    The native range of Geranium robertianum spans much of Europe, parts of North Africa, western Asia. and eastern parts of North America. It has been introduced and naturalised in New Zealand, and other temperate regions (17). It typically grows in shaded or semi-shaded environments, including woodlands, hedgerows, rocky crevices, and along the edges of paths and walls and has a wide ecological amplitude — ranging from Mediterranean to boreal and across oceanic to continental conditions (18).

  • Sustainability

    Green Sustainability Status
    Not currently on risk lists but complete data may be missing on the status of the species. Read more in our sustainability guide.

    Given its wide distribution around the world, Geranium robertianum is currently under no threat of extinction (17,19). The IUCN has not assessed the threat status of this species (20).The herb is also not currently available on a commercial scale and grows wild in many places in the UK and, therefore, there is little threat from overharvesting.

    Habitat loss and over-harvesting from the wild are two of the biggest threats faced by medicinal plant species. There are an increasing number of well-known herbal medicines at risk of extinction. We must, therefore, ensure that we source our medicines with sustainability in mind.

    The herb supplement industry is growing at a rapid rate and until recent years a vast majority of medicinal plant produce in global trade was of unknown origin. There are some very real and urgent issues surrounding sustainability in the herb industry. These include environmental factors that affect the medicinal viability of herbs, the safety of the habitats that they are taken from, as well as the welfare of workers in the trade.

    The botanical supply chain efforts for improved visibility (transparency and traceability) into verifiably sustainable production sites around the world is now certificated through the emergence of credible international voluntary sustainability standards (VSS). 

    Read our article on Herbal quality & safety: What to know before you buy and Sustainable sourcing of herbs to learn more about what to look for and questions to ask suppliers about sustainability.

  • Quality control

    Herbal medicines are often very safe to take; however, their safety and efficacy can be jeopardised by quality issues. So, it is important to buy herbal medicines from a reputable supplier, from sources known to test their herbs to ensure there is no contamination, adulteration or substitution with incorrect plant matter, as well as ensuring that recognised marker compounds are at appropriate levels in the herbs.

    Some important quality assurances to look for are certified organic labelling, the correct scientific/botanical name, and the availability of information from the supplier about ingredient origins. A supplier should be able to tell you where the herbs have come from, what contaminants are not in the herb, and what the primary compounds are.

  • How to grow

    Herb robert grows easily in most habitats within the temperate climate and is mostly regarded as a weed that needs to be weeded out. Given its effective seed dispersal mechanism, it will easily spread once on site. For bigger, more leafy plants, grow in rich soil and semishade; however, it will tolerate most soil types and conditions. It is a hardy annual or biennial plant (21).

  • Recipe

    Herb robert mouthwash (Geranium robertianum)
    Herb robert mouthwash (Geranium robertianum)

    Herb robert mouthwash 

    This mouthwash will help to reduce inflammation and soothe inflamed or irritated gums. Its antibacterial action helps to reduce dental plaque and gum infections.

    Ingredients

    • Two teaspoons dried herb robert 
    • Two cloves
    • 250 ml boiled filtered water

    How to make herb robert mouthwash

    • Boil the kettle with the filtered water. 
    • Pour onto the herbs and leave to steep for 10 minutes.
    • Strain and let the mixture cool.
    • Use two tablespoons of the liquid to rinse and swill in the mouth for one minute and spit out afterwards. Do not swallow. 
    • Repeat daily for maximum effects. 

  • References

    1. Barker J. The Medicinal Flora of Britain & Northwest Europe : A Field Guide, Including Plants Commonly Cultivated in the Region. Winter Press; 2001.
    2. Bruton-Seal J. Wayside Medicine : Forgotten Plants to Make Your Own Herbal Remedies. Merlin Unwin Books; 2017.
    3. Ali DH, Dărăban AM, Ungureanu D, et al. An Up-to-Date Review Regarding the Biological Activity of Geranium robertianum L. Plants. 2025;14(6):918-918. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14060918
    4. Elzbieta Gebarowska, Politowicz J, Antoni Szumny. Chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of geranium robertianum L. essential oil. PubMed. 2017;74(2):699-705.
    5. Petelka J, Plagg B, Säumel I, Zerbe S. Traditional medicinal plants in South Tyrol (northern Italy, southern Alps): biodiversity and use. Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine. 2020;16(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13002-020-00419-8 
    6. Ferreira FM, Peixoto F, Nunes E, Sena C, Seiça R, Santos MS. “MitoTea”: Geranium robertianum L. decoctions decrease blood glucose levels and improve liver mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation in diabetic Goto-Kakizaki rats. Acta biochimica Polonica. 2010;57(4):399-402. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21046015/ 
    7. Neagu E, Paun G, Constantin D, Radu GL. Cytostatic activity of Geranium robertianum L. extracts processed by membrane procedures. Arabian Journal of Chemistry. 2017;10:S2547-S2553. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arabjc.2013.09.028 
    8. Alshehri B. The geranium genus: A comprehensive study on ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemical compounds, and pharmacological importance. Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences. 2024;31(4):103940. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sjbs.2024.103940 
    9. Wang P, Peng X, Wei ZF, et al. Geraniin exerts cytoprotective effect against cellular oxidative stress by upregulation of Nrf2-mediated antioxidant enzyme expression via PI3K/AKT and ERK1/2 pathway. Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) – General Subjects. 2015;1850(9):1751-1761. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbagen.2015.04.010 
    10. Boakye Y, Agyare C. Antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of geraniin and aqueous leaf extract of Phyllanthus muellerianus (Kuntze) Exell. Planta Medica. 2013;79(13). https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0033-1352024 
    11. Abd M, Rabab MA, Gohari ST, et al. Promising effect of Geranium robertianum L. leaves and Aloe vera gel powder on Aspirin®-induced gastric ulcers in Wistar rats: anxiolytic behavioural effect, antioxidant activity, and protective pathways. Inflammopharmacology. Published online May 15, 2023. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10787-023-01205-0 
    12. Świątek Ł, Wasilewska I, Boguszewska A, et al. Herb Robert’s Gift against Human Diseases: Anticancer and Antimicrobial Activity of Geranium robertianum L. Pharmaceutics. 2023;15(5):1561. https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics15051561 
    13. Lis-Balchin L. Geranium and Pelargonium: History of Nomenclature, Usage and Cultivation. Informa; 2002. https://doi.org/10.1201/9780203216538 
    14. Natural Medicines Database. Herb Robert. Therapeuticresearch.com. Published 2025. Accessed August 4, 2025. https://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com/Data/ProMonographs/Herb-Robert 
    15. Perera A, Ton SH, Palanisamy UD. Perspectives on geraniin, a multifunctional natural bioactive compound. Trends in Food Science & Technology. 2015;44(2):243-257. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tifs.2015.04.010 
    16. Graça VC, Ferreira ICFR, Santos PF. Phytochemical composition and biological activities of Geranium robertianum L.: A review. Industrial Crops and Products. 2016;87:363-378. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indcrop.2016.04.058 
    17. Royal Botanical Gardens Kew. Geranium robertianum L. | Plants of the World Online | Kew Science. Plants of the World Online. Published 2017. Accessed August 4, 2025. https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:109269-2 
    18. TOFTS RJ. Geranium robertianum L. Journal of Ecology. 2004;92(3):537-555. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.0022-0477.2004.00892.x 
    19. BSBI Plant Atlas 2020. PlantAtlas. Plantatlas2020.org. Published 2019. https://plantatlas2020.org/atlas/2cd4p9h.8nb 
    20. IUCN. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN Red List. Published 2025. https://www.iucnredlist.org/ 
    21. RHS. Herb robert / RHS Gardening. www.rhs.org.uk. Published 2025. https://www.rhs.org.uk/weeds/herb-robert 

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Aromatic
An ‘aromatic’ remedy, high in volatile essential oils, was most often associated with calming and sometimes ‘warming’ the digestion. Most kitchen spices and herbs have this quality: they were used both as flavouring and to ease the digestion of sometimes challenging pre-industrial foods. Many aromatics are classed as ‘carminatives’ and are used to reduce colic, bloating and agitated digestion. They also often feature in respiratory remedies for colds, chest and other airway infections. They are also classic calming inhalants and massage oils, and are the basis of aromatherapy for their mental benefits.
Astringent
The astringent taste you get with many plants (the most familiar is black tea after being stewed too long, or some red wines) is produced by complex polyphenols such as tannins. Tannins are used in concentrated form (eg from oak bark) to make leather from animal skins. The process of ‘tanning’ involves the coagulation of relatively fluid proteins in living tissues into tight clotted fibres (similar to the process of boiling an egg). Tannins in effect turn exposed surfaces on the body into leather. In the case of the lining of mouth and upper digestive tract this is only temporary as new mucosa are replenished, but in the meantime can calm inflamed or irritated surfaces. In the case of open wounds tannins can be a life-saver – when strong (as in the bark of broadleaved trees) they can seal a damaged surface. One group of tannins, the reddish-brown ‘condensed tannins’ are procyanidins, which can reduce inflammation and oxidative damage.
Bitter
Bitters are a very complex group of phytochemicals that stimulate the bitter receptors in the mouth. They were some of the most valuable remedies in ancient medicine. They were experienced as stimulating appetite and switching on a wide range of key digestive functions, including increasing bile clearance from the liver (as bile is a key factor in bowel health this can be translated into improving bowel functions and the microbiome). Many of these reputations are being supported by new research on the role of bitter receptors in the mouth and elsewhere round the body. Bitters were also seen as ‘cooling’ reducing the intensity of some fevers and inflammatory diseases.
Cooling
Traditional ‘cold’ or cooling’ remedies often contain bitter phytonutrients such a iridoids (gentian), sesiquterpenes (chamomile), anthraquinones (rhubarb root), mucilages (marshmallow), some alkaloids and flavonoids. They tend to influence the digestive system, liver and kidneys. Cooling herbs do just that; they diffuse, drain and clear heat from areas of inflammation, redness and irritation. Sweet, bitter and astringent herbs tend to be cooling.
Hot
Traditional ‘hot’ or ‘heating’ remedies, often containing spice ingredients like capsaicin, the gingerols (ginger), piperine (black or long pepper), curcumin (turmeric) or the sulfurous isothiocyanates from mustard, horseradich or wasabi, generate warmth when taken. In modern times this might translate as thermogenic and circulatory stimulant effects. There is evidence of improved tissue blood flow with such remedies: this would lead to a reduction in build-up of metabolites and tissue damage. Heating remedies were used to counter the impact of cold, reducing any symptoms made worse in the cold. .
Mucilaginous
Mucilages are complex carbohydrate based plant constituents with a slimy or ‘unctuous’ feel especially when chewed or macerated in water. Their effect is due simply to their physical coating exposed surfaces. From prehistory they were most often used as wound remedies for their soothing and healing effects on damaged tissues. Nowadays they are used more for these effects on the digestive lining, from the throat to the stomach, where they can relieve irritation and inflammation such as pharyngitis and gastritis. Some of the prominent mucilaginous remedies like slippery elm, aloe vera and the seaweeds can be used as physical buffers to reduce the harm and pain caused by reflux of excess stomach acid. Mucilages are also widely used to reduce dry coughing. Here the effect seems to be by reflex through embryonic nerve connections: reduced signals from the upper digestive wall appear to translate as reduced activity of airway muscles and increased activity of airway mucus cells. Some seed mucilages, such as in psyllium seed, flaxseed (linseed) or guar bean survive digestion to provide bulking laxative effects in the bowel. These can also reduce rate of absorption of sugar and cholesterol. .
Pungent
The pungent flavour refers to the powerful taste of hot spices including mustard (Brassica spp.), ginger (Zingiber officinale), horseradish (Amoracia rusticana), chilli (Capsicum spp.), and garlic (Allium sativum). These herbs act to enliven and invigorate the senses, and they often also have heating qualities. Unlike other tastes, the effect is not linked to a specific receptor on the tongue and instead acts through direct irritation of tissues and nerve endings. Energetically, pungent herbs are known to disperse energy (qi) throughout the body. Pharmacologically, pungent herbs dry excess moisture and mucus, as well as stimulate digestion and metabolism.
Resinous
Resins are most familiar as tacky discharges from pine trees (and as the substance in amber, and rosin for violin bows). They were most valued however as the basis of ancient commodities like frankincense and myrrh (two of the three gifts of the Three Wise Men to the baby Jesus) and getting access to their source was one benefit to Solomon for marrying the Queen of Sheba (now Ethiopia). Resins were the original antiseptic remedies, ground and applied as powders or pastes to wounds or inflamed tissues, and were also used for mummification. With alcohol distillation it was found that they could be dissolved in 90% alcohol and in this form they remain a most powerful mouthwash and gargle, for infected sore throats and gum disease. They never attracted much early research interest because they permanently coat expensive glassware! For use in the mouth, gums and throat hey are best combined with concentrated licorice extracts to keep the resins in suspension and add extra soothing properties. It appears that they work both as local antiseptics and by stimulating white blood cell activity under the mucosal surface. They feel extremely effective!
Salty
The salty flavour is immediately distinctive. A grain dropped onto the tongue is instantly moistening and a sprinkle on food enkindles digestion. This easily recognisable flavour has its receptors right at the front of the tongue. The salty flavor creates moisture and heat, a sinking and heavy effect which is very grounding for the nervous system and encourages stability. People who are solid and reliable become known as ‘the salt of the earth'.
Sharp
The sharp taste of some fruits, and almost all unripe fruits, as well as vinegar and fermented foods, is produced by weak acids (the taste is generated by H+ ions from acids stimulating the sour taste buds). Sour taste buds are hard-wired to generate immediate reflex responses elsewhere in the body. Anyone who likes the refreshing taste of lemon or other citrus in the morning will know that one reflex effect is increased saliva production. Other effects are subjective rather than confirmed by research but there is a consistent view that they include increased digestive activity and contraction of the gallbladder.
Sour
The sour taste occurs because of the stimulation of hydrogen ions which trigger the sour taste receptors on the tongue. The more acidic a substance, the more hydrogen ions will be released. The sour taste comes from acidic substances including citrus, fermented foods, tannins, and vinegars. Sour foods and herbs absorb excess moisture, whilst also increasing the production of saliva. Energetically, sour substances tonify the lungs, playing a role in disease prevention. Excessive use, however, can result in malabsorption of nutrients. Examples of sour herbs include, rosehips (Rosa canina), raspberry (Rubus idaeus), rhubarb (Rheum palmatum), schisandra (Schisandra chinensis), hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) and ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba).
Sweet
In the days when most people never tasted sugar, ‘sweetness’ was associated with the taste of basic foods: that of cooked vegetables, cereals and meat. In other words sweet was the quality of nourishment, and ‘tonic’ remedies. Describing a remedy as sweet generally led to that remedy being used in convalescence or recovery from illness. Interestingly, the plant constituents most often found in classic tonics like licorice, ginseng are plant steroids including saponins, which also have a sweet taste.
Umami
The umami taste was originally discovered in 1985 in Japan and is directly translated from the Japanese as a ‘pleasant savoury taste’. It is referred to as the ‘fifth taste’ and is a salty, rich, and meaty flavour. The umami flavour is produced by amino acids (glutamic acid and aspartic acid) found in many food and plant sources including tomatoes, mushrooms, seaweeds and soy-based foods. Umami foods can improve nutritional absorption and digestion as there are also umami receptors in the gut as well as the mouth. Examples of umami herbs include green tea (Camellia sinensis), reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), nettle (Urtica dioica), cordyceps (Ophiocordyceps sinensis), shitake (Lentinula edodes) and bladderwrack (Fucus vesiculosus).

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