Pelargonium hortorum (Geraniaceae) Garden Geranium

Pelargonium hortorum (Garden Geranium)

1. Taxonomic insights

Species: Pelargonium × hortorum (Common Garden Geranium)

Family: Geraniaceae

Genus: Pelargonium

Related Herbs from the same family:

• Pelargonium graveolens (Rose Geranium): The primary species cultivated for its essential oil, used in aromatherapy and perfumery.

• Geranium maculatum (Wild Geranium/Cranesbill): A traditional astringent herb used in Western herbalism for diarrhea, wounds, and mouth ulcers.

The Geraniaceae family is known for aromatic plants, many of which yield valuable essential oils.

2. Common Names:

Scientific Name: Pelargonium × hortorum | English: Garden Geranium, Zonal Geranium | Sanskrit: Not applicable (non-native). | Hindi: Geranium | Tamil: Geranium | Telugu: Geranium | Kannada: Geranium | Malayalam: Geranium | Marathi: Geranium | Bengali: Geranium | French: Géranium des jardins | German: Garten-Pelargonie |

3. Medicinal Uses:Astringent, Antiseptic, Anti-inflammatory, Hemostatic (stops bleeding), Antidepressant (aromatherapy), Relaxant, Deodorant.

Medicinal Parts:The leaves are the primary part used, both fresh and for extracting essential oil.

• Leaves: Used for poultices, infusions, and as the source of aromatic oil.

• Essential Oil: Distilled from the leaves and aerial parts.

4. Phytochemicals specific to the plant and their action.

Essential Oil Components (Geraniol, Citronellol, Linalool): These monoterpenes are responsible for the characteristic fragrance and most therapeutic actions. They are Antimicrobial, Anti-inflammatory, and exhibit Anxiolytic effects in aromatherapy.

Tannins: Present in the leaves, contributing to the Astringent and Hemostatic properties when applied topically.

Flavonoids: Provide supporting Antioxidant activity.

5. Traditional and Ethnobotanical uses covering the Medicinal uses.

Vrana (Wounds) & Raktasrava (Bleeding)

Formulation: Fresh leaf poultice.

Preparation & Use: A fresh leaf is crushed and applied directly to minor cuts, scrapes, and bruises to stop bleeding, prevent infection, and promote healing.

Reasoning: The astringent tannins contract tissues and blood vessels, while the antimicrobial essential oil components protect against infection.

Twak Vikara (Skin Disorders) & Daha (Burning Sensation)

Formulation: Leaf infusion wash or diluted essential oil.

Preparation & Use: A cool infusion of the leaves is used as a wash for eczema, burns, and irritated skin. Diluted essential oil is used in skincare for its balancing and anti-inflammatory effects.

Reasoning: The anti-inflammatory and soothing properties help calm skin irritation and redness.

Manodaha (Mental Stress) & Chittodvega (Anxiety)

Formulation: Aromatherapy using leaves or essential oil.

Preparation & Use: Fresh leaves are crushed and inhaled, or a few drops of the essential oil are used in a diffuser to uplift mood, reduce stress, and alleviate anxiety.

Reasoning: The aromatic compounds, particularly geraniol and citronellol, have a documented calming and balancing effect on the limbic system (the emotional center of the brain).

6. Healing recipes, Teas, Decoctions and Culinary use (if any):

Note: Ensure you are using Pelargonium species grown without pesticides. Pelargonium graveolens is preferred for internal use.

First-Aid Leaf Poultice

Purpose: For minor cuts, insect bites, or boils.

Preparation & Use:

• Take 1-2 clean, fresh geranium leaves.

• Crush them gently to bruise and release the juice.

• Apply directly to the affected area and hold in place for a few minutes.

Stress-Relief Aromatic Steam

Purpose: To relieve anxiety and mental fatigue.

Preparation & Use:

• Add a handful of fresh leaves or 2-3 drops of geranium essential oil to a bowl of hot water.

• Lean over the bowl, cover your head with a towel, and inhale the steam deeply for 5-10 minutes.

7. Disclaimer:

The common garden geranium (P. hortorum) is generally safe for external use. However, the essential oil is highly concentrated and must be diluted in a carrier oil before topical application to avoid skin irritation. Internal use of the essential oil is not recommended without expert guidance. Some people may have allergic reactions to the plant. Always perform a patch test. This information is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

8. Reference Books, Books for In-depth Study:

• The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy by Valerie Ann Worwood

• Aromatherapy Science: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals by Maria Lis-Balchin

• Herbal Remedies of the Lumbee Indians (for ethnobotanical context on Geraniaceae).

9. Further study: Plants that might interest you due to similar medicinal properties

1. Pelargonium graveolens (Rose Geranium)

• Species: Pelargonium graveolens | Family: Geraniaceae | Genus: Pelargonium

• Similarities: This is the species most commonly used in aromatherapy and herbal medicine. It shares all the properties of the garden geranium but is often considered superior in terms of fragrance and oil quality for therapeutic use, especially for hormonal balance and skincare.

2. Lavandula angustifolia (Lavender)

• Species: Lavandula angustifolia | Family: Lamiaceae | Genus: Lavandula

• Similarities: Both are premier aromatherapy herbs used for relaxation, stress relief, wound healing, and skincare. They are often blended together for synergistic effects. Both essential oils must be used with caution and proper dilution.

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