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.

Spotlight on herbs: Wormwood

I thought that today we will explore the interesting herb, Wormwood, and also have a look at some trivia and images associated with it.

Wormwood is also known as:

• Absinthium
• Common Wormwood
• Green Ginger
• Grand Wormwood

The plant is common in Europe, Asia, North Africa, and North and South America; it is frost hardy and known to survive extremely harsh Northern Hemisphere winters.

Medicinal uses

Historically, as a medicine, Wormwood was used to induce childbirth, but was also used as a means to effect an abortion. It was also taken in a tea to help relieve digestive issues such as vomiting, diarrhoea and bloating.

In modern times, herbalists may prescribe Wormwood to assist in the removal of intestinal parasites. It can also be used in the garden to repel insects.

Trivia

The green faery: Absinthe is a highly alcoholic beverage derived from Wormwood, AKA Artemisia Absinthium.

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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.

Pictures: herbs and cats

Phoenix II is often seen having a nap in the herb garden, unfortunately for him I have no cat nip. No wonder he always has a fresh 'cologne' smell about him as he rolls around in the Sweet Basil, Lemon Thyme and scented Pelargonium!

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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.