Geranium is a species of plant belonging to the cranesbill family. The plant is used as an ornamental plant in gardens on the one hand, and as a medicinal plant on the other. The flowers of geranium resemble the beak of a stork, which led to the emergence of one of its trivial names.
Occurrence and cultivation of geranium
Geranium is a species of plant belonging to the family of cranesbill. The plant is used as an ornamental plant in gardens on the one hand, and as a medicinal plant on the other. Geranium usually grows as an annual, or more rarely, as a perennial herbaceous plant. In addition, it may appear as a semi-shrub and become woody with age. Certain species of geranium are succulent, meaning they store large amounts of water in their organs above and below ground. Geranium also has essential oils. The plant has both alternate and opposite leaves, which are on thin stems. In this, the stem leaves are usually stalked and hairy. Small stipules are also present. The flowers of the geranium are in umbellate inflorescences with bracts. They are bisexual and have five petals that are arranged in a mirror-like fashion. The flower has a small nectar tube of a few centimeters. The stigmas of the geranium flower ripen only after the stamens, because this is the only way to prevent self-pollination of the plant. The geranium has small cleft fruits with five single-seeded individual fruits. Originally, the geranium comes from South Africa and thus belongs to the Cape flora. Basically, the plant species is adapted to numerous habitats and can occur, for example, on water banks, in deserts or on rocks. The ornamental plants distributed in Europe are primarily descended from crosses from South Africa.
Effect and application
The geranium exhibits a variety of healing effects and can therefore be used in different areas. Basically, geranium has anti-inflammatory properties and thus supports the healing of wounds. It is also known for its skin-caring ingredients. In addition, geranium has a mental effect, as it has a balancing effect and lightens the mood. For this purpose, geranium is optimally used as an essential oil. This can be added to a fragrance lamp, for example, and refresh the room. The scent has similarities to that of rose and can relieve or soothe nervous tension. When used externally, geranium oil can exert its wound-healing and antibacterial effects. As with all essential oils, compatibility should be tested before using on the skin. In addition, essential oil should only be applied directly to the skin in diluted form, otherwise irritation may result. In particular, the highest caution is required for wounds or inflamed areas. Here, a doctor should be consulted before using geranium oil. In addition to the use of the essential oil, there is the possibility of medicinal use of the extract from the roots of the plant. The extract serves as an ingredient in various medicines and can be used especially for the therapy of colds. The substances contained in the roots have an expectorant effect and can provide relief from acute bronchitis, for example. It should be noted that certain people may experience side effects after using geranium extract. In particular, people with an increased tendency to bleed are at risk. Gastrointestinal tract discomfort may result and nose or gum bleeding may occur. In rare cases, hypersensitivity reactions up to anaphylactic shock have been reported. Also, the flowers of geranium may be eaten or used to flavor dishes. Consumption can also benefit from the healing properties of the plant. However, in this case, information must be gathered in advance to ensure the edibility of the geranium variety.
Importance for health, treatment and prevention.
Due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, geranium is suitable for use in a variety of health conditions. First, the plant is often used for inflammatory diseases, such as tonsillitis or an eye infection. At the same time, extracts of geranium are often a component of corresponding medications.Another large area of application are various diseases of the digestive tract, especially the intestine. Here it should be noted that the complaints in any case must be clarified by a doctor and self-prescribed therapy with geranium preparations may be carried out at best concomitantly and after consultation with the doctor. Then the geranium can provide relief from intestinal inflammation and ulcers, colitis or diarrhea. It can also be used in cases of inflammation of the small intestine and gastric bleeding, but only if the preparations can be combined with conventional medical treatment. Other possible applications are in the external treatment of skin diseases. These can include skin rashes, eczema or lichen, for which geranium can have a soothing and anti-inflammatory effect. Geranium preparations can have a positive effect on minor skin problems, such as occasional skin blemishes. Geranium is also theoretically well suited for the treatment of minor wounds. This is because it has a hemostatic and analgesic effect and can thus be used, for example, for nosebleeds and bruises. It can even provide relief for minor nerve injuries when applied externally. In addition, geranium preparations can have a beneficial effect on numerous complaints associated with menopause. In addition, geranium can have a positive influence on depression and nervous exhaustion. It can benefit from the effects of geranium essential oil, which calms and helps relieve mental tension.
