Il geranium belongs to the family of geraniaceae which includes numerous kinds of plants well known in Europe and present in almost all terraces because they are very adaptable plants, which do not require special care. About 10 genera belong to this family, among which the best known are:
Gender Geranium, which include annual or perennial herbaceous plants, typical of areas with a humid and cold climate, with gnarled stems and leaves of variable shape. The flowers have 5 petals all the same.
Gender erodium, which includes perennial herbaceous plants with small flowers, also found in nature in alpine pastures and in Mediterranean areas.
Gender Pelargonium, commonly called geranium. It originates in the desert areas of South Africa, but has been cultivated throughout Europe for years, including Italy. Its flowers have 5 petals, the upper two different in shape from the lower 3.
To this genus belong an infinity of species, including the graveolens which we will describe below, and the one named most fragrant; both have a repellent function and essential oil can be extracted from both.
The characteristics of the Pelargonium graveolens
Il Pelargonium graveolens it is commonly called pink geranium, scented geranium or pink mauve geranium. It is a herbaceous plant with alternate green leaves, palmate, with serrated edge, rough due to the presence of a thick hair and with evident ribs. The flowers usually sprout in summer and autumn, they are small and pink, formed by 5 sepals and as many petals. The two upper petals are different from the lower 3. The fruits are very particular and formed by a berry with a beak-shaped extension.
Both the leaves and the flowers are used.
Active principles: geraniol, citronellol, diacetyl, fellandrene, terpineol, iso-mentone, linalool, a-pinene, different ketones etc.
Property: the essential oil, widely used in the cosmetic and officinal field, has sedative, tonic, antinevralgic, anti-inflammatory, antiastenic, analgesic, hemostatic, antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral, diuretic, antipyretic, antihistamine, purifying and revitalizing properties, also useful in case of stress. It is mainly known as insect repellent.
All properties
External use: in external applications it is useful as a balancing of skin fat, in the care of the scalp, in cosmetic treatments especially in the presence of cellulite, as an epidermal revitalizer, in the treatment of acne, wrinkles and age spots, but it is also an excellent adjuvant in case of bruises because it promotes the reabsorption of edemas, valid help in case of burns, wounds and dermatitis, it is an extraordinary insect repellent, it is also widely used as a deodorant for its rosacea fragrance.
Internal use: in case of asthenia, diarrhea, uterine bleeding, stomatitis and gastric ulcer.
Aromatherapy: its scent positively affects mood and concentration. It is excellent in case of psycho-physical stress and anxiety. It is of great relief for tired and unmotivated spirits, in which it represents a stimulus to conquering balance.
Geranium, all the curiosities of the plant with an intense fragrance
The Geraniaceae family has in common the shape of the fruit and seeds: a berry with a long extension that resembles that of a beak. The name Geranio derives from "Geranos" what does it mean "tower crane", referring to the similarity of this fruit to the majestic bird. The genus Erodium derives from erodes, heron. While in the specific case of Pelargonium graveolens, the name derives from the Greek pelargus, stork, and graveolens, aromatic, for its intense and pleasant scent.
Geranium was introduced to Europe in the early 1600s, while the essential oil was first extracted by the French chemist Recluz in 1819.
The habit of enriching one's balconies with geraniums originates from its insect-repellent use. These plants, by releasing the essential oils contained in them, create a barrier capable of preventing insects from entering the house.
Geranium traditionally was considered a "protective', useful to attract positive spiritual forces and to remove' negativities'. It was recommended to use it at home and to leave a trace of it on the doors and windows to ward off evil.
Contraindications, which are the most important?
Il geranium it is a safe plant but the essential oil can be irritating if used alone. The use in synergy with other active ingredients can be useful to achieve the therapeutic purpose.
Photo: jam343, salchu, Jean Jacques Boujot, Fortier greenhouses, Swallowtail Garden Seeds
