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DISCLAIMER: These pages are presented solely as a source of INFORMATION and ENTERTAINMENT and to provide stern warnings against use where appropriate. No claims are made for the efficacy of any herb nor for any historical herbal treatment. In no way can the information provided here take the place of the standard, legal, medical practice of any country. Additionally, some of these plants are extremely toxic and should be used only by licensed professionals who have the means to process them properly into appropriate pharmaceuticals. One final note: many plants were used for a wide range of illnesses in the past, but be aware that many of the historical uses have proven to be ineffective for the problems to which they were applied.


GERANIUM, SCENTED
(Pelargonium spp)
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PROPAGATION: By rooted cuttings. Tender perennial.
NEEDS: Treat as annual in north, or pot grow. Full sun. Thrive in deep, rich soil. Use a high phosphorus fertilizer (ie: Peter's 9-45-15) during the first month, then a balanced 20-20-20 thereafter.
HARVEST: Leaves.

USES

NOTE: Not all scented geraniums are suited for internal use. Purchase plants from a reputable dealer and inquire as to safety. The following discussion refers only to the rose scented varieties designated as P. graveolens. One source to determine suitability is Well-Sweep Herb Farm catalog of plants, or, Richters .

USES

MEDICINAL:
Stimulant of adrenal cortex; has been used for kidney problems.
Considered anti-diabetic.
Has been used as a headache remedy.

CULINARY:
Used for making jelly and vinegar. Leaves used as garnish on cakes and pastries.

COSMETIC:
Astringent; considered the best cytophilactic; cellular stimulant; used in cases of oily inflamed skin; considered rejuvenating; used in bath bags; also as a hair rinse.
Oil uses = facials, masks, compresses, massage, bath, lotions, perfumery.

AROMATHERAPY:
Uplifting: used for anxiety, nervous tension and depression.
Seductive and sensual quality; refreshes, lifts moods, invigorates.
Oil is used in diffuser; dried leaves in sleep pillows and as a car freshner.

CRAFTS:
Leaves used in potpourri, herbal wreaths, sachet bags.

RECIPES

ROSE GERANIUM CAKE

Line cake pan with greased wax paper and place 1 or 2 leaves on wax paper before pouring in white cake batter; remove the baked leaves, but you can decorate with fresh leaves; also can use lemon scented geranium.



©2001 by Ernestina Parziale, CH

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