Fragrant geranium: medicinal properties and contraindications, caring for the plant at home. Indoor geranium: beneficial properties

Pelargonium, which many gardeners call geranium, is a well-known indoor plant. Beneficial properties of geranium for humans and their medicinal purpose Few know. However, when choosing such a plant as a component for treating ailments, you need to take into account not only its medicinal properties, but also contraindications.

Chemical composition of pelargonium

scented geranium It has not only a memorable smell, but also an almost unique chemical composition. Harvesting of useful raw materials is carried out during the flowering period. For cutting, the flower and also the stem are used. The benefits of the rhizome are insignificant, therefore this part of the plant is used quite rarely as a medicinal raw material. The beneficial and medicinal properties of geranium are due to:

vitamin "C";
essential oil;
tannins;
carotene;
starch;
pectin;
tannins;
gum.

The main value of such a perennial is the abundant amount of bactericidal substances released by the plant during its life. When combined with air, such components have a suppressive effect on pathogenic microflora.

Beneficial properties of indoor geranium from the point of view of bioenergy

Indoor geranium, or pelargonium, is not only a very attractive plant with bright flowers, but also an excellent absorber of negative energy. Despite what is known great amount varieties of such perennial ornamental plant, P When choosing indoor geranium, you need to consider its color:

red geranium is the most powerful source vital energy and strength. Such a plant can give its owner a supply of positive internal energy. A florist who owns such a perennial is less likely to be exposed to negative impacts stress, and is also very well protected from chronic fatigue or overwork;
pink geranium deservedly considered a talisman of strong relationships married couples and all lovers. Such an indoor flower will be an excellent gift for anyone who seeks to find their happiness or wants to preserve the ones they have already created. family relationships;

white geranium is a symbol of pure and selfless love, so it will be an ideal wedding gift. According to legends, white geranium helps in conception and should be placed in the bedroom;
purple indoor geranium Not only does it look very original and impressive in a home interior, but it also allows you to fill the soul of its owner with spiritual values.

It should be remembered that exactly purple indoor flowers any kind can distract you from the bustle of the world. According to Feng Shui practitioners, the aroma of geranium spreading throughout the apartment allows you to get rid of the inferiority complex and self-destructive emotions, promotes rapid recovery after unpleasant interactions, helps develop and strengthen a feeling of love and mutual understanding.

Medicinal properties of pelargonium (video)

The healing properties of homemade geranium for humans

Indoor geranium helps normalize blood pressure. As practice shows, it is enough to attach a small leaf of such a plant to your wrist. Also, this fragrant plant very effectively stimulates blood flow and allows you to normalize heartbeat. Pelargonium is very widely used for the treatment of acute respiratory viral diseases. For this purpose, tincture or freshly squeezed juice is used.

Pelargonium helps very well with otitis media, for which you just need to roll up a leaf of the plant and place it inside the inflamed ear.

Indoor flower can also help in the prevention and treatment of the following diseases:

osteochondrosis;
radiculitis;
insomnia;
migraine;
chronic fatigue;
toothache;
stomach upset;
purulent wounds.

Plant used in medicinal purposes, must be completely healthy and well developed, without any signs of disease or insect pests.

The use of pelargonium in cosmetology

Despite the fact that geranium and pelargonium are plants from different kinds of the same family, amateur gardeners often confuse them. Pink pelargonium, which is a hybrid form of many species, is cultivated as an ether-bearing perennial plant. The oil of this plant is a popular aphrodisiac. female direction. Also Geranium essential oil is characterized by the following properties:

tones dry skin;
has a rejuvenating effect on dry, tired, normal and oily skin;
has a beneficial effect on problematic skin;
normalizes processes fat metabolism and improves complexion;
has a pronounced whitening effect;
can cure acne in adolescence;
effectively fights fine wrinkles;
helps in getting rid of cellulite.

The product is used in aroma lamps, cold inhalations, soothing or tonic baths, compresses, massages, and also in conjunction with other cosmetics of plant origin.

The oil helps eliminate dandruff, therefore it is included in special medicinal compositions aimed at preventing and eliminating hair loss. The use of undiluted oil applications promotes regeneration damaged skin , quick recovery skin for frostbite and burns, and also saves from fungal infections and dermatitis.

Geranium oil: properties (video)

Use of the plant in cooking

Pelargonium is the most famous and popular addition to baked goods and jellies. This plant also adds aroma and piquancy to many other culinary products:

the leaves of varieties with a distinct lemon, mint, or rose flavor are often added to iced tea, butter, and ice cream;
fragrant geranium with the aroma of rose and lemon, can be added in layers to flour or granulated sugar, which allows you to impart a subtle and very delicate aroma;
candied leaves using egg white and sugar, can be used to decorate pies and all kinds of desserts.

Other culinary possibilities for using the leaves of the decorative aromatic perennial are the inclusion of plant raw materials in fruit punches, herbal vinegars, all kinds of salads, biscuit dough and rolls, holiday breads, cream cheese products and rice dishes. Geranium syrups are used in jellies, sorbets, mousses and ice cream. Chopped fresh pelargonium also makes a great addition to fresh or frozen fruit.

Fragrant geranium: contraindications

Restriction on the use of any medicines obtained using indoor pelargonium is the presence of a history of diseases such as peptic ulcer and gastritis of various origins. Such drugs are contraindicated and folk remedies also for pregnant women and the elderly. Not recommended indoor use infusions and decoctions for the treatment of preschool and younger children school age. Important to remember and about limitations caused by individual intolerance and allergic reactions.

How to grow geraniums (video)

For many years, pelargonium has been the most famous indoor plant that does not require any care. special knowledge and a lot of time. And the availability large quantity beneficial properties, make this very beautifully flowering ornamental perennial in demand among amateur flower growers, and also highly revered not only in folk culture, but also in official medicine many countries.

The Geraniaceae family, which includes numerous species of geranium from Europe and Asia and pelargonium from southern Africa, has attracted human attention since ancient times. Not only decorative geraniums were honored, beneficial features plants with figured or lacy dissected foliage and flowers of all shapes and colors were well known back in Ancient Greece.

History of the use of medicinal properties of geranium

Botanists know about 400 species of wild geraniums, whose range extends from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean, from northern Europe to India. IN folk medicine Several native varieties of geranium are used. Wealth biochemical composition almost all members of the family are affected, including indoor pelargoniums and hybrid varieties.

Systematic study of the medicinal properties of geranium began only in the second half of the 19th century. Attention to the culture was attracted by its popularity among the poor, and the plant was used so widely that the leaves, roots, and flowers of geranium were used.

Today, traditional medicine and homeopaths confirm the experience of their ancestors and highly value geranium for its beneficial properties, activity against pathogenic flora, anti-inflammatory and regenerating qualities.

Active substances in geranium

Geranium rhizomes and its green aerial parts are prepared as medicinal raw materials. This is where it is concentrated maximum amount biologically active substances and compounds.

The main treasure of plants from the geranium genus is geraniol, a valuable aromatic alcohol that is part of the famous geranium oil. And besides it, the composition of plant raw materials contains:

glucose and fructose;
flavonoids;
saponins;
catechins;
great amount tannins, the content of which is in some cases reaches 4%;
compounds with antibacterial and antivirus properties;
carotene, vitamins K and C;
macro- and microelements;
alkaloids;
anthocyanins.

Most often in medical purposes used, meadow and blood red. But useful substances Not only are wild plants rich; the fragrant indoor geranium has hardly less medicinal properties than its relative from the forest edge.

Medicinal properties of geranium and their use

Geranium has pronounced antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, hemostatic and antiviral properties. Preparations based on herbal raw materials can actively soothe, have a beneficial effect on performance, and resistance to stressful situations, insomnia.

The medicinal properties of geranium include the ability to:

prevent the occurrence of edema;
relieve pain and fever;
fight pathogenic microflora and inflammatory processes on the skin and mucous membranes;
reduce arterial pressure.

The plant has positive impact to work of cardio-vascular system, digestive tract and liver, urinary tract, genital area and kidneys. In folk medicine, geranium is used to treat osteochondrosis and.

Geranium is an effective antidepressant that calms, stabilizes mental and psychological condition, has a beneficial effect on ability to work and quality of sleep.

Geranium oil properties and its uses

The product has pronounced antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and regenerating properties, which are appreciated by cosmetologists and dermatologists. Thanks to these properties of geranium oil, it is used in the treatment of acne, pustular skin lesions, cellulite and other cosmetic problems.

The plant’s ability to influence cell regeneration processes and its mild disinfecting effect determine the benefits of geranium for the treatment of psoriasis. Today, plant raw materials and oils are used in therapy:

eczema that is difficult to treat;
consequences of frostbite;
severe burns.

In addition, geranium oil - effective remedy for migraines, insomnia, and irregular menstruation.

Using the beneficial properties of geranium in everyday life

Sometimes the activity of a plant raises a reasonable question among amateur gardeners: “Is it possible to keep geranium at home? Will it have a negative impact on the atmosphere in the room?

Such fears are completely unfounded. Geranium plants actually actively distribute aromatic substances and phytoncides around themselves. This improves the air quality in the house, and the ability to neutralize toxic impurities and odors makes the flower indispensable in both big cities and rural areas.

A houseplant will not only decorate the interior, it will help cope with annoying insects. For example, the smell of geranium is poorly tolerated by mosquitoes and flies.

And people in the presence of fragrant geranium:

become calmer;
sleep better;
suffer less from headaches and migraines.

The beneficial properties of geranium also appear on personal plot. Garden species can be used to control insect pests and weeds. Geranium phytoncides suppress the activity of both. As a result, time and effort are saved on processing the garden and garden.

Preparation of geranium plant raw materials and its storage

The above-ground part of the plant and the rhizomes of geranium can be collected and stored for future use. The greens are cut during flowering and carefully dried in the shade or in special dryers at temperatures up to 45 ° C.

It is better to dig up the roots in the fall, when they accumulate the maximum amount of active and nutrients. After clearing the soil, washing and drying, the rhizomes are cut into small fragments and dried at a temperature not exceeding 60 °C.

Useful properties of geranium in dried roots They last for two years, and in greenery - only up to a year.

Contraindications for the use of geranium

Given the mass of medicinal properties of geranium, contraindications to its use for medical purposes may seem insignificant. Still, it’s worth taking them into account, especially if family members have a tendency to allergies, or we're talking about about the treatment of young children.

Some people experience an allergic reaction to the aroma of geranium and its oil, which manifests itself in respiratory symptoms: sore eyes, runny nose, cough and sore throat. Even the most beneficial properties of geranium will not bring health if your health worsens due to allergies.

For children, all geranium-based preparations intended for internal use, should be used only with the permission of your attending physician. External use is limited only by individual intolerance. The same requirements fully apply to:

to pregnant and lactating women;
to persons with diseases gastrointestinal tract in the acute stage.

Older people should not abuse treatment with folk remedies based on geranium and its oil, or if they have varicose veins and thrombophlebitis.

Video about the beneficial properties of geranium

Geranium or pelargonium is an unpretentious flowering plant, which is difficult to find equal in beauty and prevalence. Previously, it decorated every window sill, and only in last years his popularity has noticeably declined. People choose tropical vines, monstera and orchids, cacti, throwing away boring flowers that are familiar to everyone from Soviet times. In addition, many began to wonder whether geranium is harmful and whether it is possible to keep this plant at home. Let's figure it out together.

For the soul or for benefit

In fact, each flower has its own aura, characteristics and influence on others and on the energy of the house where they grow. Geranium is no exception. Is it possible to keep this flower at home? You need to ask our grandmothers. They will tell you how remarkable properties he has. Its presence helps restore positive home energy, which will also affect the condition of the household.

Opinion of the older generation

Folk wisdom has been formed over centuries, so it is necessary to listen to those who received knowledge directly from folk herbalists. They can tell you a lot and will definitely advise you to buy geraniums for home. Is it possible to keep a flower at home that is a home healer, a magical plant and a real amulet? Of course, it is possible and even necessary. However, it must be taken into account that the properties of this plant are varied; it can bring both benefit and harm.

Why geranium

Of course, today we understand that its properties are not due to mystical features, but to its chemical composition. Let's take a closer look at what ordinary geranium is. You can determine whether this plant can be kept at home based on individual characteristics their households. Knowledgeable people they say that it helps cope with any disease, from colds to cancer. It should be noted that absolutely all its parts are useful: these are flowers and roots, as well as leaves. They contain phenols, sucrose, glucose and starch, as well as vitamins, carbohydrates, pigments, phenolcarboxylic acids and much more. Let us now see how this can be used for the benefit of human health.

Beneficial features

In fact, it is almost impossible to list them all. However, our goal is to determine whether geranium is good or bad for the home? Therefore, let's look at how the properties of this plant affect the human condition. First of all, it is capable of providing antiseptic, bactericidal and antiviral effect. That is, the plant disinfects the air and protects your household from many diseases. Additionally, it can be used for healing, which not many people know.

Medicinal properties

We will continue the conversation about the benefits of geranium in the house. This flower helps normalize blood pressure; to do this, simply apply a leaf to your wrist. The plant stimulates blood flow and normalizes heart rate. Geranium can be used to treat acute respiratory infections and colds, for this you can use tincture or freshly squeezed juice. The plant also helps with otitis media; to do this, simply roll up the leaf and place it in your ear. The flower helps with osteochondrosis and radiculitis, it can be used for insomnia and migraines, chronic fatigue and toothache, treatment of indigestion and purulent wounds. So, in case of any adversity, it is very convenient to have a pot of pelargonium at home.

Energy

There are a lot of speculations associated with this point, with some calling this plant a healer, while others, on the contrary, a vampire. Let's try to find out what geranium is like in the house. Signs and superstitions are one thing, but folk wisdom, which has been observing the properties of various plants for centuries, very clearly says that geranium should be in every home. First of all, because it has cheerful and active energy. Where it grows, there is no place for despondency, aggression and squabbles. Therefore, from the point of view of bioenergy, this is a real keeper of the hearth, tranquility and peace. It teaches you to treat things with humor and treat other people with respect and kindness. According to popular belief, this plant protects your home from evil spirits.

Choosing a color

There are a lot of varieties of this plant, and the benefits and harms in the house also depend a little on what color the geranium blooms. Thus, red geranium is a powerful source of vitality. She can give you huge stock internal energy. People in whom it grows are less likely to be stressed and almost never lose heart. Red geranium treats household members from chronic fatigue and overwork, laziness, as well as most fears.

The talisman of lovers is pink pelargonium. This is an excellent gift for a person who seeks to find a soul mate or, conversely, carefully preserves the happiness he has created. Previously girls They carried pink geranium flowers in bags to attract their betrothed.

Not everyone likes the purple color of the petals, but this plant fills the human soul with spirituality. Purple flowers distract from worldly affairs and daily bustle. Under her influence he is able to delve deeper into the spiritual sphere.

White geranium is a symbol of pure love and fertility; it is customary to give it to brides on their wedding day. If a couple intends to conceive a child, then they are recommended to keep pelargonium in the bedroom.

The most important thing is the weather in the house

What other interesting things can geranium offer you? The importance of this plant in the home is difficult to overestimate. Some people don’t like the specific aroma that it exudes, but it is thanks to essential oils that the plant can take on the function of an ecologist. It can help neutralize unpleasant odors, which is especially recommended for houses located near highways. This plant perfectly purifies dirty air, which means it is perfect for city apartments.

Let's sum it up

That is, we can say that this universal plant which should be in every home. It will not only help clean the air and disinfect it from all kinds of bacteria and viruses, but also normalize the atmosphere in the house. It is geranium that is recommended as a universal plant for the bedroom, living room, and nursery, as it can calm and reconcile all household members. Beautiful flowers can rekindle the cooled feelings of spouses and unite separated people. In addition, geranium can enhance creativity cognitive abilities children, eliminates quarrels and other children's conflicts. Thus, if you don’t already have pelargonium, be sure to get several specimens.

The beneficial properties of fragrant geranium were discovered in the plant’s homeland - in South Africa. The plant was brought to Europe in the 16th century. It came to Russia at the end of the 18th century and was considered an elite flower that adorned the royal greenhouses and noble gardens. In England in the 19th century, about 1000 varieties of this flower were bred. In botany, it is customary to distinguish between winter-hardy and heat-loving varieties of this plant, but in open ground they cannot grow in temperate climates. Therefore, many varieties of geraniums in our latitudes have turned into indoor plants. Today, this flower is cultivated to obtain valuable essential oil. industrially in Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Turkey, and Mediterranean countries.

Features of fragrant geranium

Indoor geranium, or pelargonium, is a beautiful and unpretentious flower that decorates our interior. But it's also another " house doctor", like aloe and kalanchoe. How is this flower used in folk medicine? What are healing properties geraniums?

Healing effect

Medicinal properties of indoor geranium:

bactericidal;
wound healing;
antispasmodic;
painkillers;
calming;
relaxing;
absorbable;
hemostatic;
anti-inflammatory;
decongestants;
contracting;
softening;
anti-aging;
antivirus;
antibacterial;
insecticidal;
diuretics;
immunostimulating.

What are the medicinal properties of geranium leaves? They contain:

essential oil;
phytoncides;
flavonoids;
pectins;
resin;
tannins;
gum;
glycosides;
tannins;
organic acids;
minerals (especially a lot of calcium);
carbohydrates;
saponins;
coumarins;
starch.

The composition contains the fragrant substance geraniol. Possesses antimicrobial effect, and is also widely used in cosmetology and perfumery. However, geraniol has harmful properties- can cause allergies and poisoning in case of overdose and long-term use.

Indications

What symptoms and diagnoses will benefit from geranium treatment?

Otolaryngology. Used for treatment inflammatory processes ENT organs - otitis media, sinusitis, laryngitis, tonsillitis, tonsillitis. This remedy is most effective for ear pain.
Treatment of neuralgia. The medicine is especially helpful for intercostal neuralgia, which occurs as a result of inflammation and pinched nerves. The product successfully relieves pain. To do this, rub a geranium leaf over the painful area of skin, then wrap it in warmth. Geranium also helps relieve pain when heel spurs, radiculitis, osteochondrosis.
Useful properties of geranium in gynecology. Essential oils are used for PMS. It is taken orally and inhaled during aromatherapy sessions. Relieves irritability and nervousness, normalizes sleep and mood. Decoctions and tinctures are recommended for resorption functional cysts ovaries.
Pediculosis. Pelargonium has insecticidal medicinal properties. They are not recognized in official medicine. However, people often use herbal remedies against lice - extracts of rosemary, basil, anise and pelargonium.
Benefit for nervous system . Helps with insomnia, neuroses, neurasthenia, relieves tension, relaxes, relieves headache. Can be added to medicinal baths.
To stop bleeding. Geranium is known for its styptic properties medicinal properties. It is taken orally for pulmonary, nasal, uterine, gastric, and intestinal bleeding.
Natural repellent. The product is used to treat clothing to protect against bites of mosquitoes, midges and other insects. Used together with lavender and eucalyptus. This safe alternative chemicals from insects. Can be used in children if there is no allergy to the flower.
Disinfection of the premises. Homemade geranium is valued for its bactericidal healing properties. It can be used to disinfect a home or room during ARVI or flu. Essential oil destroys not only viruses, but also fungi and bacteria (primarily staphylococci).
External use. The flower has regenerating and wound-healing properties. It is used for allergic dermatitis, boils, ulcers, cuts, burns, frostbite.

About other types of indoor geranium

About 150 species of indoor geranium have been described. They differ in height, shape and color of leaves and inflorescences, as well as smell. There are homemade pelargoniums with the scent of rose, almond, ginger, cinnamon, and mint. Lemon geranium or pink pelargonium are often grown at home. It blooms rarely, but is valued for its beautiful decorative leaf shape and pleasant lemon aroma. This variety is also used in folk medicine. Most often from lemon geranium aromatic teas are prepared.

Meadow geranium, or cranberry. Swamp geranium. Forest geranium.

Other types used in medicine

All the species listed below are geraniums middle zone. Distributed throughout Russia, with the exception of the Far East and the Far North. They bloom from June to August. They love moderate moist soils, steppe meadows and ravines, forest glades, forest edges, sparse coniferous and deciduous forests. Leaves, flowers, stems and rhizomes are used for medicinal purposes. IN chemical composition all species found valuable substances groups of flavonoids with antioxidant effects - catechins and tannins.

From all types of geranium you can prepare infusions, decoctions and alcohol tinctures for outdoor and internal use. As a hemostatic agent, you can drink fresh juice - 20 drops every 2 hours (dilute with water!).

What are the contraindications for fragrant geranium? Essential oil, decoctions and infusions are prohibited for oral use during pregnancy (especially the first trimester), children under 6 years of age and the elderly. Also, the flower should not be used for hyperfunction of the adrenal glands, exacerbations of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (gastritis, stomach ulcers), individual intolerance and allergic reaction. Caution should be taken together with homeopathic remedies.

Use in folk medicine

The medicinal properties of fragrant geranium are contained in the leaves, flowers, roots, and stems. But most often the leaves of this flower are used in folk medicine. Decoctions, infusions, alcohol tinctures, and oil extracts are prepared from them. Essential oil can be purchased at a pharmacy. It is often included in ointments, creams and lotions.

Fresh leaves and juice

The leaves are used externally in the following ways:

rub sore spots;
crushed and applied in the form of compresses;
first knead in the hand, carefully place in the ear, rolling it into a tube, for ear pain.

Preparing medicine for otitis media

Take 5 geranium leaves.
Grind into a paste.
Add 1 tbsp. l. camphor alcohol.
Add 50 g of rye or oat flour.
Knead.

This mass is covered outer surface around the ear, insulated with a bandage. It is important to know that warm compresses for ear pain are not always useful and, on the contrary, can cause even more harm. Therefore spicy Ear ache in an adult or child, this is a signal to immediately contact an otolaryngologist.

Fresh ground leaves are also used to make juice. It is used only externally; lotions and compresses are prepared from it. Often used to treat ears. There are also recipes that recommend instilling geranium juice for cataracts. Such procedures can harm the mucous membranes of the eyes. Such treatment methods cannot be used without consulting an ophthalmologist.

Decoction

Can be prepared from dry and fresh leaves, as well as from the roots of the flower.

Preparation of a decoction of leaves

Take 1 tbsp. l. dry raw materials.
Pour a glass of boiling water.
Boil for 1 minute.
Leave for 30 minutes.
Strain.

You can drink 1 tbsp. spoon 3 times a day with meals. It is recommended to drink geranium decoctions when kidney stone disease as a diuretic, as well as for neuroses, insomnia, digestive disorders (has astringent properties). Externally used in otolaryngology.

Root decoction recipe

Take 1 tbsp. l. chopped root.
Pour a glass of boiling water.
Boil for 1 minute.
Leave for 1-2 hours.
Strain.

Take ¼ cup 4 times a day before meals. Recommended to drink for hypertension. It can also be used externally in dermatology, cosmetology, and otolaryngology.

The popular drug “Umkalor” is made from the root extract of the South African pelargonium sidoides. wide range actions - antimicrobial, antiviral, immunomodulatory, mucolytic. It is prescribed for tonsillitis, bronchitis, tracheitis, pharyngitis, and otitis of an infectious nature. A lot of positive feedback about effective treatment sinusitis with this herbal preparation. Allowed for children after one year.

Infusion

The beneficial properties of pelargonium are better preserved in cold infusions. You can infuse not only the leaves, but also the ground root.

Preparation of infusion in a cold way

Grind 10 geranium leaves.
Pour a glass of cold boiled water.
Add 1 tsp. honey
Leave for 8 hours.

This infusion is popularly called honey water. It is used externally for inflammation of the eyes, for healing wounds on the skin, rinsing oral cavity and throat.

Tincture

Pelargonium fragrant (leaves and root) is used to prepare an alcohol tincture.

Preparation

Take 3 tbsp. spoons of chopped fresh leaves.
Pour in ½ glass of vodka (40% alcohol).
Leave for 7 days at room temperature.
Strain.

Tincture from medicinal geranium can be taken with everyone listed diseases. Dosage: ½ teaspoon 2 times a day, diluted in a tablespoon of water. Useful to take at night for insomnia. It can be used externally in diluted form as an antiseptic for the skin, treating wounds, throat, and oral mucosa.

Essential oil

Essential oil from fragrant geranium can be freely purchased at the pharmacy. The price of the drug may vary significantly. It depends on the manufacturer, volume, type of plant. For example, Egyptian geranium oil is highly valued in cosmetology and costs much more. Essential oil is obtained from the aerial parts of young plants.

Properties of geranium essential oil:

normalizes blood circulation;
relaxes the nervous system;
relieves swelling;
heals wounds;
relieves skin irritation;
stimulates the immune system;
relieves inflammation of the ENT organs and respiratory tract;
stimulates hair growth;
prevents the appearance of dandruff;
normalizes fat metabolism and the functioning of the sebaceous glands;
improves lymph flow;
has an antiviral effect;
helps with herpes;
eliminates cellulite.

How is it used?

Massage . Add 3-5 drops to the cream or massage base oil.
Therapeutic baths. You can add 7-8 drops, good healing effect gives an essential oil mixture, sea salt and honey.
Compresses and applications. Can be warm or cold.
Cold inhalations. Place 2-3 drops into aromatic pendants or onto a napkin and inhale the vapors of the essential oil. If you have insomnia, you can place a soaked napkin on your pillow.
Warm inhalations. Add 3-5 drops to warm (not hot!) water and breathe over the water through your nose or mouth. Also added to inhalers.

Cosmetology

Geranium in cosmetology is most often used in the form of essential oil. It is used in pure form. Also added to various masks, enriched with them cosmetical tools- hair shampoos and face creams.

Preparation cosmetic ice for face

Take a glass of still water.
Pour in 1 tbsp. l. milk and fresh juice lemon
Add 3 drops of geranium essential oil.
Stir thoroughly.
Pour into molds and place in the freezer.

You can wipe your face with ice cubes in the morning and evening. You can also use decoctions and infusions of pelargonium as a tonic.

The main medicinal properties of fragrant geranium are disinfectant, bactericidal, astringent, hemostatic, anti-inflammatory. For a long time, pelargonium leaves have been used in otolaryngology for the treatment of sinusitis and otitis. The product also stops internal bleeding, relieves inflammation and pain in diseases of the joints and muscles, helps with neuroses and insomnia. It is included in complex therapy in gynecology. Geranium essential oil is widely used in dermatology and cosmetology.

We will tell you how to grow geranium in your home, as well as what diseases can be cured using geranium. Geranium can be used in the treatment of asthma, the treatment of otitis media, the treatment of wounds, the treatment of CFS, and the treatment of toothache.

Rose geranium (Pelargonium roseum)

Rose geranium, or rose pelargonium, is a perennial shrub plant of the geranium family (Geraniaceae). The stems are straight, branched, with petiolate alternate five- and seven-parted ovoid leaves.

The leaves and shoots are pubescent and have a strong pleasant odor. The flowers are pale pink, collected in an umbrella-shaped inflorescence.

The birthplace of geranium is South Africa.

Necessary conditions for growing geraniums

To grow this plant, use an earth mixture consisting of leaf, turf, humus soil and sand in a ratio of 1:1:1:0.5. Geranium is light- and heat-loving (in winter, the temperature in the room where it is kept should not be lower than 18 ° C). The plant should be watered as needed, avoiding waterlogging of the soil.

Geraniums are propagated in spring and summer by stem cuttings.

Medicinal properties of geranium

Geranium is widely used in folk medicine as an anti-inflammatory and hemostatic agent; abscesses are treated with infusion of the leaves, bronchial asthma, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and kidneys. Geranium oil is used in aromatherapy.

The use of geranium for various diseases

Mature geranium leaves are used as medicinal raw materials, which can be collected throughout the year. Tinctures, infusions, and decoctions are prepared from them. You can also make geranium oil at home. To do this, take 100 g of leaves, crush them, place them in a flask and fill them with a small amount of water. The flask is closed with a stopper with a tube inserted into it, the end of which is placed in a test tube, and it is placed in a vessel with cold water. The contents of the flask are heated over an alcohol lamp, and the essential oil will evaporate along with the water and collect in the test tube.

There is another, simpler way to prepare geranium oil. To do this, 200 g of leaves and flowers are crushed in a mortar, poured with 100 ml of alcohol and left for 2 weeks in the sun. Then pour 50 ml into a bottle olive oil, leave for another 2 weeks, after which the oil is drained.

Treatment of bronchial asthma

In folk medicine, preparations from rose geranium leaves are used as a sputum thinner and reduce hypersecretion and swelling of the bronchial mucosa in asthmatics.

It should be remembered that when taken by patients with asthma herbal preparations is possible only after consulting a specialist.

50 g of fresh leaves are crushed, placed in a glass container, poured with 200 g of vodka and infused in a dark, warm place for 10 days, then filtered.

The tincture is taken 1 teaspoon 40 minutes before meals 3 times a day for 10 days. Then take a break for 7 days and resume taking the drug.

50 g of leaves are crushed, poured with 100 ml of cold boiled water, left for 6 hours and filtered. Take 1 tablespoon 3 times a day.

Treatment of otitis media

Geranium leaves and essential oil are used to treat otitis media. The products they contain help reduce pain and relieve inflammation.

Squeeze the juice from geranium leaves and drop 2 drops into sore ear.

Place a fresh geranium leaf into the sore ear and leave for 2 hours.

1 teaspoon almond oil mixed with 2 drops of geranium oil and 2 drops of St. John's wort oil. The resulting mixture is rubbed into the skin around the ear.

Mix 1 teaspoon of warm olive oil with 1 drop of geranium oil and 1 drop of lavender oil. 2-3 drops of the resulting mixture are instilled into the sore ear.

Wound treatment

The use of rose geranium in the treatment of wounds is based on the hemostatic and healing properties of this plant.

5-7 fresh geranium leaves are washed, crushed in a mortar and the pulp is applied to the wound for 15 minutes. The bandage is applied 2-3 times a day.

1 tablespoon of geranium leaf pulp is mixed with 1 teaspoon of aloe juice and applied to the affected area of skin for 15-20 minutes.

1 tablespoon of crushed geranium leaves is poured into 200 ml of boiling water, left for 30 minutes and filtered. Moisten the cooled infusion gauze pad and apply to the affected areas for 15-20 minutes.

Treatment of diarrhea (diarrhea)

For diarrhea (diarrhea), plants and essential oils, which have astringent properties, including Pink geranium.

If diarrhea continues for more than 2 days, you should visit a doctor, since this disorder can be caused by various infectious diseases or poisoning.

1 tablespoon of crushed leaves is poured into 400 ml of warm boiled water, left for 8 hours and filtered. Take a quarter glass 3-4 times a day.

1.5 tablespoons of crushed geranium leaves are poured with 50 ml of alcohol and left in a cool, dark place for 3 days and filtered.

Take 20 drops 2 times a day before meals (the tincture is diluted in small quantity boiled water).

1 tablespoon of crushed geranium leaves and chamomile flowers is poured into 200 ml of boiling water, left for 15 minutes and filtered. The infusion is taken 100 ml 2 times a day.

This infusion, in addition to being an astringent, has an antiseptic effect.

Mix 1 tablespoon of warm olive oil with 2 drops of geranium, sandalwood and peppermint oils.

The prepared mixture is used for abdominal massage 2-3 times a day.

Treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is often accompanied by severe, prolonged headaches. You can fight them with the help of aromatherapy, including using geranium oil. Ingestion of a decoction of rose geranium leaves also helps.

1 teaspoon of almond oil is mixed with 2 drops of geranium oil and added to a bath of water heated to 31-38 °C. The duration of the bath is 15 minutes, the course of treatment is 15 days.

Mix essential oils of geranium, marjoram and rose petals in a ratio of 2:2:1. Fill the aroma lamp with the mixture.

This mixture improves performance and is very effective in stressful situations.

1 geranium leaf is poured with 200 ml of boiling water, left for 15 minutes, filtered. The infusion is taken 100 ml 2 times a day.

1 tablespoon of crushed geranium leaves and 1 tablespoon of St. John's wort herb are poured into 200 ml of boiling water, left for 20 minutes and filtered. The infusion is taken 50 ml 3 times a day.

Treatment of toothache

To prevent dental diseases, regular oral care and proper nutrition. IN daily diet Calcium-rich foods should be present. However, if your teeth still hurt, you can use folk remedies that will help you cope with the pain before going to the dentist.

A geranium leaf is crushed and the pulp is applied to the gum on the side of the diseased tooth. The procedure takes 7-15 minutes.

The gum near the sore tooth is rubbed with freshly squeezed juice of geranium leaves several times a day.

2 geranium leaves and 1 teaspoon of sage are poured into 200 ml of boiling water, left for 20 minutes and filtered. The infusion is used warm for rinsing.

1 tablespoon of crushed geranium leaves and 1 tablespoon of lemon balm herb are poured into 200 ml of boiling water, left for 4 hours and filtered.

The infusion is used for rinsing.

1 tablespoon of crushed geranium leaves and 1 tablespoon of creeping thyme herb are poured into 250 ml of boiling water, left for 20 minutes and filtered. The infusion is used for rinsing.