The benefits and harms of geraniums in the home – folk signs

Everyone is probably familiar with the geranium flower from childhood. Many gardeners cultivate it for decorative purposes and to create a special aura. Geraniums, grown indoors, are known for their medicinal benefits, but they can also be harmful to the human body if used improperly.

History of geranium cultivation and folk beliefs

Pelargonium was brought to Europe from South Africa. Thanks to the work of plant breeders, many cultivated varieties have emerged, distinguished by their ease of care and beautiful appearance. Today, pelargonium is quite popular as an interior decor element for cafes, shops, and other establishments, thanks to its long flowering period.

There are many shades of geranium, and it is believed that depending on the color, the geranium can have a different effect on the aura of a home or family:

• red - gives vitality, saves from fatigue and fights laziness;
• pink - helps to attract a soulmate and keeps the home hearth;
• the purple flower directs towards enriching the inner world and developing spirituality;
• White - symbolizes fertility, it is good to give it at a wedding.

Benefits of geranium in the home

The medicinal properties of pelargonium were recognized several centuries ago and remain popular today. Moreover, various parts of the plant, from the leaves to the roots, are used in folk medicine.

Chemical composition

Geranium's benefits stem from its chemical composition, which allows for scientific confirmation of its medicinal properties. The plant contains the following important elements:

1. Glucose and fructose.
2. Flavonoids that affect the activity of various enzymes in the body.
3. Catechins are powerful antioxidants.
4. Saponins, which have anti-inflammatory effects.
5. Tannins – remove toxins, improve digestion.
6. Carotene.
7. Vitamins C and K.
8. Alkaloids that can affect the activity of the nervous system, as well as the functioning of blood vessels.
9. Anthocyanins have a bactericidal effect.
10. Manganese and copper.

Due to the presence of such a complex of substances in pelargonium, it is used for the treatment and prevention of various diseases.

Beneficial properties

Although the flower is not classified as a medicinal plant from a botanical point of view, it has many beneficial properties:

• antimicrobial and antiviral action;
• ability to stop bleeding;
• help in getting rid of and preventing swelling;
• combating skin inflammatory processes;
• destruction of pathogenic microflora of the mucous membrane;
• lowering blood pressure;
• treatment of osteochondrosis and radiculitis;
• positive effect on the liver, kidneys and gastrointestinal tract;
• improving the functioning of the cardiovascular system;
• fight against emerging tumors;
• regulation of reproductive function in men and women;
• stress relief and improved sleep.

These beneficial properties of pelargonium have made it popular among traditional healers, who use the plant to normalize and improve human health.

Impact on indoor microclimate

Having a pelargonium in your home or apartment has a positive effect on the microclimate. Even without the belief that this plant has a unique aura that influences the well-being of the home, the flower creates a special atmosphere thanks to its chemical composition. The phytoncides contained in the pelargonium's leaves kill harmful bacteria and microbes in the air. Thus, the flower helps relieve colds and viral illnesses.

Geranium's aroma also calms the nervous system, helping to alleviate chronic stress and migraines. The plant's aromatic oils improve the mood of those who inhale its scent.

An additional bonus of growing pelargonium on a windowsill is the absence of insects in the living space, as they do not tolerate the flower's specific aroma.

Geranium oil

The plant's oil, which contains the valuable aromatic alcohol geraniol, is particularly popular. This product is used for medicinal and cosmetic purposes due to its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and regenerative properties. Because of this, the oil is used to treat the following conditions:

• acne;
• cellulite;
• psoriasis;
• various types of eczemas;
• consequences of frostbite and burns;
• migraine;
• insomnia.

The oil is also actively used by cosmetologists to prepare various facial masks that help smooth the skin and normalize the functioning of the sebaceous glands.

Harmful effects of geranium on humans and contraindications

Due to its specific chemical composition, geraniums can sometimes be harmful to human health. The most common problem associated with this flower is an allergic reaction. This can cause symptoms such as headaches, coughing, nasal congestion, and mucous membrane swelling. If such a reaction occurs, the plant should be discarded, as individual intolerance, although rare, has no cure.

Geranium-based medicines are contraindicated in a number of cases:

• chronic gastrointestinal diseases;
• exacerbation of ulcers, gastritis;
• thrombophlebitis;
• high blood viscosity.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women, young children, and the elderly should also limit the internal use of any medications containing pelargonium oil or any of its components. For these groups, external use of the plant is acceptable when needed.

Use in folk medicine

Although official medicine does not recognize geranium as a medicinal product, there are many folk recipes based on it for the treatment and prevention of various diseases.

Nervous and cardiovascular system

Geranium decoction is used as a sedative that helps relieve tension and irritation, and has an antidepressant effect.

It's very easy to prepare:

1. Pour boiling water over 1 tablespoon of pelargonium root, previously crushed.
2. Bring this decoction to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes.
3. After cooling, strain the infusion and place it in a cool place.

It is recommended to take this decoction 2 tablespoons a couple of times a day. The same infusion can be used to normalize blood pressure, with the daily dose being 200 ml, divided into 3-4 doses and consumed before meals.

For high blood pressure, you can also prepare the following alcohol infusion from pelargonium:

1. Collect and grind 3 tablespoons of leaves and flowers.
2. Pour 100 g of alcohol over them.
3. Place in a hermetically sealed container and leave for 3 days in a dark and warm place.
4. Take on an empty stomach in the morning and before bed in the evening, diluting 10 drops of infusion with water.

Gynecology

There's a popular belief that a kalachik helps cure infertility and promote pregnancy. There's no medical evidence to support this claim, but folk medicine does offer several uses. For conception:

1. Pour a glass of boiling water over a pinch of flowers (preferably red).
2. Leave in a dark place for 10 minutes.
3. Strain the resulting infusion and take it throughout the day.

It is recommended for both spouses to take it until conception occurs.

Geranium oil can also be used to treat infertility, either by taking a few drops orally 2-3 times a day, or for aromatherapy and massage. This recipe works because geranium contains phytoestrogens, which help normalize a woman's hormonal balance.

To reduce menstrual pain, pelargonium flower oil is used in aromatherapy; it relieves nervous tension and alleviates pain. Since pelargonium has hemostatic properties, an infusion made from it is also used to treat uterine bleeding. To do this:

1. Pour 2 tablespoons of crushed leaves into water.
2. Let it brew for 7-8 hours, strain.

Take the resulting infusion throughout the day, dividing it into equal portions.

Inflammatory processes of different localizations

The anti-inflammatory action of geranium is used to treat the following diseases:

1. Otitis: crush a leaf of the plant, twist it into a tube, and place it inside the ear overnight. You can also use the flower's oil for this purpose by placing a few drops in the affected ear.

   

2. Rheumatism - prepare an infusion of 25 g of leaves, boiled in 0.5 liters of water for 20 minutes, take this decoction throughout the day in large sips.
3. For sprains and ligament inflammation, a paste of finely chopped leaves applied under a bandage for 30 minutes will help.
4. Cough – inhalations with a few drops of pelargonium oil help well.

When using these recipes, the patient's age and the complexity of the disease should be taken into account.

Dermatology and cosmetology

Geranium leaves and oil are also widely used in dermatology, as the plant promotes wound healing and helps with burns, purulent inflammations, and abscesses. For treatment, a leaf paste is used or the leaves are simply applied to the affected area. For boils, an infusion of the leaves can be prepared and used to wash the wounds.

In cosmetology, the kalachik is used to make various facial masks, as they normalize the condition of the skin and improve its regeneration.

For wrinkles:

• 20 drops of oil;
• medium sized peach;
• 1 tablespoon of cream.

Mix all ingredients into a homogeneous mass, apply to clean skin and leave for 30 minutes, then rinse with cool water.

For sensitive skin:

• 1 tablespoon rice flour;
• 3 tablespoons sour cream;
• 25 drops of geranium essential oil.

Prepare a paste and apply to your face, rinse off after 20 minutes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EjMzsyGOCTE

Other diseases

In addition to the above-mentioned uses of the plant in folk medicine, it is also used to treat:

• haemorrhoids;
• thyroid gland;
• toothache;
• kidney and gallbladder stones.

Frequently Asked Questions

Geranium is a houseplant with beautiful flowers, green, fragrant leaves, and beneficial properties that can improve well-being. According to popular belief, the plant will bring peace and prosperity to the home.