Spotlight on herbs: Rose Geranium

One of my favourite garden shrubs is the Rose Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens),  it is a hardy plant being able to tolerate light frosts as well as drought conditions, has decorative foliage, beautiful pink and purple flowers, and the leaves smell just like roses!

The crushed leaves give off a gorgeous rose scent, which has known relaxant properties. The Rose Geranium is the only edible geranium, and can be used in herbal teas and remedies as a treatment for insomnia or anxiety.   

When planted near vegetable and fruit patches, the Rose Geranium helps  keep away insects that may otherwise eat your vegetable and fruit crops!

The oil has astringent properties and can be used in skin care, it has also been found effective in reducing scar tissue and fighting surface bacterial or fungal infections.

I often pick a bunch of the leaves, crush them slightly, and place them on an oven tray; I then place the oven tray in a low heat oven, so the whole house gets the benefit of the gorgeous relaxing aroma of Rose Geraniums!

Further Reading

Burke's Backyard

Mega Oils

Galaxy Aromatherapy

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 NOTE: The publication of information regarding alternative therapies, herbalism, aromatherapy, and the like, in this blog does not constitute the practice of medicine, and this information does not replace the advice of your health care provider.