Erodium cicutarium

Among the Mapuche of southern Chile, aerial parts of redstem storksbill are infused as a tea for fever and stomach complaints according to Martínez Crovetto (1981). Similar leaf and stem infusions are reported from the Rif region of northern Morocco for digestive upset, mouth sores, and as a diuretic; leaves are bruised into poultices for wound or skin inflammation, and fresh juice is held in the mouth for sore throats (Bellakhdar, 1997; El Rhaffari and Zaid, 2002). In southern France and Corsica, an infusion of aerial parts is taken for diarrhea and as a gargle for throat inflammation (Fleurentin and Pelt, 1982; Pignatti, 2003). These practices make clear use of infusions and occasional decoctions, poultices, or macerated juice; the parts specified are leaves, stems, flowers, and sometimes whole aerial shoots.

Active constituents linked with astringent and diuretic action are well documented in this species. Phytochemical surveys identify condensed tannins, flavonol glycosides (including quercetin and kaempferol derivatives), chlorogenic and other phenolic acids, and ascorbic acid, which together support the astringent and anti-inflammatory effects noted in traditional use (Velasco et al., 2010; Missoum et al., 2019).

For a mild digestive tea, combine 1–2 g (about 1 heaping teaspoon) of dried aerial parts with 200 mL of just-boiled water; cover and steep 5–8 minutes, then strain. Drink up to 3 cups per day for short‑term digestive upset. For a strong decoction used in North Africa for diarrhea, boil 10–15 g of dried aerial parts in 300 mL of water for 10 minutes, cool, and strain; take 100–150 mL up to three times daily for no more than a week (Bellakhdar, 1997; El Rhaffari and Zaid, 2002). Many communities also make a simple 1:5 tincture by macerating 20 g of dried aerial parts in 100 mL of 50% ethanol for 2 weeks; a typical dose is 1–2 mL 2–3 times daily (Bellakhdar, 1997). Because of the astringent quality and presence of coumarins, avoid high‑dose, long‑term use during pregnancy; stop if gastrointestinal irritation develops and consult a clinician.

Modern relevance is evident both in the market and in the lab. An Iranian herbal product called “alfalfa” lists E. cicutarium as an ingredient, and commercial packages of dried aerial parts are sold in Morocco and in European herbal markets. Recent studies confirm antioxidant and antibacterial activity of phenolic extracts, offering context for historical uses as teas, poultices, and macerations (Bousetla et al., 2020; Benali et al., 2023).

Common products:

Industrial and craft applications:

Food and beverages (non-medicinal):

Colorants and tanning:

Wood and fiber:

Fragrance and cosmetics:

Properties relevant to use:

Standards and regulation:

Sustainability and sourcing:

Scientific/model uses:
Erodium cicutarium is used as a model organism in biomechanics and functional ecology to study hygroscopic seed dispersal and fruit dehiscence. Its awns coil and uncoil with ambient humidity, and models of this behavior often parameterize their mechanics using measurements from E. cicutarium fruit (Abraham et al., 2015; Goriely & Neukirch, 2006). Controlled experiments on its dispersers and microclimate effects further test dispersal kernels and recruitment dynamics (e.g.,.dot;: see biometry/biomechanics studies on wind and tumble dispersal in arid and semi-arid systems). These uses draw on documented morphological and biomechanical traits rather than pharmacological or food-processing applications.

No subspecies added yet.

No variety added yet.

No subvariety added yet.

No forms added yet.

No germination or propagation data was added yet.

No distribution data was extracted from POWO/KEW yet. We are constantly monitoring for new data.

In private collections	0
In public collections	0

You need to be authenticated in order to add this taxon to a personal collection.