Scientists, in their studies of the properties of geraniums, made a sensational discovery. It turns out that geranium kills staphylococci. They applied drops of liquid with millions of staphylococcus bacteria to the leaves. After three hours, most of the bacteria were dead. With the deepening of the experiments, the geranium was placed in a box. Plates with microbes were placed at a distance of 0.5 cm from the leaves. The environment for microbes was created nutritious. After six hours of neighborhood with geraniums, all microbes were killed. It turned out that geranium releases bactericidal substances into the air that are harmful to microbes. So if you still do not have this plant, buy it immediately. But make no mistake with her variety, not all types of geraniums are medicinal. And what are these varieties, and how to treat diseases with its help, read the article below.
Medicinal are all varieties whose leaves have a strong odor, as they contain essential oil. It can also be distinguished by its serrated leaves. Most often, three types of pelargonium are used - fragrant with carved leaves, pink and zonal with bright red flowers.
The main active component of pelargonium is geraniol, which has antiviral and antibacterial properties. Its phytoncides have equal properties with onions and garlic. One small bush is enough to kill 70% of microbes in the air.
What is treated with geraniums
Geranium leaves and roots are used for medicinal purposes.
Of the chemicals present in the plant, especially gallic acid, gum, starch, pectin, sugar and tannins can be distinguished. Geranium preparations have an astringent effect, prevent the secretion of fluids, and when taken orally, slow down the absorption of iron and other minerals. In addition, they are used as gargles of the mouth and throat in the treatment of pharyngitis, increase blood clotting, have an astringent effect, reduce nosebleeds, treat stomach, intestinal and oral bleeding. In past geranium used for fractures and for the treatment of cancer. Used as a remedy for diarrhea.
Geranium is useful for people suffering from neurasthenia, insomnia, hypertension, heart disease and diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. It has a particularly beneficial effect on the energy of patients with chronic gastritis with high acidity.
The presence of geranium indoors improves the condition of those suffering from diseases of the liver and gallbladder.
Geranium is a good antiseptic, anti-inflammatory agent.
By picking and crushing geranium leaves with your fingers, you can put them in your ear for otitis media - this will reduce inflammation and relieve pain. Traditional medicine suggests using fresh geranium leaves for compresses, making healing infusions and relieving pain. It is good to hold a geranium leaf behind the cheek for toothache. Babies' teeth erupt easier and more painlessly if a geranium leaf is tied to their cheek from the outside.
Attention! In no case should geraniums be placed in the oral cavity of young children, only external exposure is possible.
Recipes with geranium:
- Patients with radiculitis or osteochondrosisit is recommended to make compresses with crushed geranium leaves, applying them to sore spots all night. If you put a geranium leaf on the pulse on your wrists, blood pressure can normalize.
- At the beginning of a cold, with nasal congestiondrip juice from the leaves and flowers of geranium three drops into the nostril. At night, wrap the big toes with geranium leaves in 3-4 layers, wrap them with a bandage and put on socks.
Compress: at ear pain and chronic otitis media take 5-12 fresh geranium leaves, grind them into a pulp. Add 2-3 tbsp. spoons of oatmeal, rye, or buckwheat flour (you can just steamed bread or rolls), 1-2 tbsp. spoons of camphor alcohol, mix everything. Knead a stiff dough, roll it up and put it around the ear, drip 1-2 drops of geranium juice inside. Put compress paper, insulate with cotton wool and fix with a bandage for the night. Three or four procedures - and the disease will recede.
Infusion: pour 20 g of fresh flowers or leaves of room geranium with a glass of boiling water, leave for 7-8 hours.
- With a cold wash the sinuses 2-3 times a day; for sore throats, use as a gargle.
- Infusion against diarrhea:3 art. pour spoons of gruel from fresh leaves and flowers with medical alcohol in the amount of 100 g. Infuse for three days in a dark and warm place in a well-closed container. Take 20 drops per tablespoon, adding water until it is full, in the morning on an empty stomach and in the evening before going to bed. If alcohol is contraindicated for patients, then you can be treated in this way: pour 2 teaspoons of freshly prepared gruel or leaves and flowers with a glass of cold boiled water. Insist in a dark place for eight hours. Take equal portions for 5-6 times.
Pharmachologic effect: diarrhea stops, blood pressure normalizes, the work of the heart and pancreas improves, the norm of glycogen in the liver is restored.
With paralysis of the facial nerve indoor geranium is used in compresses, applications, ingestion and as an oil for rubbing into affected muscles.
Infusion used for paralysis: 3 tablespoons of crushed fresh leaves pour 100 ml of alcohol. Infuse for three days in a dark place, take 20 drops in a spoonful of water, in the morning on an empty stomach and in the evening before going to bed.
Healing and geranium juice.
- With cataract it is impossible to restore an already dried-up lens of the eye; in this case, an operation with its replacement is necessary. But if you have only recently been diagnosed with a cataract, in order to stop its development, along with the medicines prescribed for you by an ophthalmologist, remember room geraniums.
- Daily instillation of 1-2 drops of juice from its leaves and flowers in the corner of the eye will help you keep andimprove eyesight.
Geranium oil: Place 1 cup of crushed gruel from fresh leaves and flowers in a glass dish, pour in half a cup of undiluted medical alcohol, carefully close the lid. Glassware must be transparent. The infusion contained in it should occupy 1/2 of the volume. Expose the dishes in good sun for two weeks. Then open the lid and fill the bowl with olive or corn oil to the top. Close the lid and put it out in the sun again for another two weeks. Then drain the oil, wring out the raw material and discard. Store in well-closed bottles.
- Treatment of facial paralysis:1 st. suck a spoonful of ordinary vegetable oil for 10 minutes; then spit out the resulting creamy mass, which has absorbed various microbes and viruses that have accumulated overnight in the oral cavity. After rinsing the mouth and nasopharynx, brushing your teeth, take one teaspoon of geranium oil into your mouth and hold for 5 minutes, as if turning it with your tongue, then swallow it. After that, chew for at least one minute without swallowing: watercress, black radish, horseradish root or leaves, onion, garlic, ginger root. Apply one type of plant, changing every day. Drink water or alcohol infusion of room geranium. Start massaging the affected facial muscles with rubbing geranium oil: first, lightly tapping with the fingertips dipped in oil, then stroking with the oil with the pads of the index and middle fingers with slight clockwise turns so as not to stretch the skin of the face; again stroking along the lines of the muscles, as recommended by cosmetologists. Massage should not last more than 20 minutes.
- Toothache. Hold a geranium leaf behind your cheek and the pain will soon subside.
- Hypertension. If you are suffering from pressure, attach geranium leaves to your wrist with a bandage, in the place where the pulse is. The pressure will soon normalize and you will feel better.
- Nervous breakdown, neurosis, stress. Geranium has a sedative effect. Preparation of infusion: 2 tablespoons of freshly cut geranium leaves, chop and pour one glass of boiling water. Leave for 1 hour. Take 1/3 cup 3 times a day. It is advisable to use such a decoction to treat the throat, with a cold in the form of a rinse.
- With insomnia, it is useful to inhale the aroma of geranium. It also neutralizes the state of irritability.
- people gout sufferers, you need to take an infusion prepared from the leaves of fragrant geranium. Preparation: Tear off a couple of geranium leaves, chop, then pour 1 tablespoon of the plant with one glass of boiling water, boil over low heat for 5 minutes. Then remove from heat, wrap the dishes with a towel and leave to infuse until cool. Strain, drink according to the 1st tbsp. l. before lunch.
- Fragrant geranium treats even pets. Soften geranium leaves and place in your pet's ear if they have ear mites.
- And the smell of geranium is great. mosquito repellent, flies, moths, mites and other insects. Rub yourself a little with the leaves and see the effect.
Growing geraniums:
R Geranium is propagated by shoots and cuttings placed in water. Adult plants are transplanted only when the pot becomes small for them. Water abundantly, but as the earthen coma dries up.
Geranium is perhaps the most famous houseplant. This is not surprising, because bright flowers and leaves delight the eye with their beauty and originality. And a wonderful aroma can not only give positive emotions, but also have a healing effect on a person. Let's take a closer look at indoor geranium, the beneficial properties of which have been known to people since ancient times.
Pelargonium fragrant - what is it
Geranium (Geranium lat.) Gets its name from the Greek word geranion - "crane". The fruits of the plant resemble the beak of this bird, so its other name is often found - crail.
Geranium belongs to the genus Pelargonium and is distinguished by a great variety of different varieties and species. Scientists know over one and a half hundred varieties of the odorous geranium plant, the beneficial properties of which are successfully used in traditional and folk medicine.
Flowers that grow on the windowsills of our homes can smell similar to other plants. There is fragrant geranium, smelling of mint, rose, apple, lemon, nutmeg, orange, ginger, cinnamon.
The healing power of the plant
The healing properties of room geranium are due to the richness of its chemical composition. Among the useful elements are pectin, tannins, gum, gallic acid, calcium, starch, essential oils, tannins and many others.
In medicine, flowers, grass, roots and leaves of geraniums are used. The medicinal properties of the fragrant plant are, first of all, in a large number of bactericidal substances. Standing out in large quantities, they have a detrimental effect on microbes, perfectly disinfecting and refreshing the air. It has been experimentally established that staphylococcus bacilli die within a few hours if they are in the same room with pelargonium.
It is believed that room geranium is endowed with special properties, the beneficial properties of which have the following effect on the body:
- antispasmodic;
- anti-inflammatory;
- decongestant;
- painkiller.
From all diseases
The easiest way to use geraniums is to apply fresh leaves to the body. So you can anesthetize and heal small skin wounds. And if you tightly attach the greens to your wrist, it will help normalize blood pressure.
Young leaves of pelargonium relieve dysentery, kidney disease and intestinal disorders. The plant helps well in the treatment of coronary heart disease, tachycardia, arrhythmia. The use of geranium is recommended for inflammatory processes of the respiratory tract. There is also a pronounced positive effect in the treatment of otitis, tonsillitis, tonsillitis.
Pelargonium has a good astringent effect. It reliably prevents liquid secretion in the body, stopping bleeding. The beneficial properties of fragrant geranium have been noted in the treatment of insomnia and various disorders of the nervous system. Pelargonium leaf tea quickly relieves fatigue and irritability.
Wonderful use of oil
The essential oil of room geranium is isolated by steam-water distillation. The floral smell of the resulting liquid is distinguished by its warmth and richness of aroma. The essential oil is characterized by lightness, good fluidity and is colorless. It perfectly heals any ENT diseases.
Geranium oil is known as an excellent antidepressant, which works in a similar way to well-known plants such as mint and lemon balm. It is enough to put a few drops on the aroma lamp, and very soon your nerves will calm down, sleep will normalize. Regular sessions of inhalation of essential vapors contribute to an increase in physical and mental activity.
For the female body, indoor geranium can be considered a true find. Useful properties of essential oils are indispensable for the normalization of hormonal processes in the body, relieve premenstrual syndrome and pain during menstruation. Inflammation of the mammary glands also heals pelargonium oil.
The ability of geranium to accelerate blood circulation is used in numerous recipes for cellulite oil formulations. To improve the condition of problem areas of the body, you can try a simple mask: a mixture of blue clay, full-fat milk and essential oil. Regular application to the skin significantly improves its condition, making it supple and elastic.
At home, you can make your own oil-alcohol tincture. To do this, one glass of crushed geranium greens is mixed with 100 ml of medical alcohol and kept in the sun for two weeks. Olive oil is added to the resulting infusion and again left for two weeks in a sunny place. The finished composition can be used continuously for no more than three weeks, after which a mandatory break in treatment should be taken. It is strongly not recommended to use the oil on an empty stomach - this negatively affects the stomach.
Root and leaf decoctions
Cooking does not take much time and is very simple. One tablespoon of dried geranium is poured with a glass of boiling water and kept on low heat for no more than five minutes. A chilled decoction is taken with meals, one tablespoon three times a day for inflammation of the upper respiratory tract. It is useful to wipe the face with cubes of frozen liquid. This helps to improve skin regeneration and get rid of fine wrinkles.
Young leaves of room geranium are part of many herbal preparations. They are recommended for use by patients with tachycardia, heart disease, and also as a tonic. It is advisable for sick and weakened people to put one or two pots of geraniums at home on the window.
healthy juice
If the crushed geranium leaves are placed in gauze and squeezed well, then the resulting healing liquid can successfully cure some eye diseases. At the initial stage of cataract, it is recommended to instill one drop of juice into the corners of the eyes daily. This contributes not only to the preservation, but also to a significant improvement in vision.
With the help of juice, you can refresh a cloudy look and get rid of suppuration of the eye. If you add a little honey to the juice and dilute it with boiled water, then it is useful to wash your face with the resulting liquid and rinse your eyes in the morning and evening.
Infusion of pelargonium
Crail flowers have different colors: white, pink, orange. But of all the species, indoor red geranium is considered the most healing. Useful properties of tinctures from it are used for gargling the throat and nose. Regular intake of infusion contributes to the effective dissolution of salts in the kidneys and joints. It also helps with insomnia, neuralgia and toothache.
Pelargonium infusion can be used in the preparation of compresses. You just need to add a little rye flour and camphor alcohol to the liquid. A warming compress is indicated for osteochondrosis, radiculitis, otitis, and is also used as an anesthetic.
Special precautions
We have already considered different types of medicinal compositions, which are based on indoor geranium. The beneficial properties of the plant are undeniable, but at the same time we must not forget that after all this is a tool that does not claim to be an absolute ideal application.
The use of pelargonium in treatment has many contraindications. First of all, it is the individual intolerance of the plant, expressed in an allergic reaction. The appointment of drugs based on geranium is done with great care and only after medical consultation. The use of pelargonium is not shown under such conditions:
- chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
- liver disease;
- pregnancy;
- advanced age.
Children under 12 years of age should not be given an alcohol tincture based on geranium. Useful properties and harm of a plant should be measured before deciding on treatment.
Negative qualities of a crail
The special composition of the plant contributes to a strong increase in blood viscosity. The healing properties of room geranium will be neutralized by simultaneous use with drugs that enhance blood thickening.
Herbal decoctions can negatively affect the work of digestion with intestinal atony. A pronounced hypotonic effect makes it impossible for people with low blood pressure to take geranium tincture.
For whatever therapeutic purposes you are going to use pelargonium and preparations from it, a preliminary visit to the attending physician should be a prerequisite.
Geranium in cooking
In the preparation of various dishes, lemon geranium is often used. Useful properties of the plant are used in recipes for sweet syrups. They can be taken in doses as a medicine or added to drinks, sweets, desserts.
The odorous rose-scented pelargonium is used in the preparation of jelly, which is a wonderful addition to meat dishes. You can add a few leaves of fragrant geranium with the smell of mint, spices or roses to milk-based dishes (puddings, sauces, creams). Essential substances completely dissolve in milk and transfer their smell to it. As a result, sweet dishes get an unusual taste and aroma.
Fresh geranium leaves can be used as a decoration for sweet, meat and vegetable dishes. If you leave the leaves of the plant in sugar for a long time, then after a while it will acquire a characteristic taste and aroma. The use of fragrant sugar gives a peculiar taste to cakes and pies.
The magical properties of the red flower
It has long been believed among the people that if there is a geranium in the house, its useful properties will certainly help in solving many life problems. The special magical qualities of the plant make it possible for him to feel each member of the family.
It is noticed that the plant withers when a sick person appears in the house. Often, the drying of geraniums begins long before the onset of the disease, thereby giving the household an alarm signal. The miraculous properties of red geranium can prolong the life of a terminally ill person. It is enough to brew flower tea for him and take it once a week. With an incurable human disease, any type of pelargonium, except for purple-red, perishes. Such stability is explained by the fact that it has a natural origin, unlike the others obtained by selection.
If you grow geraniums on your windowsill, you will not only get aesthetic pleasure and a cozy atmosphere, but you will always have a reliable friend in your home.
Once upon a time, in almost every house on the windowsill grew geranium (pelargonium). And not just for beauty. Geranium has long been used in folk medicine to treat various ailments. What diseases can it be used for?
room geranium (pelargonium) widely used in the treatment of various diseases. So that you can appreciate this flower, we will tell you more about geraniums.
Scientists have proven that geranium (pelargonium) releases phytoncides, suppressing pathogens, including staphylococci. And they act no less strongly than phytoncides of garlic, onion, St. John's wort. Your houseplant in many ways even surpasses St. John's wort, from which medicines are made. Therefore, geranium oil is so good at helping to cope with infections, especially of the respiratory system. They are successfully treated for influenza, SARS, cough and other diseases, unless, of course, there is an allergy to this plant.
Essential oil geraniums (pelargoniums) It has a good effect on the work of the cardiovascular system, lowers blood sugar, regulates blood clotting. With prolonged use, it eliminates spasms of blood vessels in case of headaches, migraines, and normalizes blood pressure. A leaf of geranium, applied to the pulse on the hands, can put in order the "loose" pressure.
AT geraniums (pelargoniums) many valuable substances such as gallic acid, gum, starch, pectin, sugar, tannins. Thanks to them, geranium medicines prevent the release of fluids, have an astringent and anti-inflammatory effect. For example, a decoction of geranium is used in the treatment of acute and chronic inflammation of the intestines, relieves pain in gastric and duodenal ulcers, and treats gastritis.
Geranium (pelargonium) also has cleansing, antimicrobial and refreshing properties. It is used in the treatment of skin diseases, eczema, lichen, as well as wounds, tongue infections, stomatitis and facial neuralgia.
Quite rightly geranium (pelargonium) considered the flower of women's health and longevity. This plant also helps in solving delicate women's problems. It contributes to the balance of hormones during menopause, normalizes the course of the menstrual cycle and eliminates the negative effects of menopause.
People under stress are advised to keep at home geranium (pelargonium). Just don't put it in the bedroom. It really has the properties of an antidepressant: it effectively relieves fatigue and stress, strengthens the nervous system. This plant saturates the air with essential oils, which have a beneficial effect on the nervous system, balancing the processes of excitation and inhibition. Thanks to this, the smell of geranium helps to get rid of bad thoughts and nightmares.
be treated by smell geraniums (pelargoniums) recommend as follows. Put the flower on the table, sit down 60 cm from it and breathe through the nose. First, take three deep breaths, then evenly and calmly inhale the smell for 10 minutes.
Depending on the circumstances, 15 to 30 such procedures are required. Women generally need fewer sessions because their sense of smell is more subtle than men's. Smokers and drinkers will need more time.
To enhance the effect of inhaling the smell geraniums (pelargoniums), you can also take its infusion at the same time: insist 1 tablespoon of crushed leaves in two glasses of boiled chilled water in a sealed container for 8 hours. Drink infusion in small sips throughout the day.
The smell of pelargonium not only improves mood, increases mental activity, gives optimism and cheerfulness. It is believed that it is also a strong amulet. Those who are afraid of the evil eye are advised to keep geranium (pelargonium) not only at home, but also at work. Or constantly carry dried leaves, petals with you.
Geranium is used in the prevention of colds, flu and SARS. In order not to catch an infection during the season of epidemics, herbalists advise rubbing the bridge of the nose and wings of the nose with a fresh leaf geraniums (pelargoniums). And for the prevention of colds before leaving the house or, conversely, after returning home, you can knead a plucked geranium leaf and put it in your nose. Geranium oil will cleanse the nasal mucosa and protect against possible colds.
It is very useful for the general strengthening of the body to prepare such a mixture. Geranium leaves 1 (200g) and cranberries (500g) turn through a meat grinder, put everything in a two-liter jar for a day. Then add 1 kg of honey to this mixture and mix everything well. Take 1 teaspoon 3 times a day 20 minutes before meals.
Irreplaceable geranium (pelargonium) and with inflammation of the middle ear, sinuses, tonsils. Not without reason, among the people, she has long been called the "doctor ear-throat-nose." This plant relieves pain well and has a strong antiseptic, anti-inflammatory effect. For colds, tonsillitis, tonsillitis, bronchitis, laryngitis and runny nose, it is useful to do geranium inhalations: 1-2 drops of geranium oil per 0.5 liter of hot water.
And for rinsing with sore throats and other diseases of the throat, a decoction of geranium is used: pour 2-4 teaspoons of dry crushed leaves with 2 cups of boiling water, leave for 10 minutes, strain and rinse 3-4 times a day.
Recipes of traditional medicine.
# An infusion of geranium leaves is used for dysentery, rheumatism, gout, as a good hemostatic agent. A teaspoon of crushed leaves insist overnight in a glass of chilled boiled water and drink several sips 3-4 times a day.
# For pain in the heart 2 teaspoons of leaves geraniums (pelargoniums) pour two glasses of cold boiled water, insist 3 hours. Drink the infusion several times during the day.
# Geranium also helps with tics (twitching of the eye muscles). Apply a few leaves of geranium to the sore spot, cover with a linen cloth and tie with a warm scarf overnight. Do a few treatments and the tic will stop.
The Geranium family, which includes numerous species of geraniums from Europe and Asia and pelargoniums from southern Africa, has attracted human attention since ancient times. In honor was not only decorative geranium, the beneficial properties of plants with curly or lacy dissected foliage and flowers of all shapes and colors were well known in ancient Greece.
The history of the use of the medicinal properties of geraniums
Botanists know about 400 species of wild geraniums, whose range extends from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean, from northern Europe to India. In folk medicine, several native varieties of geranium are used. The richness of the biochemical composition affects almost all members of the family, including indoor pelargoniums and hybrid varieties.
The systematic study of the medicinal properties of geranium began only in the second half of the 19th century. Attention to the culture was attracted by its popularity among the poor, and the plant was used so widely that the leaves, roots, and geranium flowers were used.
Today, traditional medicine and homeopaths confirm the experience of their ancestors and highly value geranium for its beneficial properties, activity against pathogenic flora, anti-inflammatory and regenerating qualities.
Active ingredients in geranium
Geranium rhizomes and its green aerial part are harvested as medicinal raw materials. It is here that the maximum amount of biologically active substances and compounds is concentrated.
The main treasure of plants from the genus of geraniums is geraniol, a valuable aromatic alcohol, which is part of the famous geranium oil. And besides it, the composition of plant materials contains:
- glucose and fructose;
- flavonoids;
- saponins;
- catechins;
- a huge amount of tannins, the content of which in some cases reaches 4%;
- compounds with antibacterial and antiviral properties;
- carotene, vitamins K and C;
- macro- and microelements;
- alkaloids;
- anthocyanins.
Most often used for medical purposes, meadow and blood red. But not only wild plants are rich in useful substances, the fragrant room geranium has almost less healing properties than its relative from the forest edge.
Medicinal properties of geranium and their application
Geranium has pronounced antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, hemostatic and antiviral properties. Preparations based on herbal raw materials can actively soothe, have a beneficial effect on working capacity, resistance to stressful situations, and insomnia.
Among the medicinal properties of geranium include the ability to:
- prevent the occurrence of edema;
- relieve pain and fever;
- fight pathogenic microflora and inflammatory processes on the skin and mucous membranes;
- reduce blood pressure.
The plant has a positive effect on the cardiovascular system, digestive tract and liver, urinary tract, genital area and kidneys. In folk medicine, geranium is used to treat osteochondrosis and.
Geranium is an effective antidepressant that calms, stabilizes the mental and psychological state, has a beneficial effect on working capacity and sleep quality.
Geranium oil properties and uses
The tool has pronounced antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and regenerating properties, which were appreciated by cosmetologists and dermatologists. Thanks to these properties of geranium oil, it is used in the treatment of acne, pustular skin lesions, cellulite and other cosmetic problems.
The ability of the plant to influence the processes of cell regeneration and the mild disinfecting effect determined the benefits of geranium for the treatment of psoriasis. Today, vegetable raw materials and oil are used in therapy:
- difficult-to-treat eczema;
- consequences of frostbite;
- severe burns.
In addition, geranium oil is an effective remedy for migraines, insomnia, and irregular menstruation.
The use of useful properties of geranium in everyday life
Sometimes the activity of a plant causes a reasonable question among amateur flower growers: “Is it possible to keep geraniums at home? Will it have a negative impact on the atmosphere in the room?
Such fears are completely unfounded. Geranium plants really actively spread aromatic substances and phytoncides around them. This improves the air quality in the house, and the ability to neutralize toxic impurities and odors makes the flower indispensable in both big cities and rural areas.
A houseplant will not only decorate the interior, it will help to cope with annoying insects. For example, the smell of geranium is poorly tolerated by mosquitoes and flies.
And people in the presence of fragrant geraniums:
- become calmer;
- sleep better;
- suffer less headaches and migraines.
The beneficial properties of geranium are also manifested in the garden. Garden species can be used as a means of controlling insect pests and weeds. Geranium phytoncides inhibit the activity of both. As a result, time and effort are saved for processing the garden and garden.
Harvesting of plant raw materials of geranium and its storage
The aerial part of the plant and geranium rhizomes can be collected and stored for future use. Greens are cut during flowering and carefully dried in the shade or in special dryers at temperatures up to 45 ° C.
It is better to dig up the roots in autumn, when they accumulate the maximum amount of active and nutrients. After cleaning from the soil, washing and drying, the rhizomes are cut into small fragments and dried at a temperature not exceeding 60 ° C.
The beneficial properties of geraniums in dried roots last for two years, and in greenery - only up to a year.
Geranium Contraindications
With a mass of medicinal properties of geranium, contraindications to its use for medical purposes may seem insignificant. And yet, they are worth taking into account, especially if family members have a tendency to allergies, or we are talking about the treatment of young children.
Some people experience an allergic reaction to the aroma of geranium and its oil, which manifests itself in respiratory symptoms: pain in the eyes, runny nose, cough and sore throat. Even the most beneficial properties of geranium will not bring health if your health worsens due to allergies.
For children, all geranium-based preparations intended for internal use should only be used with the permission of the attending physician. External use is limited only by individual intolerance. These requirements apply in full:
- to pregnant and lactating women;
- to persons with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract in the acute stage.
Do not abuse the treatment of folk remedies based on geranium and its oil for older people, as well as in the presence of varicose veins and thrombophlebitis.
Video about the beneficial properties of geranium
Pelargonium, commonly called geranium, often grew on the windowsills of our grandmothers and was even considered a symbol of philistinism. Now the unpretentious indoor flower has been replaced by luxurious exotic plants. But the modest pelargonium is a real home doctor, and if you learn about the beneficial properties of fragrant geranium leaves, what they help from, then you will definitely get a useful “philistine” flower.
Active ingredients in geranium
Although the plant is almost never used in official medicine, preparations prepared on its basis have an effective therapeutic effect. The highest concentration of medicinal substances is concentrated in the green part of the flower, although the whole plant is medicinal:
- the green aerial part of the plant contains phenolic compounds and sucrose, starch and hemicellulose;
- geranium flowers and leaves are rich in flavonoids, ellagitannins, vitamins, carbohydrates, contain pelargonium essential oil;
- triterpene saponins, phenols, flavonoids, catechins were found in the rhizomes.
Both indoor geranium and its wild relatives have medicinal properties. In a pet, freshly picked leaves are suitable for treatment and preparation of decoctions and tinctures.
What ailments and diseases does pelargonium treat?
Geranium is one of the most useful indoor plants. Our ancestors found out by trial and error what geranium treats, what are the optimal proportions for making infusions, decoctions and tinctures. Knowledge about the properties of geranium leaves, their use in domestic and therapeutic purposes was passed from the older generation to the younger.
Action on the body
Our ancestors knew about the healing properties of the plant, so they planted pelargonium in gardens, grew it at home on the window. Even the presence of a flower in the room had a beneficial effect, because. the plant saturates the air with phytoncides and has an aromatherapeutic effect.
Compresses, infusions, lotions and decoctions of pelargonium have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory, antiviral and analgesic, hemostatic and diuretic effects. They help with many diseases, ranging from skin diseases, colds and ending with heart problems and pressure.
Medicinal properties
Preparations based on geranium relieve pain, inflammation, and remove swelling. Pelargonium is an excellent antidepressant, normalizes the psychological state, fights sleep disorders, improves performance, and helps with many health problems.
An infusion of the leaves of the plant helps with influenza, SARS, tonsillitis, runny nose and cough. By applying the leaf, otitis media is treated and toothache is soothed. Compresses are prepared from crushed leaves for the treatment of radiculitis and osteochondrosis, and the hemostatic effect of the drug is used to stop nasal, pulmonary, and uterine bleeding.
In addition, geranium
- normalizes the rhythm and work of the heart muscle, improves blood circulation;
- has a positive effect in diseases of the gallbladder, liver, digestive, genitourinary system.
Benefits of geranium oil
Golden geranium oil, reminiscent of sunflower, exudes a viscous fragrant smell. The ancient Greeks, Egyptians, and Romans used it for back pain and premenstrual migraines.
Pelargonium ether, having an antiseptic effect, heals eczema, dermatitis, burns, herpes, relieves inflammation. It is a proven remedy for the treatment of diseases of the ear, throat, oral mucosa, varicose veins and hemorrhoids; effective in heart disease.
Aromatherapists advise using pelargonium essential oil to improve the quality of sleep, with irritability, overwork, and depression. Geranium aroma is useful for headaches, migraines, inflammation of the gallbladder, diseases of the liver, gastrointestinal tract, hypertension, neurasthenia.
Application
For treatment, you can use white, red, pink geraniums. But pelargonium with bright red shades of the flower is considered the most healing.
ethnoscience
There are many recipes for traditional medicine based on geraniums. Most of them are simple: just pick a leaf of a plant and use it for treatment.
You can use the following recipes:
- regular nosebleeds are stopped with a cotton swab moistened with geranium juice;
- for ear pain, knead the plucked leaf of the plant and put it in the ear;
- if you suffer from a runny nose, instill a few drops of pelargonium juice into each nostril;
- to normalize blood pressure, it is recommended to attach a fresh leaflet to the wrist;
- infusion will help get rid of urolithiasis: fill a glass with a third of pelargonium leaves, pour boiling water to the top, let it brew for about an hour; strained infusion is divided into 3 parts and taken on an empty stomach 3 times a day;
- for sore throat, cough, it is necessary to grind 20 g of leaves of a medicinal plant, pour 1 cup of boiling water, leave for 7-8 hours; gargle with prepared infusion throat;
- to normalize sleep, put several flowerpots with pelargonium in the bedroom.
Cosmetology
Geranium is used in cosmetology in the form of an extract and essential oil. Natural antiseptic and antioxidant tones and rejuvenates any type of skin:
- dry - returns a healthy fresh color and saturates with moisture;
- oily - relieves inflammation, removes acne, normalizes the production of sebum;
- fading - strengthens, nourishes, smoothes wrinkles, restores elasticity.
Thanks to the activation of lymph flow and blood circulation, geranium has an anti-cellulite effect, removes stretch marks and scars.
Decoction and tincture of geranium
For the preparation of tinctures, decoctions and infusions, dry or fresh geranium leaves are taken.
Recipe for a decoction of pelargonium leaves:
- You need to take 1 tbsp. crushed dry or fresh flower leaves and pour 1 cup boiling water.
- Simmer over low heat for 1 minute.
- Let it brew under the lid for about half an hour, then strain.
Recipe for infusion of geranium leaves:
- Pour 2 tbsp. l. dry or fresh leaves 1 cup boiling water.
- Let it brew for 25-30 minutes.
- Strain.
Recipe for tincture of geranium in alcohol:
- Pour 3 tbsp. crushed leaves of the plant 100 ml of vodka.
- Keep the mixture in a dark place for a week at room temperature.
- Strain the tincture.
Contraindications
It should be remembered that any medicinal plants have contraindications. The flower has a strong healing effect, but the remedies from the plant cannot be treated uncontrollably.
Geranium treatment at home is contraindicated in:
- reduced pressure;
- intestinal atony (may lead to indigestion);
- increased blood clotting (the flower thickens the blood), thrombophlebitis and varicose veins;
- high body temperature;
- chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
Children, pregnant women, the elderly are allowed to use pelargonium only for external treatment.
Allergic reactions to the plant are manifested by pain in the eyes, sneezing, runny nose, sore throat. If you experience similar symptoms, refuse treatment with geraniums.