Pelargonium graveolens is an uncommon Pelargonium species native to the Cape Provinces and the Northern Provinces of South Africa, Zimbabwe and Mozambique. It is in the subgenus Pelargonium along with Pelargonium crispum and Pelargonium tomentosum.
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Uses
The common P. ‘Graveolens’ orP. ‘Rosat’ has great importance in the perfume industry. It is cultivated on a large scale and its foliage is distilled for its scent.Pelargonium distillates and absolutes, commonly known as “geranium oil”, are sold for aromatherapy and massage therapyapplications. They are also sometimes used to supplement or adulterate more expensive rose oils. The essential oil is an ingredient in a “natural” haemorrhoid treatment. As a flavoring, the flowers and leaves are used in cakes, jams, jellies, ice creams, sorbets, salads, sugars, and teas. In addition, it is used as a flavoring agent in some pipe tobaccos, being one of the characteristic “Lakeland scents.”
Benefits
The aromatic scent of rose geranium plant is used as relaxant, sedative and anti-depressant in aroma therapy. It is used to relieve tension, anxiety, nervousness, stress and fatigue.
Other plant parts are used as antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and astringent to treat skin wounds, bruises, pimples, eczema, ringworms and hemorrhoids.
Herbal concoction from leaves and flowers or the extracted oils are used to treat premenstrual and menopausal problems, nausea, tonsils, diarrhea, rheumatism and poor circulation.
Rose geranium oil is applied to the skin for nerve pain (neuropathy), especially pain following shingles. Some people also use it topically as an astringent to tighten and lighten the skin.
It is useful for treating jaundice, gall stones and can also be used for restraining nose bleeds and other hemorrhage.
Cautions
Rose geranium is considered safe if taken in food amounts or used externally.
There is no sufficient study that investigated the safety of taking rose geranium in large amount. Do not take in large doses if pregnant or breast feeding.
Rose geranium may cause a sensitivity side effects to some people that may result to rash or burning sensation. Rose geranium oil can irritate the eyes.
Interactions
None are recorded.
Other names
rose geranium, sweet scented geranium, old fashion rose geranium, and rose-scent geranium
References
Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pelargonium_graveolens#Uses
MedicalHealthGuide, http://www.medicalhealthguide.com/herb/geranium.htm