All-Grass of Common Heron's Bill
- Chinese
- 老鹳草
- Pinyin
- Lao Guan Cao
- Latin
- Herba Erodii seu Geranii
Known in TCM as Lao Guan Cao (老鹳草), this acrid and bitter, neutral herb enters the Liver, Kidney, and Spleen. Traditionally, it dispels wind-dampness and relieves bi-pain, most often applied for rheumatoid arthritis and dysentery. Modern research has identified Geraniin among its active constituents.
Part used: Whole herb
Also Known As
Latin: Herba Erodii seu Geranii | Pinyin: Lao Guan Cao | Chinese: 老鹳草
TCM Properties
- Taste
- acrid, bitter
- Temperature
- neutral
- Channels
- Liver, Kidney, Spleen
Traditional Use
Primary Actions
- Dispels wind-dampness and relieves bi-pain … used for rheumatic joint pain, swelling, contracture, and Wind-Damp Bi-syndrome in muscles and joints
- Invigorates blood circulation and removes stasis … used for traumatic injury, pain, spasm, and stiffness from blood stasis obstructing collaterals
Secondary Actions
- Clears heat and resolves dampness … used for enteritis, bacillary dysentery, and diarrhea from damp-heat in the Lower Jiao
- Stops bleeding … used for hemorrhage from traumatic injury
Modern Research
Active Compounds
- Geraniin … primary ellagitannin; broad pharmacological activities including anti-inflammatory (TNF-α inhibition), antiviral, antitumor, antioxidant, and organ-protective
- Ellagic acid … phenolic acid metabolite of geraniin hydrolysis; antitumor and antioxidant
- Corilagin … ellagitannin with anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective activity
- Catechin … flavan-3-ol; antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
- Gallic acid and methyl gallate … simple phenolics with antimicrobial and antioxidant properties
- Chebulinic acid and chebulagic acid … gallotannins with antimicrobial activity
Studied Effects
- Anti-rheumatoid activity … Geranium wilfordii extract significantly inhibits carrageenan-induced paw edema (73–85% inhibition) and xylene-induced ear edema (33.3% reduction); TNF-α binding and inhibition validated by Herbochip screening, with in vitro inhibition of 8.75–93.32% and negligible cytotoxicity (PMID 25963543)
PubMed References
Safety & Interactions
Contraindications
- Spleen-Stomach deficiency-cold without wind-damp … acrid-bitter neutral herb; avoid in constitutional cold patterns without exterior wind-damp pathogen
Cautions
- MSK page not found … drug interaction data not available from Memorial Sloan Kettering integrative medicine database
Conditions
- Rheumatoid Arthritis Clinical ★★★★☆ JSON
- Dysentery Traditional ★★★☆☆ JSON
Frequently Asked Questions
What is All-Grass of Common Heron's Bill used for?
All-Grass of Common Heron's Bill is traditionally used to Dispels wind-dampness and relieves bi-pain … used for rheumatic joint pain, swelling, contracture, and Wind-Damp Bi-syndrome in muscles and joints, Invigorates blood circulation and removes stasis … used for traumatic injury, pain, spasm, and stiffness from blood stasis obstructing collaterals. Research has investigated its effects on: Anti-rheumatoid activity … Geranium wilfordii extract significantly inhibits carrageenan-induced paw edema (73–85% inhibition) and xylene-induced ear edema (33.3% reduction); TNF-α binding and inhibition validated by Herbochip screening, with in vitro inhibition of 8.75–93.32% and negligible cytotoxicity (PMID 25963543).
What are other names for All-Grass of Common Heron's Bill?
All-Grass of Common Heron's Bill is also known as Erodium. In TCM: 老鹳草 (Lao Guan Cao); Herba Erodii seu Geranii.
Is All-Grass of Common Heron's Bill safe during pregnancy?
The safety of All-Grass of Common Heron's Bill during pregnancy has not been established. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before use.
What are the contraindications for All-Grass of Common Heron's Bill?
All-Grass of Common Heron's Bill should not be used in: Spleen-Stomach deficiency-cold without wind-damp … acrid-bitter neutral herb; avoid in constitutional cold patterns without exterior wind-damp pathogen. Consult a qualified practitioner before use.