What is the rose geranium?
Pelargonium graveolens, better known as rose geranium, is native to South Africa. Commonly called “geranium” to a genus of wild herbaceous plants belonging to the Geraniaceae family. This name comes from the term geranos which means “crane”, in relation to the elongated shape of its fruit.
About 430 species of geraniums are recorded worldwide. This extraordinary number is partly due to the fact that the term geranium is commonly used to designate two different groups of plants: the geranium and the pelargonium. To differentiate one from the other, you should know that the pelargoniums (the balcony geraniums) have the two upper petals different from the lower three, while the geraniums cover -sols have all identical petals.
The grose eranium, is a perennial plant that measures about 1 meter high. She is part of the family of geraniaceae, it blooms from May to September. Its flowers are pink, its leaves, covered with hair, have a velvety appearance. Crumpled, they have a smell of roses. The rose geranium is planted in the spring and likes to be exposed to direct sunlight or under a veranda.
The rose geranium should not be confused with the geranium rozanne, this denier has a large blue flower with a white heart, this plant is a hybrid obtained by crossing the Geranium himalayense and the geranium ranium buxton’s variety.
What are the benefits of rose geranium?
This geranium is not only a delight for gardening and flower lovers. It also has many medicinal virtues:
- Anti-infectives: geranium essential oil helps relieve uro-genital infections such as cystitis.
- Antibacterial and expectorant, rose geranium helps fight respiratory infections such as bronchitis, sinusitis, flu, colds, pneumonia, angina, etc. It is reputed to prevent the development of pathogenic agents on the pulmonary mucous membranes. The rose geranium is indicated in case of respiratory discomfort.
- Antifungal: rose geranium oil helps relieve skin, subungual, vaginal and digestive mycosis (candidiasis).
- Anti-inflammatories: this plant is recommended for people suffering from joint pain such as rheumatism.
- Anti-haemorrhagics and astringents: geranium can be used as an extra treatment in the event of a minor cut. Its essential oil is reputed to calm heavy periods.
- Soothing: used as a poultice, geranium relieves burns and can accelerate the healing of wounds. It is therefore recommended for people suffering from diabetes.
- Firming: prevention of skin aging, fight against wrinkles, skin toning… this plant softens and illuminates the complexion.
How to consume rose geranium?
Geranium can be eaten in several forms:
- In infusion : in a cup of water (250 ml), pour 3 to 5 g of dried geranium (Herbe à Robert variety) and leave to infuse for 10 min. You can drink the herbal tea before or after the meal for its digestive properties.
- In essential oil, in cutaneous application must be diluted in vegetable oil (for example sweet almond) to avoid irritating the skin. The essential oil of rose geranium or bourbon geranium can be used in case of nosebleeds (soak the wick with a drop), razor cuts, acne, bleeding gums (apply a drop in local massage directly with your finger), dry skin or sunburn mixed withArgan Oil. Internally, to avoid any risk of toxicity, rose geranium essential oil must be used by scrupulously following the dosage recommended by your doctor or naturopath.
- In essential oil by diffusion, it can be distributed in a living room using an electric diffuser. In diffusion, it is reputed to promote appeasement.
- In capsules: it is a food supplement that promotes respiratory comfort. An adult can swallow up to three capsules per day in a large glass of water at mealtime.
What parts of the rose geranium are used for essential oil?
The essential oil is obtained from the flowering aerial parts. The process consists in carrying away, with the steam, the volatile constituents (essential oil) of the flowered parts. Then, the steam condenses in the essence, separating the essential oils from the hydrosol (water). THE active substances found in the essential oil of rose geranium are the citronellol : between 18 and 30%, the geraniol : between 10 and 23%, and the linalool : between 2 and 10%.
Does rose geranium repel mosquitoes?
Yes, two of its components: citronellol and geraniol, are substances with proven repellent power.
- To scare away the mosquitoesyou can rub the foliage of the rose geranium in this way, you will spread its scent, which will activate its anti-mosquito power. Crumpled, the leaves release the smell that these insects cannot stand.
- You can also mix 10 drops of rose geranium essential oil in 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil. Apply to ankles, wrists, clothing, several times a day.
- Another possibility is to add a few drops of rose geranium essential oil in a diffuser to keep mosquitoes away from your room in the evening.
What is the difference between rose geranium oil and bourbon geranium oil?
Rose geranium oil is the cousin of bourbon geranium. These two essential oils have similar compositions, nevertheless have some differences:
- rose geranium is grown in Egypt and Morocco while bourbon geranium is grown on the islands, Madagascar and Reunion, its essential oil is more expensive than that of rose geranium, because it is more difficult to supply.
- The scent of bourbon geranium essential oil is milderits aroma is slightly minty and sweet.
- These two essential oils are renowned for their health benefits, but only rose geranium oil is effective in repelling mosquitoes.
Contraindication of rose geranium
- There is no particular risk of toxicity. However, an application test in the bend of the elbow is strongly recommended before use by the cutaneous route.
- Rose geranium essential oil is not recommended for pregnant women, breastfeeding women and children under 7 years old. For people with asthma, it is advisable to seek advice from the doctor before the first use.
Sources:
- Acute infections of the respiratory tract. Swiss Medical Review. Revmed.ch
- Perennial geranium, not to be confused with pelargoniums. Lefigaro.fr
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