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What can be used as a substitute for geranium?

Apr 21, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, herbs that can generally substitute for Geranium wilfordii (Lao Guan Cao) include Siegesbeckia pubescens (Xi Xian Cao), Phryma leptostachya (Tou Gu Cao), Artemisia argyi (Ai Ye), Atractylodes lancea (Cang Zhu), and Clematis chinensis (Wei Ling Xian). Siegesbeckia pubescens dispels wind-damp, unblocks the meridians, and alleviates rheumatic pain and joint discomfort, similar to Geranium wilfordii; it is commonly used in the treatment of rheumatic diseases and arthritis. When selecting substitute herbs in daily life, choices should be based on individual constitution and medical condition.

Generally, herbs that can commonly substitute for Geranium (Lao Guan Cao) include Siegesbeckia (Xi Xian Cao), Phryma (Tou Gu Cao), Mugwort (Ai Ye), Atractylodes (Cang Zhu), and Clematis (Wei Ling Xian). However, their use should be guided by a physician. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Siegesbeckia (Xi Xian Cao): Siegesbeckia has functions of dispelling wind-damp, and promoting blood circulation to remove meridian obstruction. It can relieve rheumatic pain and joint discomfort, similar to Geranium. It is frequently used for treating rheumatism and arthritis and is a commonly used substitute in traditional Chinese medicine.

2. Phryma (Tou Gu Cao): Phryma is warm in nature and can promote blood circulation to remove blood stasis, reduce swelling, and relieve pain. It is notably effective for injuries from falls or blows and for rheumatic pain. Its effects are similar to Geranium, making it suitable for both external and internal use to alleviate related symptoms.

3. Mugwort (Ai Ye): Mugwort warms the meridians to dispel cold and dampness and relieves itching. It can alleviate joint pain and skin itching caused by cold-damp. Although it is warm in nature, when combined with other herbs, it can achieve effects similar to those of Geranium.

4. Atractylodes (Cang Zhu): Atractylodes dries dampness to strengthen the spleen and dispels wind-cold. It is suitable for rheumatic pain and indigestion caused by excessive dampness. Its damp-removing effect is similar to that of Geranium, making it an important alternative herb for treating rheumatism.

5. Clematis (Wei Ling Xian): Clematis excels at dispelling wind-damp and promoting circulation of the meridians. It can relieve rheumatoid arthritis and muscle aches. Its effects of promoting blood circulation to remove blood stasis and reducing swelling to relieve pain are very similar to those of Geranium, making it a commonly used substitute in traditional Chinese medicine.

When choosing substitute herbs in daily life, it is important to select them according to individual constitution and condition under the guidance of a qualified physician to avoid adverse reactions caused by self-medication. When purchasing herbs, ensure they are obtained from reliable sources and meet quality standards.

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Geranium wilfordii (Wild Geranium) is a common weed with palmately divided leaves and small淡purple or white flowers. It commonly grows on hillsides and along roadsides in northern China. People use the entire plant, dried and processed for medicinal purposes, either steeped in hot water or crushed and applied externally. It can help alleviate rheumatic joint pain, muscle soreness, and minor skin inflammation with redness and swelling.
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What can be used as a substitute for geranium?
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Geranium wilfordii (Old鹳grass) is a common wild vegetable. During its early growth stage, the plant is relatively tender and suitable for consumption. When the plant reaches a height of 15 to 20 cm, the stem and leaves have lower fiber content and better texture, making them suitable for cold dishes, stir-frying, or cooking in soups. At this stage, Geranium wilfordii has high nutritional value, containing abundant vitamins and minerals that are beneficial to human health.
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What diseases can geranium (Geraniaceae) treat?
Geranium can be used to treat various conditions including arthritis, rheumatism, bruises and injuries, skin itching, dysentery, and others. If in doubt, it is recommended to seek medical advice in advance. Geranium has the effect of dispelling wind and eliminating dampness, helping to relieve joint pain and swelling caused by wind-cold-damp pathogens, and is especially suitable as an adjunctive treatment for patients with chronic arthritis.
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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 wilfordii treat lung cancer?
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