Wood cranesbill - Geranium sylvaticum

Family: Geraniaceae
Genus: Geranium

Geranium sylvaticum, also known as wood cranesbill, is a medicinal herb that grows wild all around Iceland. It can be found in the undergrowth of birch forests, on hillsides shielded from winds, in gullies and ravines. Its fruit contains five seeds which are neatly tucked into a five-fold structure. When mature it expands fervently and flings away the seeds, leaving a beautiful pentagon of blossom behind.

Traditional use of Geranium sylvaticum

Wood cranesbill has long been used in Iceland for its medicinal properties. The entire herb was used and traditionally it was believed to be beneficial for treating inflammation, gastrointestinal sores and arthritis.

Research on wild Geranium sylvaticum

SagaMedica has researched the biochemical nature of wild Geranium sylvaticum and found that an extract from the herb elicits synergistic effects when used together with an extract from the  seeds of Angelica archangelica.

These effects have been shown to reduce the breakdown of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter which is important for a healthy memory and whose depletion is generally linked to the development Alzheimer’s disease. 

Geranium supplement

Wild Geranium sylvaticum and angelica are used together in SagaMemo, a herbal remedy which promotes a healthy memory and counters forgetfulness.

A new version of SagaMemo is being developed for our online store. It will be available in early 2010.

Consult your doctor before using herbal remedies. Geranium sylvaticum can help to fight diseases but does not substitute regular medication or medical advice. Using plants for health issues should be safe for most, but we advise people to consult a physician before trying any type of alternatives to regular medicine.