Useful properties of geranium and its use in everyday life
The Geraniev family, which includes numerous species of geraniums from Europe and Asia and pelargonium from southern Africa, has attracted human attention since ancient times. Not only decorative geranium was honored, the beneficial properties of plants with curly or laced foliage and flowers of all shapes and colors were well known in Ancient Greece.
The history of using the medicinal properties of geranium
Many species of geraniums were already famous as medicinal crops in that distant era. They made tinctures, decoctions, received oil. Bunches of fragrant greens were used to combat parasites, blood-sucking insects and unpleasant odors.
The systematic study of the medicinal properties of geraniums began only in the second half of the 19th century. The attention to the culture drew its popularity among the poor, and the plant was used so extensively that leaves, roots, and geranium flowers were used.
Today, traditional medicine and homeopaths confirm the experience of ancestors and highly value geranium for its beneficial properties, activity against pathogenic flora, anti-inflammatory and regenerating qualities.
Active substances in geranium
As a medicinal raw material, geranium rhizomes and its green aboveground part are prepared. It is here that the maximum amount of biologically active substances and compounds is concentrated.
The main treasure of geranium plants is geraniol, a valuable aromatic alcohol found in the famous geranium oil. And besides him, 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 fragrant geranium, meadow and blood red. But not only wild plants are rich in useful substances, the fragrant room geranium has hardly less medicinal properties than its congener from the forest edge.
The healing properties of geranium and their application
Geranium has pronounced antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, hemostatic and antiviral properties. Preparations based on herbal raw materials are able to actively soothe, have a beneficial effect on performance, resistance to stressful situations, insomnia.
The healing properties of geraniums 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;
- lower blood pressure.
The plant has a positive effect on the functioning of the cardiovascular system, digestive tract and liver, urinary tract, genital area and kidneys. In folk medicine, geranium is used to treat osteochondrosis and radiculitis.
Geranium is an effective antidepressant that soothes, stabilizes the mental and psychological state, and has a beneficial effect on the ability to work and the quality of sleep.
Geranium oil properties and uses
The product 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 its mild disinfecting effect have determined the benefits of geranium for the treatment of psoriasis. Today, herbal raw materials and oils are used in therapy:
- difficult to treat eczema;
- the 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 the plant raises a reasonable question among amateur flower growers: “Is it possible to keep geranium at home? Wouldn't its effect on the indoor atmosphere be negative? "
Such fears are completely unfounded. Geranium plants are really actively spreading aromatic substances and phytoncides around them. This improves the quality of the air in the house, and the ability to neutralize toxic impurities and odors makes the flower indispensable both in big cities and in rural areas.
A houseplant will not only decorate the interior, it will help to cope with annoying insects. For example, mosquitoes and flies do not tolerate the smell of geranium.
And people in the presence of fragrant geranium:
- become calmer;
- sleep better;
- suffer less headaches and migraines.
The useful properties of geraniums are also manifested in the personal plot. Garden species can be used to control pests and weeds. Geranium phytoncides suppress the activity of both. As a result, time and effort is saved for cultivating a vegetable garden and garden.
Procurement of geranium plant materials and storage
The aboveground part of the plant and geranium rhizomes can be collected and stored for future use. The greens are cut during flowering and gently dried in the shade or in special dryers at temperatures up to 45 ° C.
It is better to dig up roots in autumn, when the maximum amount of active and nutrient substances accumulates in them. After cleaning from 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 greens - only up to a year.
Contraindications to the use of geranium
With the mass of medicinal properties of geranium, contraindications to its use for medical purposes may seem insignificant. Nevertheless, it is worth taking them into account, especially if family members have a tendency to allergies, or we are talking about treating small children.
Some people have an allergic reaction to the aroma of geranium and its oil, which manifests itself in respiratory symptoms: cramps in the eyes, runny nose, cough and sore throat. Even the most beneficial properties of geranium will not bring health if the state of health worsens due to allergies.
For children, all geranium-based preparations intended for internal use should only be used with the permission of the treating physician. External use is limited only by individual intolerance. The same requirements fully apply:
- 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.