Can geranium be used to treat enteritis?
Apr 07, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
Introduction
In cases of diarrhea caused by improper diet or mild intestinal dysfunction, the tannic acid and flavonoid components contained in geranium may help alleviate symptoms by astringing the intestinal mucosa and reducing intestinal fluid secretion. For example, in situations such as short-term gastrointestinal adaptation to new water and food (e.g., mild irritable bowel syndrome), oral administration of a small amount after decoction may assist in regulating intestinal motility, but dosage must be strictly controlled and accompanied by fluid replacement.
Under normal circumstances, geranium can temporarily alleviate diarrhea or intestinal spasms caused by mild non-infectious enteritis, but it is ineffective for organic diseases such as bacterial enteritis and ulcerative colitis. If in doubt, it is recommended to seek medical advice in advance. Detailed analysis is as follows:
In cases of diarrhea caused by improper diet or mild intestinal functional disorders, the tannic acid and flavonoids contained in geranium can relieve symptoms by astringing the intestinal mucosa and reducing intestinal fluid secretion. For example, short-term gastrointestinal discomfort due to environmental changes or mild irritable bowel syndrome, taking a small amount of geranium decoction orally may help regulate intestinal motility, but dosage must be strictly controlled and accompanied by fluid replacement.
If enteritis is caused by pathogenic infections such as Salmonella or Shigella, or if symptoms include bloody stools, persistent high fever, or severe abdominal pain, geranium cannot kill the pathogens and may increase the risk of intestinal dehydration. In such cases, stool tests should be conducted to identify the cause, and timely treatment with antibiotics and intravenous fluid replacement is necessary; delays may lead to intestinal perforation or sepsis. It is recommended to use medications such as Ciprofloxacin Hydrochloride Capsules, Bismuth Potassium Citrate Tablets, or Enteritis Ning Granules under a doctor's guidance.
Before using geranium, allergy history must be ruled out. If acute symptoms last more than 24 hours or signs of dehydration appear, use should be stopped immediately and medical attention sought. Geranium is contraindicated for pregnant women and patients with chronic intestinal diseases.
