Herb Robert likes to grow in shade, often along walls and the edges of woodlands, the stems turn a vivid red when the plant is exposed to too much sunlight or too little water.

Not often seen in the Herbalist’s dispensary these days, Nicholas Culpeper mentioned that farmers used Herb Robert in diseases of their cattle, recommended it for green wounds, stopping bleeding, old ulcers in the privy parts and reminded the reader”consider it is an herb of Venus, for all it hath a man’s name”. It was once carried to bring luck and fertility.

Modern preparations are still available in some countries, with flower infusions consumed for headaches and the treatment of stomach and liver disorders, whilst leaves are consumed for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Extracts have shown activity against pro-oxidant and proinflammatory agents, and inhibition of enzymes involved in diseases with an inflammatory etiology. Some key constituents are Quinic acid, Gallic acid and Gerannin, a type of Ellagitannin. Some describe Herb Robert’s smell as musty or petrol-like, which may be what makes it a reasonable emergency insect-repellent!

Written by Jenny Carden-Porrett.