Is Geranium used internally or externally?

Geranium can be administered orally or externally, with the choice depending on the type of symptoms and the patient's physical condition. It is essential to strictly follow medical instructions. If in doubt, it is advisable to seek medical consultation in advance. Detailed analysis is as follows:

Oral administration of geranium is suitable for conditions such as rheumatic pain, numbness of muscles and bones, diarrhea and dysentery caused by damp-heat, and abscesses. It has a bitter-spicy neutral property and affects the liver, kidney, and spleen meridians. Its functions include relieving rheumatism, promoting circulation of meridians, clearing heat and detoxifying, and stopping diarrhea and dysentery. Modern pharmacological studies have shown that geranium contains tannins, volatile oils, quercetin, and other components, which have antibacterial and antiviral effects. It can be used to treat joint pain and muscle tension caused by rheumatism, as well as skin ulcers, diarrhea, and dysentery caused by heat toxicity.

Externally, geranium is used to treat eczema, skin itching, skin ulcers, burns, and scalds. Topical application has effects of dispelling wind and removing dampness, astringency and promoting tissue regeneration, clearing heat, and detoxifying. It can significantly improve symptoms such as eczema and itching caused by damp-heat accumulation, and redness, swelling, heat, and pain of wounds. Its ointment formulation is commonly used for patients with skin inflammation, as it can inhibit the growth of pathogenic microorganisms and promote skin repair.

However, it is contraindicated for pregnant women, nursing mothers, children, and individuals with spleen-stomach deficiency cold. Its components may cause adverse effects on fetuses or infants or worsen symptoms of spleen-stomach deficiency cold. Additionally, spicy, cold, and raw foods should be avoided during use to prevent interference with the drug's effectiveness.