Geraniums - balcony plants very popular with us - we know them in many colors and shades. However, little is known about species that boast the wonderful smells of leaves of various shapes. Fragrant geraniums are often referred to as geraniums.These are plants worth recommending, so it is worth taking a little trouble and looking for them from hobbyists or bring them from abroad.Here is a ranking of the most interesting species:
- Oak pelargonium Pelargonium quercifolium with large leaves similar to oak leaves and pleasant incense smell;
- Sweet pelargonium Pelargonium odoratissimum with long-tailed round leaves, tiny white or pink flowers and an apple-lemon scent;
- Pelargonium capitatum with purple flowers and lemon scent (its variety 'Prince of Orange' has an orange scent);
- Pelargonium fragrans with white flowers with red veins on the petals and a very pleasant pine-nutmeg scent of the leaves;
- Pelargonium radens has tiny, mauve flowers with dark veins and very deeply indented leaves with a rose-lemon scent.
In addition, other species have been described, including Pelargonium popilacium with a fir scent and Pelargonium tomentosum with a mint scent. The most widely grown, fragrant geranium Pelargonium qraveolens, often called angina, has pink flowers and palmate, deeply cut leaves with a rose-mint scent.
Aromatic geranium leaves are useful in the kitchen.After chopping, they are used to flavor sauces, creams, jellies, ice cubes, syrups, and vinegars.They can also be candied and decorated with cakes and pies.Toasts or cheese pizza sprinkled with chopped pelargonium leaves taste great.
These oils heal and nourish
The essential oil obtained from fragrant geraniums is collectively called geranium oil. Its main ingredients are: geraniol, citronellol, linalool, terpinol and alcohols. It is used in medicine, aromatherapy, perfume and food industries.Also fresh or dried leaves with good aroma retention are used in cooking, medicine and cosmetics.
Geranium oil has antidepressant, antiseptic and astringent properties. At the same time, it regulates the work of the adrenal cortex, which in turn stimulates the production of hormones, including male and female sex hormones. Therefore, it effectively alleviates the unpleasant symptoms of menopause and PSM as well as other conditions associated with hormonal imbalances in the body.
It also has diuretic properties, and in combination with the stimulating effect of the lymphatic system, it is an excellent remedy in the treatment of cellulite, water dropsy and joint swelling. It is recommended for massage in the states of premenstrual tension, excessive fluid retention and various types of edema.
The diuretic properties of the oil are related to its disinfecting effect and therefore it effectively treats urinary tract infections.NOTE! Oral use of geranium oil should be consulted with a doctor!Infusion of geranium leaves is a mild astringent, disinfecting and cleansing the skin, recommended for washing and bathing.
