Is it safe to use geranium herb for a foot bath?

Apr 14, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhang Xiuhong

Introduction

Geranium has the effects of promoting blood circulation to remove blood stasis and dispelling wind to eliminate dampness. Soaking feet in hot water can help improve foot blood circulation, relieve muscle tension, and alleviate aching and swelling caused by wind-cold-damp pathogens. This method is suitable for routine health maintenance or for alleviating mild discomfort; however, it is essential to ensure that the skin on the feet is intact to prevent infection or other complications.

Generally, geranium can be used for foot baths; however, this method is not suitable when there is skin damage or foot problems caused by serious medical conditions. If any abnormalities occur, it is recommended to seek timely medical attention. Detailed explanations are as follows:

Geranium has the effects of promoting blood circulation to remove blood stasis and dispelling wind-damp. Using it in a hot foot bath can help improve foot circulation, relieve muscle tension, and alleviate soreness and swelling caused by exposure to cold, wind, and dampness. This method is suitable for daily wellness or mild discomfort, but it is essential to ensure that the skin on the feet is intact to avoid infection or other complications.

If there is obvious skin damage, infection, ulcers, or foot complications caused by chronic conditions such as diabetes, geranium foot baths are not recommended. These conditions require professional medical treatment, and relying solely on herbal remedies may delay treatment and worsen symptoms. Any foot injuries in individuals with diabetes should be treated with particular caution to avoid more severe consequences due to improper care.

In addition, pregnant and lactating women, as well as individuals with hypertension or heart disease, should use geranium with caution under the guidance of a physician.

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Can Geranium herb treat numbness?

Under normal circumstances, Geranium (Lao Guan Cao) can treat numbness. Geranium has a pungent and bitter taste, is neutral in nature, and enters the liver, kidney, and spleen meridians. It functions to dispel wind-dampness, promote circulation of the meridians, clear heat toxins, and stop diarrhea and dysentery. Its effects in dispelling wind-dampness and promoting meridian circulation are particularly important, effectively improving symptoms such as limb numbness and joint pain caused by obstruction of wind-dampness and poor circulation of the meridians.

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Can geranium be used fresh?

Fresh geranium herb can be applied externally to treat acute injuries or skin inflammations. Its active ingredients, such as volatile oils and tannins, remain unaffected by drying processes, potentially offering more direct blood-activating, stasis-resolving, and antibacterial effects. However, it is essential to ensure the freshness, cleanliness, and absence of contamination or deterioration in the raw material. Nevertheless, fresh products are prone to bacterial or fungal growth, and improper storage may increase the risk of infection. Untreated raw materials may irritate the gastrointestinal tract and should therefore be strictly avoided.

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Can Geranium herb treat sebaceous cysts?

Sebaceous cyst refers to a cyst formed from sebaceous glands. Under normal circumstances, geranium (Geranium wilfordii) cannot be directly used to treat sebaceous cysts. It is recommended to use this herb under the guidance of a physician. During treatment, patients are advised to maintain good personal hygiene, avoid squeezing or rubbing the affected area, which can also help prevent the occurrence and recurrence of sebaceous cysts.

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Can Geranium herb treat lung cancer?

Generally speaking, Geranium can assist in the treatment of lung cancer to some extent, and it is recommended to use this herb under the guidance of a physician. Geranium exhibits cytotoxic effects, induces apoptosis of cancer cells, and helps prevent the malignant transformation of normal cells. Its active ingredient, corilagin, has shown significant inhibitory effects on various cancer cells, including human ovarian cancer, nasopharyngeal carcinoma, and osteosarcoma.