This pretty little herb is Geranium Robertianum, more commonly known as Herb Robert.
It’s a common and wonderfully edible little herb that can be used as a suitable replacement for anyone who doesn’t like coriander and thinks it tastes soapy.
The name Herb Robert has a fascinating backstory, and its name is actually derived from its trickery...
While it is a delicious, edible herb, it has a pungent smell which repulses many pests and insects who would otherwise eat it. This is where the trick is played. The smell is one which would be associated with a poisonous plant, so the insects leave it alone. Its other common name is “Stinky Bob”.
This is where the name comes in...
Hob and Bob are shortened versions of Robert, and Robin is a pet name for Robert.
The word “Hob Goblin” is derived from “Robin Godfella” which in turn, is another name for the character Puk, which is further derived from “pwka” or “Pooka” which is an ancient type of house elf who helps around the home but is also known to play tricks like hiding items, turning milk sour and generally being a nuisance.
So this tricksy little plant takes its name from a tricksy little house elf!
Herb Robert is also a great diuretic, and can be used for flushing out kidney stones and for general liver and kidney health and proper functioning. It’s also good for headaches, flu, arthritis and sinus issues.
You can gargle with a tea made from this herb or chew the fresh leaves to relieve mouth, throat and gum pain, as well as being a lively addition to salads.
It’s also a great herb to use in fae magick or as offerings to the fae if that forms part of your practise.
So there we go - we have the tricksy pooka to thank for this wonderful little herb.
Also as a side note, when we play peek-a-boo with babies, what we are possibly actually meaning is “pooka boo”, as these tiny house elves are known to hide and become invisible to humans.
Who knew?
For more musings, why not join our Facebook group 'Beneath the Canopy'?
Or you can listen to our in-depth discussion on 'The Crow's Nest' around similar themes called 'Witchcraft Practises for Health & Wellbeing' here.