Rose Geranium

Rose geranium is a heavenly rose-scented herb that is quite uncommon for folks. It can be distinguished by its erect nature and multi-branched shrub that can be 2-3 feet tall and 3 feet wide. It has soft, velvety leaves that are incised deeply and may impart a strong rose-like scent. On the other hand, its flowers come in different shades that vary from white to pale pink.

This evergreen shrub is insanely popular for its essential oil due to its swoon-worthy aroma and noteworthy medicinal benefits. Commercially, geranium oil I used in the manufacturing of perfumes, cosmetics, and other fragrant household items. A good load of clinical studies employed geranium oil to tell its therapeutic efficacy in combatting various ailments. It has been found to be an effective antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antioxidative, anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic (anti-anxiety), and analgesic. It works as a mood elevator and also caters to digestive tract issues, skin disorders, and normalizes blood sugar levels.

Rose geranium majorly contains geraniol, citronellol, and citronellyl formate, which are responsible for their impressive medicinal benefits.

Rose geranium is preferably started in the fall, but it can be started at any time of the year and there is no restriction in that matter. Its seeds are started indoors where they are provided with a well-drained potting mix and bright fluorescent light. The cuttings can then be transferred to the garden bed in a sunny spot.

To grow well, it requires well-drained, loamy soil with 6 to 6.8pH. The soil must not be provided with further nitrogenous fertilizers as it can lessen the strength of fragrance.

The germination time of rose geranium is quite unpredictable. It can take as few as 3 to 4 days or as long as a month to properly germinate. It takes around 12 to 16 weeks for a plant to establish itself. 

Rose geranium enters the blooming phase at the first stride of August and continues till January. These flowers attract pollinating insects to carry out the process of pollination to produce spiky seedpods. The pods are initially green but soon they turn brown and dry up to pop out the seeds for further propagation of the species.

Rose geranium leaves can be harvested any time during the year.

Rose geranium leaves are harvest by using a snip or garden scissors

Rose geranium leaves are preferably used fresh. They can also be dried on a screen and stored in an airtight container to use later for teas and decoctions.

Rose geranium is used in number of ways to attain its medicinal benefits.

• Hydrosol - Fresh Rose Geranium can be distilled as a hydrosol 
• Tea - Rose geranium leaves are placed in hot boiling water for 5 to 10 minutes to form tea.
• Decoction - Dried rose geranium leaves and flowers are boiled in water to form a decoction.
• Salve - Rose geranium essential oil is used in the preparation of salve.
• Syrup - Rose geranium leaves are simmered in a sugar solution to form geranium syrup.
• Infused Oil - Rose geranium leaves and flowers are heated in olive oil for 2 to 3 hours to yield rose geranium infused oil.

• Cooling Herbs for Hot, Summer Days